Money guru Martin Lewis tells millions of UK drivers to check their photocard licences after EU rule change came in to force extending their validity
- EU regulation extended all photocard driving licences for seven months
- Extension is for any photocard that expired between February 1 and August 31
- MoneySavingExpert founder Martin Lewis says 2.3million cards are out of date
- Here’s how to help people impacted by Covid-19
Drivers with a photocard driving licence that has recently expired have been let off the hook by a seven month extension due to the coronavirus crisis, Martin Lewis has revealed.
The founder of MoneySavingExpert warned last night that 2.3million drivers were using photocards that had passed their 10 year expiry date.
For any cards that have expired since February 1 2020, there is a seven month exemption period, under rules adopted by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency earlier this month.
Speaking on ITV’s Money Show, Martin Lewis reminded viewers to check if their driving licence photocards had expired
Speaking on ITV’s Money Show, Mr Lewis said: ‘If your photocard lapses between February 1 and August 31, it will add seven months to your licence.
‘However, if your licence expires at any point after this, you won’t be covered by the extension, so check now.’
Normally drivers are required to new the photocard part of their driving licence every 10 years and update if their name or address changes.
Bus and lorry drivers have to update their licences every five years.
Motorists can face an on the spot fine for having an out of date licence.
DVLA guidance published on June 4 said: ‘A new EU regulation has now been introduced which means photocards that expire between 1 February and August 31, 2020 will be automatically extended for a further 7 months from the date of expiry.’
It comes after lockdown slowed the DVLA’s capacity to process application from motorists as – like many businesses – its workforce is mainly operating remotely from home.
It had previous warned drivers in April that those using its services should expect ‘significant delays’ during the coronavirus crisis.
Any photocard that expired this year between February 1 and August 31 has been given a seven month extension
Drivers will be sent a reminder to renew before their 7 month extension ends.
DVLA Chief Executive Julie Lennard said: ‘This extension will make it easier for drivers who need to update their photocard licence with a new photograph.
‘This means as long as they have a valid licence, drivers will be able to continue to make essential journeys.
‘The extension is automatic so drivers do not need to do anything and will be sent a reminder to renew their photocard before the extension ends.’