Get There safely this winter with Synergy Automotive Top 10 Winter Driving Tips... Winter Check - All reputable service centres offer  this, some provide a free Winter Health Check, Why not books yours today? Basics in the Boot - Shovel, Ice Scraper, De - Icer,  Winter Screen Wash, Blanket, Water Check the weather forecast before you set off Plan any long or first time journey's carefully Ask yourself do I need to make this journey now? Allow more time, be prepared to second gues your Sat Nav, choosing to stay on A roads where gritting is more likely Be prepared for sudden changes in weather, black ice can cause skidding even when least expected. Tune your radio into a local traffic program, for regular updates Remember stopping distances can be up to 10 times longer in Icey conditions A car can freeze quickly, allow more time to de frost and clear snow, very important to clear screens and mirrors thoroughly

When did you last check your License??

Has your photocard licence expired?

Photocard licences replaced paper driving licences in 1998. Yet these must be replaced every ten years, and 1.7 million photocards are now out of date as of July 2011, according to the DVLA. This means ONE in THREE holders are carrying an expired card.

Under the new system, photos must be replaced every 10 years
(no matter how young you look!)

It's all too easy to forget, but a quick check now could save you a fine of up to £1,000 if your photocard's expired. It costs an annoying £20 to renew, but that's a far more MoneySaving option.

Check yours NOW...!

There are a few dates printed on the photocard, but the one you need's the photo's expiry date, printed on section 4b on the front of the card.

To renew...

The process is the same whether renewing or replacing a lost or stolen licence. There are three ways to apply:

• Online. You can apply online at Directgov, providing you've a had a new digital passport issued in the last five years.
• By post. Alternatively, anyone can get forms from most Post Offices, or print an application from the Directgov website above.
• In person at selected Post Offices. Though if you do this, it'll cost an extra £4.50 on top of the standard £20 fee.

How much does it cost?

You need to renew every ten years, and there's an annoying £20 fee for each renewal. You should be sent a reminder and form about two months before expiry. However, as many miss this or forget, it's well worth diarising when yours expires.

If you only need to update the address, or you're over 70 and you're just renewing it, this is free. There's no limit to the number of times you can update your address for free.

A couple of minutes will save you time, hassle and make your license the excellent form of ID should you need to produce it!

 Synergy Automotive News & Views

Synergy Automotive announces BVRLA Accreditation - To provide our clients with even more peace of mind we're delighted to announce our accreditation by the industry leading (BVRLA) British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association.

More information on this industry body...

Established in 1967, the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association is the trade body for companies engaged in the leasing and rental of cars and commercial vehicles.

Its members provide short-term self-drive rental, leasing hire and fleet management services to corporate users and consumers. The sector employs an estimated 46,000 people and supports a further 200,000 jobs across the automotive industry in the UK. BVRLA members operate a combined fleet of around 2.5 million cars, vans and trucks, buying nearly half of all new vehicles sold in the UK. In doing so, they spend in excess of £16 billion each year on vehicles and around a further £4 billion on support and ancillary services.

Through its 500 member companies and their customers, the BVRLA represents the interests of more than two million business car drivers and the millions of people who use a rental vehicle each year.

It lobbies at the heart of government in the UK and EU to ensure that regulation and legislation affecting its members is fair and doesn't stifle competition. The BVRLA also works with public sector agencies, industry associations and key business influencers on key road transport, taxation and finance-related issues.

The association regulates the industry through a regular series of quality assurance inspections and a mandatory code of conduct. 

We have lots more product and industry news on our blog - Click the link below to read our news, views and opinions...

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