Martin Lewis is urging motorists to “have a quick look” at their driving licence to make sure it’s valid and not putting them at risk of facing a hefty fine from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). The consumer champion warned there are two million people across Great Britain 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, but fear not, renewing online costs just £14 (£17 for postal renewals), is quick and should see your new licence arrive within a week, according to guidance on GOV.UK.
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 bumper 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.
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've 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.
Other tips to get your wallet financially fit before the end of the current tax year include:
- Free cash for switching banks
- Switching credit card balances to a 0% transfer card
- Buying a railcard to help save money on regular journeys
- Checking store loyalty cards for real-value worthiness
- Redeeming expense receipts
You can read the full Martin Lewis wallet checklist and latest newsletter on MSE.com here.
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