Hundreds of thousands of drivers warned that they risk £1,000 fine with licence rule
HUNDREDS of thousands of drivers have been warned that they risk a £1,000 fine if they forget a major licence rule.
Experts from the Swansway Motor Group urged Brits to look out for a key detail on their licence card in the months ahead.
According to DVLA figures at the time, over 700,000 drivers passed their car tests in 2014, with several thousand also passing motorcycle and LGV equivalents.
Assuming the majority of those passing tests received their licence in the same year, then the deadline is fast approaching for these to be renewed.
It is a legal requirement for UK drivers to renew their licence every ten years for it to remain valid.
Failure to do so risks invalidating both as your driving licence and as a form of legal ID.
You can check the expiry date on your licence card, usually found on the front just beneath the date of issue.
Each section of your licence card is numbered and you can see which number corresponds to the expiry date on the reverse side of the card.
Not only could you be left without a valid licence, but a failure to renew can also see you slapped with a £1,000 fine.
And in severe cases, your vehicle can be seized until your renewal process is complete.
You can renew online via the gov.uk website at a cost of £14, just search “renew driving licence”.
The online service is available 24/7 and your licence should then be confirmed within a week.
You can also submit your application at a Post Office for £21.50 by taking your licence along with your reminder letter.
Likewise, you can post your current licence along with a cheque or postal order for £17 and a passport-style photo to the DVLA.
Just be aware the latter two methods involved a three-week waiting period.
If you passed your test in 2014, you will need to renew this year, usually by the day before the date your test was held a decade ago.
However, if you are over 70, your licence must be renewed every three years via the same process – though it is free of charge.
A spokesperson for Swansway Motor Group said: “Ensuring that your driving licence is up to date is not just about following the law; it’s also about being a responsible and safe driver.
“Neglecting to renew your driving licence can result in fines and even vehicle seizures.
“The cost of renewal is a small price to pay compared to the penalties.
“As drivers, we have a responsibility not only to ourselves but to everyone else on the road.
“Keeping your licence accurate and up to date is a part of that responsibility.”