Recently, there has been a lot of talk over the licence fees in driving in the UK. When it became known that the fee of obtaining or renewing a licence might be as high as 250 no one knew what to do or what is going to happen then somebody started to spread rumours.
From social media to newspapers, people are asking the same thing—is a driving licence really that expensive now?
In this article, we’ll tell the whole truth—is the £250 fee applicable to everyone, in which cases the cost can increase so much, and which drivers won’t be affected by it.
The £250 figure: reality vs rumour
To begin with, it should be clarified that the fee of 250 is not a common or a standard one. The fee is too small and it is usually given out in regular frequencies on renewals by the majority of drivers who only renew their licence.
Said the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency):
- First conditional driving licence (on-line): 34 pds
- Applying by post: £43
- 10-year photo card renewal fee (online): £17
- Renewal for drivers over 70: Free
So where did the £250 come from?
Under what special circumstances can the fee reach £250?
In certain situations, this cost can be £250 or even more. Let’s understand:
- Insurance fees for high-risk drivers
If someone’s license has been revoked due to serious traffic violations, and he needs to get reclassified and insured as a high-risk driver, then the cost of the insurance certificate is added along with the re-instatement fee. This can total more than £250. - Commercial driving licence
Those seeking a licence for an HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicles) or PSV (Passenger Service Vehicle) must take a series of exams, medical tests and a CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence). Adding up all costs, this figure can exceed £250. - Medical conditions
Drivers who require special medical tests, such as for diabetes, heart conditions etc., may have to bear additional costs due to private medical reports. - Licence use abroad
The need for an International Driving Permit (IDP) has increased since Brexit. An IDP costs around £5.50, but in some cases multiple permits may be required to drive in more than one country.
What are the recent changes to the fee structure?
Although the £250 figure is not for ordinary drivers, the DVLA and DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) have made some changes to the fees:
- Theory test: £23
- Practical test (weekdays): £75
- Practical test (weekends): £85
- Photo card renewal (online): £17 (was £14)
- Photo card renewal (by post): £22
Despite these changes, the total cost for a new driver is still around £100–150—much less than £250.
International changes and the impact of Brexit
Some international rules have changed since Brexit. UK drivers now need an IDP to drive in European countries. Also, if a British citizen lives abroad and does not get their licence in time, they may have to take the whole test again.
In some EU countries, driving school, theory test, practical test and admin fees can cost more than £250, but this is not related to driving licences within the UK.
Environmental charges and Green Levy
ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) has been introduced in London and Clean Air Zones in other cities. If your car is old and does not meet emissions standards, you have to pay a charge every day.
The annual total of these charges can exceed £250 in some cases, but this is not a “licence fee”. Similarly, road tax (Vehicle Excise Duty) can also exceed £250 for some cars, but this is a separate charge.
Costs on digital security and fraud prevention
The DVLA has recently introduced a digital licence system. It uses technologies such as biometric verification, security chips, and online verification.
This has resulted in an increase in licence printing costs of around £2.40. Although this increase is minor, it is necessary to improve the digital infrastructure in the long term.
Penalties and licence replacement
Drivers may have to pay additional fees in certain circumstances:
- Re-application after licence cancellation
- Conversion of foreign licence
- Premium fee for fast track service
- Increasing fees for frequent replacement
All of these combined can increase costs, but even then this is in special cases, not for the general public.
Impact for different categories
| Driver Type | Impact |
|---|---|
| New drivers | Total cost ~£150 |
| Typical driver | Renewal fee £17 every 10 years |
| Commercial drivers | Cost can be over £250 |
| Senior citizens (70+ years) | Renewal free, if medically cleared |
| International travellers | Additional cost of IDP and insurance |
Conclusion
No. £250 is a “worst-case scenario” that only applies in special circumstances. Driving licence fees are extremely affordable for most people. On average, it costs a driver £1.70 per year if we spread the £17 fee over 10 years. The DVLA aims to keep fees balanced to enable digital transition, security and improved quality of service.
FAQs
1. Is the £250 driving licence fee applicable to all UK drivers?
A. No, the £250 figure is not a standard fee. It typically applies to specific cases like commercial licences, medical assessments, or reinstatement after penalties.
2. Why is £250 being mentioned if it’s not the standard fee?
A. The £250 refers to a worst-case scenario, where multiple additional services or penalties are involved—like high-risk insurance, medical checks, or CPC for professional drivers.
3. Do senior citizens over 70 need to pay for licence renewal?
A. No, licence renewal is free for drivers over 70, provided they pass the medical fitness criteria.
4. Are International Driving Permits (IDPs) included in the £250 cost?
A. No, IDPs cost only £5.50 each. However, if multiple permits and insurance are required for travel, costs can accumulate.
5. Does Brexit affect driving licence fees for UK citizens?
A. Yes, UK expatriates in the EU may face extra costs if they fail to exchange their licence in time and have to requalify under EU systems.
