Drivers could face £1,000 fine after COVID-19 driving licence extension

Woman driving a car in reverse
Drivers can be handed an immediate fine if their driving licence is not up to date. (Getty)

Martin Lewis, founder of MoneySavingExpert.com, has warned drivers that they could face a £1,000 fine if their driving licensces are not valid.

Lewis reminded motorists that despite a change in rules because of the coronavirus outbreak, their licences still need to be valid.

Speaking on the Martin Lewis Money Show, he said: "Right now 2.3 million driving licence photocards are out of date."

However, these licences have been automatically extended by the DVLA due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“To make it easier for drivers who need to update their photocard licence with a new photograph at the end of the 10 years validity, photocard driving licences that expire between 1 February 2020 and 31 August 2020 will be automatically extended for a period of seven months from the date of expiry,” the DVLA said.

Money Saving Expert's Martin Lewis
MoneySavingExpert's Martin Lewis has warned drivers that they could face a £1,000 fine if their driving licences are not valid. (Kirsty O'Connor/PA Images via Getty Images)

Lewis warns that if drivers forget to update their license at the end of the seven months, or if their licence has an incorrect address or name, they could be slapped with a £1,000 penalty if pulled over by the police.

Drivers can be handed an immediate fine if their driving licence is not up to date under Section 99 of the Road Traffic Act 1988.

The DVLA said that motorists will be sent a renewal reminder before the end of the seven month extension.

READ MORE: Coronavirus: Drivers given MOT exemption

You should renew your photocard every 10 years and the deadline for this is written on your licence. It will cost £14 to renew your photocard online or £17 by post.

If you've recently changed your name or your address is wrong, you could also face a fine. You can make changes to your name and address for free online or by post.

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