Motorists have been urged to check their driving licences are valid as more than two million people in the UK have out-of-date photocards.
The urgent advice, which come from Martin Lewis on his latest MoneySavingExpert newsletter, has warned that failing to renew a licence could lead to a hefty £1,000 fine.
What's worse, it's easily avoidable as an online application for a fresh photocard driving licence will put you back just £14, reports My London. The process is fairly straightforward, whether you're renewing a driving licence or replacing one that has been lost or stolen.
In his section of the MSE Tuesday newsletter, Martin Wrote: "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. Our How to check & renew your photo driving licence guide has full info."
How to check a photocard expiry date and apply for renewal
The expiry date is printed on section 4b on the front of the card.
Renewing your photocard costs £14 online or £17 by post and can be applied for online at Gov.uk, providing you have a valid UK passport.
Alternatively, anyone can get forms (known as 'D1') from most post offices, or order them from the DVLA website. You can also do it in person at selected post offices.
The Post Office charges an extra £4.50 to take your photo on top of the £17 fee, but the £21.50 total also includes the posting of your application.
You should also get a reminder to renew a month or so before your licence expires, and that's when it's best to do it.
My photocard has already expired, will I be fined?
Renewing your photocard late won't see you fined, but according to the DVLA you shouldn't get behind the wheel until you receive a valid licence.
If your licence expires while the DVLA is processing your renewal application, you may continue driving vehicles that you were authorised to drive on your previous licence.
Otherwise, if you're waiting for a medical driving licence, which means you have reported a medical condition to the DVLA, you must ensure that you meet the medical fitness to drive criteria before driving.
Though the photocard needs to be renewed every 10 years, in general driving licences are valid until you're 70, after which it needs renewing every three years.
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