Martin Lewis has urged millions of UK drivers to check their driving licence or risk a fine of up to £1,000. The MoneySavingExpert founder says 2.7 million photocards are due to expire this year.
Check section 4b on your licence
Writing in his latest newsletter, Lewis said: “Get your driving licence out, and check section 4b.” The date next to section 4b on a photocard driving licence shows when the card expires.
He explained: “While your driving licence itself is valid for many decades, the photo licence that you get is only valid for 10 years. And 2.7 million of them are expiring this year.” Drivers who have not checked their licence for some time may suddenly discover they need to renew it.
Potential £1,000 fine
Failing to renew could become an expensive mistake. Lewis said: “Ultimately, if you’re driving with an expired licence and you get stopped by the police, if you continue not to do what they tell you, you could be fined by up to £1,000.”
Fortunately, renewing a photocard does not have to cost much. Drivers with a UK passport can renew online through the Government website for £14, with the new photocard usually arriving within a week.
Renewal options and costs
People can also apply by post using a D1 form, available from the Post Office. This costs £17, and applications usually take around three weeks. Another option is to use a participating Post Office, where your photograph and signature can be taken and the application sent electronically. This costs £21.50, with the new licence normally arriving within three weeks.
Lewis added: “You do get reminders and you should be told when your licence is due to expire, but lots of people ignore them or miss them or just don’t do it. I hope this is a waste of time, and yours is in date without any problems, but just in case it isn’t, have a look at the 4b on your licence.”
