Two million motorists let driving licence expire
More than two million motorists in the UK have admitted to remaining behind the wheel after their driving licence has expired.
According to research carried out by Confused.com, six per cent of drivers have let their licences expire before renewing it, risking fines of up to £1,000 and six penalty points.
Of that number, 37% admitted their licences were more than two months out of date before they renewed it.
Driving licences are valid for 10 years. The DVLA sends reminders when renewal is approaching, but 43% said they had not received reminders.
Meanwhile, 37% of motorists who had continued driving after their licence had expired had received fines, with the average penalty £415, while 16% were handed a driving ban and 15% received a court order.
Driving licence details
Drivers have also been warned against not updating their personal details, such as a change of address or name, with 20% admitting they waited more than a month to inform the DVLA.
Rhydian Jones, motoring expert at Confused.com, said: “With the penalty so high, it’s worrying that many drivers feel so relaxed about keeping their licence up to date. And while you think you may not get caught, it’s clear it can catch up with you given how many drivers have been penalised in the past.
“If your licence has expired, or is due to expire, then renewing it is a simple process, which can be done online, or at the Post Office.”
