My son failed to notify the DVLA of a change of address and is now in court - is this heavy-handed?

My son was recently pulled over on the M27 in Hampshire and the police then realised that his driving licence had been revoked, his car was impounded and he was forced to make his own way home. The licence had been revoked because some years earlier he had not notified the DVLA of a change of address.

This does seem to be very heavy-handed, particularly as a year or so earlier he needed to return his licence for a speeding offence which was duly returned to his new address with the points attached. He is now required to appear in court. No doubt many of your readers are driving with an invalid licence and would be interested in this case.

Asked on 14 April 2012 by JG, Winchester

Answered by Honest John
If your current address is not on your driving licence then you are in the same position. It’s a very good idea for everyone to apply for a photocard licence, despite the stupidity of it not being chipped and requiring a separate bit of paper for endorsements. If you have a recently issued passport with a biometric photo you do not even have to supply a verified photo.
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