Martin Lewis warns anyone who passed their driving test before 2014 to do quick 60 second check
Topics: Martin Lewis, Money
Anish Vij
Featured Image Credit: ITV / Pexels
Topics: Martin Lewis, Money
When Martin Lewis speaks, we listen.
The 'Money Saving Expert' - who offers free advice to help up save money through this horrible cost-of-living crisis - has recently issued an important warning to anyone who passed their driving test before 2014.
He claims that over two million drivers could be at risk of a hefty fine unless they do a quick 60 second check.
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Now, if you have driving licence photocards first issued in 1998, they happen to be valid for ten years from their first date of issue.
For those who have paper licenses, issued prior to 1998, they remain valid until the holder turns 70. This format was abolished in 2015.
However, Lewis has advised motorists post-2014 - with new plastic license cards - to check the section labelled '4b'.
This section simply shows the expiry date of your license, which if you don't renew, could leave you with a massive £1,000 fine.
The Money Saving Expert explained that it was a £14 (or £17 if you renewed via post) fee to get a new driving licence and while that might be off-putting to some, at least it's not a grand.
“The cards and products stored in your purse or wallet (even if it’s digital via your phone and watch) are a vivid window on your finances,” Lewis wrote in his newsletter.
“So each year I like to do an annual check-up of what you’re holstering to see if there’s an easy cash boost.”
Well just last month, Lewis advised for people who are earning less than £60,000 a year to do a quick 10-minute check to see if they could claim benefits.
In a recent Money Saving Expert newsletter, he said: "We've long urged you to check to make sure you get all the benefits you're entitled to, knowing millions were due a share of billions.
"And many most in need of help, often having long paid into the system, are missing out.
"So with permission from Policy in Practice, we've taken its data of the numbers missing out on the main benefits, and added our own info on who can claim each of these many underclaimed benefits, to see if we can help get you what you're due."
These credits and benefits include: Universal Credit, Council Tax Support, Carer's Allowance, Pension Credit, Child benefit, Housing Benefit, and Water and Broadband Social tariffs.
Lewis added: "Pension Credit tops up your income.
"On average it's worth £3,500/yr, but claim even if you're only due 50p, as its superpower is to qualify you for extra benefits like council tax reduction and free TV licences."