Summons legislation-
Date of offence - 6 months to apply for a summons.
Then from summons application 6 months to serve.
Yes, in theory only safe after 12 months.
Reality it's just after 6 months as most summonses are obtained straight away.
DVLA records are the ones that count.........
But...
Stupid errors like bus drivers taking their test and their new licence showing "automatic only" - yes for the bus, but the DVLA then downgrade the poor chaps car licence to automatic!
You have got to check carefully.
Latest one is changing over, or just exchanging to a photo card licence, they omit the pre 1997 extras (towing, 7.5tons, mini buses etc)