Mine’s due later this year. I have already set a reminder in plenty of time to go the online route.
I remember the change to photocard licence years ago. Tried the online option. Getting an acceptable photo was an issue. All my diy ones rejected. A main Post Office had a photo booth for doing this so I ended up using them. Went on a Saturday morning. No good. The only person who knew how to do it was not in GRRR. Went back on Monday and done easily. Many years ago I “lost” my motorbike category when replacing a lost licence. I didn’t notice at the time. No idea why it happened. I didn’t bother querying it as no intention to go two wheeled again. Some people who have were put through hoops to get it back having to give hard to find proof. Ah well! Life’s too short to chase unicorns.
The routine online systems for tax etc have been very good. Simple and fast.