Martin Lewis is urging motorists to check their driving licence to avoid a £1,000 fine, as millions are set to expire this year.
The Money Saving Expert took to social media to explain how drivers with a specific Section 4B licence will need to renew their photo licence. The 4B Section includes your photo licence's expiry date. A driver's licence is only valid for 10 years, so Section 4B is the best way to check if yours is going to run out soon.
What Martin Lewis said
Driving without a valid licence could hit you in the pocket, as a fine of up to £1,000 can be issued. However, it's easy to renew it online.
He explained: "Get your driving licence out and check Section 4B on the front. Now this is because, while your driving licence itself is valid for many decades, the photo licence that you get is only valid for ten years - and 2.7 million of them are expiring this year."
"Section 4B is your expiry date. Ultimately, if you're driving with an expired licence and you get stopped by the police, if you continue to not do what they tell you, you could be fined up to a £1,000."
"But if your licence has expired, don't panic. All you need to do is go online and renew it. It costs £14 if you do it online."
"Now I should say, you do get reminders and you should be told when your licence is due to expire. But lots of people ignore then or miss them or just don't do it."
He added: "So 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."
Rules for drivers aged over 70
Martin went on to point out that the rules were different for older people. Once you reach 70, you must renew your licence every three years.
The consumer expert said: "Technically the over 70s renewal is different. That isn't about your photo (which needn't be renewed every 3 years, it can be kept). It's a medical declaration and eyesight confirmation I believe. In practice though yes it's every three years."
