Check your driving licence expiry date

Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis is reminding drivers to check their driving licenses – or risk landing themselves with a £1,000 fine.

Speaking on the Martin Lewis Money Show, he reminded drivers that their licenses still need to be valid, despite a shift in rules because of the pandemic.

“Right now 2.3 million driving licence photocards are out of date,” the MoneySavingExpert founder said.

However, the DVLA has extended these licences due to the pandemic.

“If your photocard lapses between February 1 and August 31, it will add seven months to your licence,” he said.

In the UK, driving without a valid licence comes with a £1,000 penalty if you’re stopped by police.

Drivers with a photocard driving licence due to expire between 1 February and 31 August 2020 will be granted a seven month extension. This means as long as you have a valid licence, drivers will be able to continue to make essential journeys.

The extension is automatic so drivers do not need to do anything and will be sent a reminder to renew their photocard before the extension ends.

Under Section 99 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, you can be fined immediately if your driving licence is not up to date. This includes having an out of date photocard, address and correct name.

All photocards must be renewed every ten years – unless you’re over 70 – in which case it’s every three years. –The deadline is on your licence.

It costs £14 to renew your photocard (£17 by post) and you can check if yours is out of date in section 4b on your driving licence.

If you’ve recently changed your name or your address is inaccurate, you could also run the risk of a huge fine if you’re stopped by the police.

The good news is you can make these changes for free online or by post – but don’t to be tempted to use one of the many online licence application help sites – they charge you a heft sum for doing what’s very easy.

https://www.gov.uk/renew-driving-licence