DVLA officials say customers can save money on their driving licence applications if they use the online service rather than posting a form. They also say applying for a driving licence online increases security as motorists can be sure they are dealing with the DVLA directly. This means customers can avoid third party websites which could charge additional fees compared to the official agency. Online applications and renewals for a driving licence are also cheaper than a postal order, with drivers able to save up to £9 each if they head online.
A provisional licence application costs £43 when applying through the traditional postal service compared to £34 online.
Driving licence renewals are also cheaper online, costing just £14 compared to £17 for those who claim for renewal by post.
Online applications now account for almost four out of five provisional driving licence applications, falling to around 50 percent of renewals.
The figure is a massive 10 percent increase over the last three years with a saving going directly to motorists.
But DVLA chiefs say over a million drivers are losing out on the incredible savings and paying more than they should for a driving licence.
DVLA Chief Executive Julie Lennard said: “Each year, more and more people are choosing to use our online services and it is always cheaper and quicker to renew your driving licence on GOV.UK.
“It’s also the quickest way for those who have lost or misplaced their licence to apply for a replacement.”
DVLA scams have plagued unsuspecting drivers for years and the online service is also aimed at easing concerned drivers that they are dealing with the official agency.
The agency warns motorists they never send out emails or text messages asking for personal details or payment information.
DVLA officials also advise to beware of third party sites that may charge more for services which are free or significantly cheaper through the official agency.
To apply for a driving licence online motorists need to provide an identity document to prove who you are, addresses for where you have lived for the past three years and a national insurance number.
A licence should arrive within one week after an online application unless the DVLA needs to do more checks on an application.
Postal applications are available from the DVLA form ordering service and some Post Office branches, Original documents will need to be sent alongside a passport-style photograph.
Those over the age of 70 can renew their DVLA driving licence for free through both the postal service and online.
Driving licences need to be renewed every ten years up to the age of 70 and motorists are deemed to be breaking the law if they do not hold a valid licence.
Drivers could face fines of up to £1,000 and face difficulties with car insurance claims. Renewing a driving licence also means drivers have the latest security features to protect against fraud such as driving license impersonation.
Source: Read Full Article