More than two million motorists risk a huge £1,000 fine for having an invalid driving licence as many admit they could wait until it's too late to renew.
New data has found that millions of motorists are currently driving with invalid details, with more than one-third of drivers admitting that they have driven with an out-of-date licence more than a month after it expired.
In total, six per cent of UK motorists have either renewed their driving licence after its expiry date or are currently driving with an expired licence.
Millions more drivers have risked fines for not updating key information on their licence, including their names or addresses.
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Millions of drivers face being slapped with fines for not renewing their licence
DVLA
Driving licences are valid for 10 years, although motorists over the age of 70 are required to renew every three years.
Britons are reminded to renew their licence before it expires to avoid the risk of being slapped with a £1,000 fine and six penalty points.
In some cases, repeat offenders could be banned from driving or even taken to court to be prosecuted if they continually break the law.
Around two-thirds of motorists said they didn't realise their licence had expired because of the long period of validity. A further 43 per cent claimed they never received a renewal reminder.
Rhydian Jones, motoring expert at Confused.com, which commissioned the research, 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."
According to the research, nine per cent of UK motorists claim their licence is up for renewal soon, with 44 per cent saying they need to act before next month.
However, one in eight claimed they would sort the licence renewal once it has passed its expiry date, despite the risk of huge fines and licence points.
Through the GOV.UK website, drivers will pay £14 to renew their licence, although there is no fee if they are over 70 or have a medical short period licence.
However, motorists are still able to apply at their local Post Office branch. While this will cost them £21.50, it is an easy solution if they do not have reliable access to online services.
At this point, they can update any details which they need to change. Around 20 per cent of drivers said they had waited more than a month after moving hour to change their address.
One in eight Britons said they didn't change their licence details for at least a month after changing their name, with two per cent still not updating it, despite the risk that it could land them in hot water.
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Drivers are able to renew their licence around the UK at Post Office branches
PAJones added: "While this fee can be a pain, it’s a small setback in comparison to the potential fines you could face.
"If you’ve left it a little late, then applying online is your quickest option. You could receive your new licence as quickly as a week. Applying through the Post Office could take a little longer."
