Millions of drivers could be fined by the DVLA for travelling without a valid licence with insurers refusing to cover those breaking the law.
The warning follows a DVLA report which found more than 3.6 million people currently have an expired driving licence.
If caught without a valid licence, drivers could be slapped with a £1,000 fine and up to six points.
The most common age group for driving without a valid licence was 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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Drivers must renew their licence every 10 years
PAMeanwhile, 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.
As more drivers risk penalties, one insurer has warned about the consequences of breaking the law.
Paul Daly, director at InsureDaily, said the company has resorted to refusing to cover drivers who knowingly travel with an expired licence.
He explained that when the company contacted some of these drivers to advise them why they could not be covered, the majority of them were “well aware” that their licence had expired and that it was “breaking the law”.
Discussing the legal implications for the insurer, Daly said that having a valid licence is a requirement when taking out a car insurance policy.
He warned that drivers who breach this requirement could risk having their insurance invalidated.
While it only costs £14 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.
Renewing a licence must be done every 10 years and every three years when a driver turns 70.
However, there is no fee applicable for drivers over the age of 70 or if they have a medical short period licence.
Drivers can apply via the Post Office or through the post if they are unable to use online DVLA services.
Under UK law, drivers must have valid motor insurance to travel on British roads, as well as a valid licence.
Third party insurance is the legal minimum, but the Government explained that it only covers accident-causing damage or injury to any other person, vehicle, animal or property.
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Drivers can be fined £1,000 for travelling without a valid licence
X/DVLAThe minimum level of insurance, however, does not cover any other costs like repair to the vehicle.