Martin Lewis issues warning to ‘2.7m drivers’ – ‘look out for this short code’

Martin Lewis has urged motorists to look out for an important detail on the front of their driving license. The MoneySavingExpert.com founder shared the important reminder on X on Monday, August 3, explaining that while the license itself will remain in date for decades, photocard licenses have a much shorter validation window.

The personal finance guru says the key is to check section 4b, which can be found on the front of the photocard license. “Now, this is because while you’re driving license itself is valid for many decades, the photo license that you get is only valid for 10 years, and 2.7million of them are expiring this year,” he said.

That’s in reference to DVLA figures obtained by Co-op insurance via a Freedom of Information request last year, with the statistic referring to both full and provisional licenses.

He explained that section 4b is where your expiry date will be located. “Ultimately, if you’re driving with an expired license and you get stopped by the police, if you continue not to do what they tell you, you could be fined up to £1,000,” he said.

“But if you license has expired, don’t panic. All you need to do is go online and renew it,” explaining that it costs just £14 if applied for online.

“Now I should say, you do get reminders and you should be told when your license is due to expire, but lots of people ignore them, or miss them, or just don’t do it,” he added.

“So I hope this a waste of time, and yours is in date, without any problems.”

Those unable to use the online service can apply at a Post Office or by post, the GOV.UK website explains.

You don’t need to pay the fee if you’re over 70 or have a medical short period licence. You can continue to drive while the photocard license is being renewed provided you meet various conditions.

These include that:

• you have the support of your doctor to continue driving
• you had a valid licence
• you only drive under the conditions of the previous licence
• your application is less than a year old
• your last licence was not revoked or refused for medical reasons
• you’re not currently disqualified
• you were not disqualified as a high risk offender on or after 1 June 2013