Drivers urged to double check their licences or risk facing £1,000 fine

Drivers have been warned to check their licences or they could risk facing a fine of up to £1,000.

Almost 30 percent of Brits were unaware that an out-of-date licence could land them a hefty fine, according to the latest research from motoring experts at Quotezone.co.uk. Currently, guidelines state drivers must renew their licence every ten years, with drivers who are nearing the end of the period receiving a renewal reminder in the post from the DVLA.

Meanwhile almost a tenth of drivers admitted to not knowing when their licence is due to expire - but the date can be found in section 4b on ID cards. Those who have missed renewal reminders and are carrying an expired licence should refrain from driving until the DVLA have received the completed renewal application.

READ MORE: Parents of devastated kids considering legal action after school announces sudden closure

But drivers with licences which expire while the DVLA is processing their renewal application are fine to continue driving under certain conditions, including not being disqualified from driving. Motorists could also face other licence-related fines, including failing to update their ID when they turn 70, get married or change address.

Founder and CEO of Quotezone.co.uk, Greg Wilson, said: “Anyone who received a new licence in 2014 should prepare to receive their reminder renewal in the post this year. It is important not to ignore this reminder and apply for a renewal as soon as possible to avoid potential fines.

“When it comes to renewing photo licences, there are many other factors which could also cause drivers to face fines, including failure to update a new name, address or not updating their image on a new licence. With 7.5% of those drivers