Millions of Britons risk being banned from roads and slapped with £1,000 fines for driving licence issue

Motorists caught driving with an expired licence face serious consequences, including fines of up to £1,000 and between three to six points on their licence.

The police may also seize vehicles and prosecute drivers with invalid licences, while insurance claims could also be declined, potentially leaving drivers facing significant financial losses.

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More than two million drivers could be at risk of breaking licence rules

PA

Freedom of Information data obtained by Co-op Insurance from the DVLA reveals that almost 2.3 million driving licences will expire this year.

Nearly 350,000 licences that expired in 2024 have yet to be renewed, with almost 120,000 of the licences that expired between September and December 2024 are still pending renewal.

By law, motorists must renew their photocard licence every 10 years, while those aged 70 and over must renew every three years.

The expiry date can be found in section 4b on the back of a photocard licence.

The DVLA had to issue more than one million replacement driving licences in 2024 for various reasons.

These included licences reported as stolen, defaced, or destroyed, as well as those declared lost.

Having an invalid licence could lead to insurance claims being declined, potentially causing severe financial impact.

Co-op Insurance revealed it had seen car insurance claims of up to £42,000 in 2024.

Drivers are required to renew their licence every 10 years, or every three years if they're over 70

PA

Co-op Insurance is encouraging all motorists to check their licences promptly to avoid penalties.

Brits with expired licences are being urged to start the renewal process promptly with the DVLA.