A new electronic system will replace traditional paper driving licences in January 2015.
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) is replacing the old system with a new electronic one, with the aim of streamlining services.
Here are seven important things you need to know:
- If you have a paper licence it will stay valid until it needs to be renewed, when you will be issued with a photocard.
- Those with a photocard (introduced in 1998) should carry on using it and remember to renew it when necessary (every 10 years).
- There will be no charge for changing a paper licence into a photocard.
- Entitlements, penalty points and the status of your driving licence won't change.
- Anyone over the age of 70 will need to renew their licence every three years, updating it with any medical conditions. This is free of charge
- Motorists could face a £1,000 fine if they are caught with an invalid licence.
- The DVLA is developing a new digital enquiry service for launch later this year that will allow organisations and businesses (such as employers and car hire companies) to view information they can currently see on the driving licence counterpart.