The Kintyre Forum

THOUSANDS of Scots motorists could face hefty fines for unwittingly driving without a valid licence. Most people who replaced their old licences with a new photocard version 10 years ago are unaware it has an expiry date. They believe the document is valid until the age of 70.

That means thousands of drivers in the West of Scotland are risking prosecution and fines of up to a £1000 for not having a valid licence. The renewal date 4b on the front of the licence can only be gleaned after reading the small print on the back.

It is more than a decade since the first batch of photo licence was issued in July 1998 and thousands are now starting to expire.

Motoring groups claim DVLA bosses had not given enough warning that the new-style licence has to be renewed and are suggesting that all licence holder check their expiry date or contact the DVLA.

Just checked mine and have till the end of next year. Didnt realise at all that there was an expiry date, just assumed they were the same as the old ones . Wonder how many people have expired licence and dont know.

Ross wrote:Wonder how many people have expired licence and dont know.

Me

Only realised when I was asked for id in a club in Germany a couple of weeks ago and someone I was with pointed out the expiry date to me.