Martin Lewis issues urgent warning to 2.7 million UK drivers who risk £1,000 fine

Martin Lewis has warned 2.7 million drivers that their photocard licences are running out this year.

The Money Saving Expert (MSE) founder, 54, who recently revealed that 750,000 Brits are missing out on a free payment, has issued another warning to his followers. In a video posted on X, the money guru said: “Get your driving licence out, and check section 4b.

“While your driving licence itself is valid for many decades, the photo licence that you get is only valid for 10 years.

“And 2.7 million of them are expiring this year.”

4b is on the front of the license card in between the issue date and a 16-digit licence code made up of letters and numbers.

Check 4b (Getty Stock Images)

“Section 4b is your expiry date. Ultimately, if you're driving with an expired licence and you get stopped by the police, if you continue to not do what they tell you, you could be fined up to a £1,000,” he explained.

“But if your licence has expired, don't panic. All you need to do is go online and renew it. It costs £14 if you do it online.

“Now I should say, you do get reminders and you should be told when your licence is due to expire. But lots of people ignore then or miss them or just don't do it.

Martin Lewis has urged drivers to check the expiry date on their license (Getty Stock Images)

He added: “So I hope this is a waste of time and yours is in date without any problems. But just in case it isn't, have a look at the 4B on your licence.”

For drivers aged over 70, Lewis pointed out that the rules were previously different for older people.

“Technically the over 70s renewal is different. That isn't about your photo (which needn't be renewed every 3 years, it can be kept). It's a medical declaration and eyesight confirmation I believe. In practice though yes it's every three years,” he said.

Three ways you can renew your driving licence

"While your driving licence itself is valid for many decades, the photo licence that you get is only valid for 10 years," Lewis says (Getty Stock Images)

Online (fastest and cheapest)

• Cost: £14
• Time: Usually within one week
• You'll need to be a Great Britain resident and have the necessary identification (such as a UK passport if using the online identity check). Use the official service here: Renew your driving licence online.

By post

• Cost: £17
• Get a D1 application form from a Post Office.
• Send the completed form, a passport-style photo, your current licence (if you have it), and the fee to the DVLA.
• Processing usually takes up to three weeks.

At a Post Office

• Cost: £21.50
• Selected Post Office branches can take your photo, capture your signature electronically, and submit your application for you.
• Your new licence usually arrives within three weeks.