Cars

Urgent driving licence warning issued to all UK motorists – risk of £1,000 fine

UK motorists are being warned of an urgent driving licence expiry, with those caught out risking a hefty fine of up to £1,000.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has issued the alert to all drivers, urging them to check their licence and renew it if necessary.

The warning comes as the DVLA revealed that tens of thousands of motorists risk having their licence expired, leaving them open to a possible fine.

According to the DVLA, around 1.5 million drivers have licences that have expired or are due to expire soon.

Drivers who have not renewed their licence within the required timescale can be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice of up to £1,000, or face prosecution – which can result in an unlimited fine.

The agency is warning drivers to check the expiry date of their current licence and to renew it before it expires.

It is also recommended that drivers apply for a photocard licence, which lasts for 10 years.

Drivers who do not have a photocard licence should also check the expiry date of their paper licence – and apply for a photocard licence if required.

Drivers can check their licence status online or by calling the DVLA.

Drivers can renew their licence online or by post, and will receive a new licence within three weeks of making their application.

The DVLA is urging drivers to check the expiry date of their licence and to renew it on time to avoid any potential penalties.