Drivers face huge £1,000 fine and could have car seized for ignoring common licence mistake

The warning comes as the agency found that more than 3.6 million people currently have an expired driving licence.

The most common age group for driving without a valid licence is between 37 and 46, with over 1.1 million offenders, followed by those aged between 47 and 56 with almost 970,000.

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The DVLA also found that Greater London has 891,122 expired licences, followed by South East England’s 489,305 and North West England’s 371,882.

Drivers must renew their licence every 10 years until they are 70 when they will be required to renew once every three years to stay on UK roads.

While it costs to renew a licence, drivers who find themselves in this position can apply for a new one online with either their UK passport or the document used to set up an online immigration status.

If unable to use either of these, however, drivers can apply at the Post Office or by post.

Richard Evans, head of technical services at webuyanycar, explained that to drive anywhere legally, “you must hold a valid driving licence”.

The licence also needs to have the most up-to-date details and as more people get ready to travel over the summer “it’s especially important to ensure your licence is in date”.

To avoid being stung by unnecessary fines or charges, Evans said drivers should take “extra precaution” in keeping their licence up to date.

However, for drivers travelling around the UK, under Rule 88 of The Road Traffic Act 1988, motorists may be allowed to continue driving without holding a current driving licence.

The loophole rule can be used when a driver has applied to the DVLA to renew their licence which has expired or if they are in the process of an application.

But to be eligible, drivers must meet the medical standards of fitness to drive, the DVLA explained.

The DVLA explained that as soon as they receive the “correct and complete” application for a new licence and if motorists “meet all the Section 88 criteria” they may drive.

However, the agency warned that for drivers who are travelling abroad, Rule 88 may not be accepted in other countries.

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Adding an important detail, the DVLA warned that it is the driver’s responsibility to make sure they meet the Section 88 criteria at all times while driving prior to receiving their licence.