The driving licence mistake that could cost students £1,000 if they're heading to universityÂ

It's got a lot busier in Sheffield this week as thousands of students make their way back to the city for university.Â
Driving Licence - Credit: John Stillwell/PA WireDriving Licence - Credit: John Stillwell/PA Wire
Driving Licence - Credit: John Stillwell/PA Wire

Freshers Week is underway with many new students exploring the bars, pubs and clubs across Sheffield for the very first time. 

But, one thing students don't want to be spending their precious student loan on is a pesky driving licence fine. 

Driving Licence - Credit: John Stillwell/PA WireDriving Licence - Credit: John Stillwell/PA Wire
Driving Licence - Credit: John Stillwell/PA Wire
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

If you're a student heading to Sheffield for the first time or you've changed your university house then you need to let the DVLA know. 

This means that you must change your address on your driving licence, even if you're not actually taking a car to university. 

The DVLA states that you must keep the detains on your licence and logbook up to date even if you're just living at a house temporarily. 

You can also still drive while you wait for your new documents to be sent to you. 

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It does not cost any money to change your address with the DVLA but you can be fined up to £1,000 if you don't tell them when your address changes. 

You need:

- your Government Gateway ID - if you don't have one, you'll get an ID as part of your application

- your driving licence

- your driving licence number, National Insurance number and passport number if you know them

- to be a resident of Great Britain - there's a different process in Northern Ireland

- to give the addresses you've lived at in the last 3 years

- to not be banned from driving

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A DVLA spokesperson said: 'Drivers are required by law to let the DVLA know if they change their name or address,' said a DVLA spokesperson.

'The DVLA then issue a new licence for free.

'Keeping DVLA informed ensures that drivers can be notified promptly with important information affecting them such as reminders when their licence is due for renewal.

'If a driver fails to notify the DVLA of changes they could face a fine of up to £1000.'