 The only person in the United Kingdom who is not required to have a driving licence in order to drive is The Queen.Until 1973, driving licences (and tax discs) were issued by local authorities and had to be renewed every three years.In 1971, the decision was taken to computerise the licensing system to enable it to be linked to the Police National Computer and to extend the life of the licence up to the driver's 70th birthday, extendable at intervals thereafter provided the driver can prove fitness.