Consumer guru Martin Lewis is asking drivers to check their licence to make sure it’s valid.
The founder of MoneySavingExpert.com warned there are two million people across the country with an expired photo driving licence who may not be aware that it usually expires after 10 years. Anyone caught carrying an expired licence could be handed a fine for £1,000.
However, this penalty can be avoided by motorists carrying out a quick check. If your licence is about to run out, renewing it online costs just £14 (£17 for postal renewals). It is quick and should see your new licence arrive within a week, according to guidance on GOV.UK.
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Martin shared the warning in the latest edition of the MoneySavingExpert.com (MSE.com) newsletter as part of his ‘14 quick financial fitness exercises to gain pounds (£100s of them)’ guidance. In the advice guide the financial guru urged everyone to give their wallet or purse an “annual check-up” and check cards or products for a quick cash boost, reports the Daily Record.
Martin explained: "The cards and products stored in your purse or wallet (even if it's digital via your phone and watch) are a vivid window on your finances. So each year I like to do an annual check-up of what you're holstering to see if there's an easy cash boost."
First on the list was the warning to drivers. Martin wrote: "Are you one of 2m whose photo driving licence has expired? UK photo driving licences usually expire after 10 years - so if you've got one, take a quick look at its 4b 'expiry date' label. If you don't renew, you ultimately risk being fined."
The guidance on MSE.com explains that there are several dates printed on the photocard, but the one you need to check is the photo expiry date printed on section 4b on the front of the card. If you do need to renew your licence, you can apply online at GOV.UK, providing you have a valid UK passport or by post. Just ask for a ‘D1 form’ at any Post Office, or order one from the DVLA website here.
You can read the full Martin Lewis wallet checklist and latest newsletter on MSE.com here.
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