UK drivers warned to take urgent action after damning stat shows one in five at risk of fine

The study also found that more than one in ten drivers are unaware that their driving licence has an expiry date at all.

Operating a vehicle without a valid licence is an example of fraudulent behaviour, and if caught by the police with an out-of-date card, the driver could face a £1,000 fine.

Julie Daniels from Comparethemarket said the results were “concerning” and urged drivers to keep track of their expiry dates.

She said: "It’s concerning that our survey revealed that more than one in 10 British motorists are unaware that their driving licences expire.

“Continuing to drive with an expired driving licence – knowingly or unknowingly – could land you with a £1,000 fine."

She added: "To avoid serious consequences and avoid having a fraudulent driving licence, it’s vital to renew your licence as soon as it expires.

“Driving licences expire every 10 years, so you should memorise the expiry date on your licence and make a note of it somewhere you won’t forget, like your phone calendar.

"The DVLA will also send you a reminder when your licence is due to expire, so make sure to keep your contact details up to date.”

Stats show that nearly a third of drivers admitted to driving with an expired licence within the last two to five years.

Around 29.5 per cent claim they have at some point in the last year, while one in five say they are currently doing so.

Drivers can renew their licence on the Government website with a valid UK passport and address details from the past three years.

Renewal costs £14, but this won't need to paid if you're over the age of 70 or have a medical short period licence.