Martin Lewis has urged millions of British drivers to carry out a simple check on their driving licences, warning they could face a fine of up to £1,000 if their photocard has expired.
The MoneySavingExpert founder issued the warning in a video, telling drivers to take out their licence and check section 4B on the front of the card. This is where the expiry date is shown, and Mr Lewis said drivers should pay particular attention because while their entitlement to drive may remain valid for many years, the photocard itself needs to be renewed every 10 years.
2.7 million licences due to expire
He said around 2.7 million photocard licences are due to expire this year, meaning a significant number of drivers could find themselves with an out-of-date licence if they fail to check the date.
“Get your driving licence out and check section 4B on the front,” Mr Lewis said.
The warning comes as the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) confirms that photocard licences must normally be renewed every 10 years. Drivers are sent a reminder before their current licence expires, but some may miss it.
Consequences of an expired photocard
Mr Lewis warned that driving with an expired photocard can lead to serious consequences, saying drivers could face a fine of up to £1,000 if they continue driving with one.
However, drivers whose photocard has already expired do not necessarily need to panic. The licence can be renewed online through GOV.UK, with the current fee for an online renewal standing at £14.
The DVLA says a photocard licence should normally arrive within a week when an application is made online. The new licence becomes valid from the date the application is approved rather than from the expiry date of the old licence.
Drivers can also use their online DVLA account to check their driving details and manage their photocard renewal. The renewal requirement applies to the photocard, not to a driver's underlying entitlement, which does not suddenly disappear after 10 years.
