Martin Lewis has warned drivers who passed their test before 2015 to make a “quick check” now to avoid a £1,000 fine.

The Driving and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has found that more than two million licences may be out of date, putting drivers at risk of a fine.

Photocard licences must be renewed every ten years to ensure the image is a true likeness of the driver.

Expiry dates are displayed in section 4b on the front of cards.

Failing to return an expired licence to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) is an offence under the Road Traffic Act 1988 and can be punished with a fine of up to £1,000.

Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis warned in his latest newsletter: “Has your photo driving licence expired? 2m have. They usually expire after 10 years - so check its SECTION 4B to see. Our driving licence check guide has full info on how to renew safely and cheaply and avoid a hefty fine.

“A quick check now could save you a fine of up to £1,000 if your photocard's expired. It's an annoying £14 to renew (£17 if you renew by post), but that's a far better option than the fine."

Philip Gomm of the RAC Foundation added: “There are good reasons to keep licences up to date, beyond the basic legal requirement.

Echo:

“They are also a widely accepted form of ID and will certainly be required if you are ever stopped by police.

“Renewal also provides an opportunity for people to assess whether they are still fit to drive, and we think there is an argument for linking a compulsory eye test to the process to make sure we all remain safe on the road, though Government should help keep costs as low as possible for motorists.

“When you do renew beware of private web sites which offer to help with the application but charge an extra fee for doing so.”

The DVLA advises people to renew on its official website as it is the quickest and cheapest method.

Applications cost £14 and are usually processed within five days.

Third party websites charge additional fees.

Postal renewals cost £17, while doing it at a Post Office has a £21.50 fee.

A DVLA spokeswoman said: “We encourage customers to use GOV.UK as applying online is the quickest and cheapest way to renew their photocard driving licence.

“If you stop driving altogether, you should inform DVLA and return your licence rather keeping it as a form of out of date photo ID.”