The warning reflects a distinction that can be easy to miss. A person’s driving entitlement may remain valid for decades, while the photocard itself usually has to be renewed after 10 years. Drivers also need to understand the categories and restriction codes shown on their licence, which determine what vehicles they can drive and what conditions apply.
Why Drivers Are Being Told to Check Section 4B
Martin Lewis told motorists to take out their driving licence and examine section 4b on the front. He explained that although the underlying driving licence may remain valid for many years, the photocard has a much shorter period of validity. “While your driving licence itself is valid for many decades, the photo licence that you get is only valid for 10 years,” Lewis said. He added that 2.7 million photocards are expiring this year and identified section 4b as the place where drivers can find the expiry date.
According to the RAC, the front of a UK driving licence contains the holder’s personal details, including their name, date of birth, photograph and signature. It also displays the licence number, expiry date and the categories of vehicle the holder is entitled to drive. The reverse contains more detailed information. Column 9 shows vehicle categories, column 10 records when the entitlement begins, column 11 gives its end date and column 12 displays any applicable driving licence codes.
The RAC warns that driving without a valid licence can lead to a fine of up to £1,000, legal action and difficulties obtaining car insurance in the future. Its guidance describes the photocard as a legally binding document that drivers need to keep valid.
The Codes on the Back Can Impose Specific Driving Conditions
Driving licence categories and driving licence codes serve different purposes. Categories identify the types of vehicle a person can legally drive, while numerical codes set out restrictions or conditions attached to that entitlement.
According to the RAC, category B generally covers cars, while B Auto restricts a driver to automatic vehicles. Other categories include AM for mopeds, C for large goods vehicles, D for buses, F for agricultural tractors and H for tracked vehicles.
The numerical codes can be just as significant. Code 01 means eyesight correction is required while driving, with 01.01 specifying glasses, 01.02 contact lenses and 01.06 either glasses or contact lenses. Code 78 limits the holder to automatic vehicles, while code 101 means the entitlement cannot be used for hire or reward. The RAC says that a driver with eyesight code 01 must wear the required corrective lenses while driving. Failing to do so could result in a fine, penalty points or further prosecution.
Drivers can inspect the codes listed in column 12 of their photocard. According to RAC guidance, the full list is also available through DVLA guidance on the government website. The immediate check, though, is simpler: drivers whose photocard is approaching its expiry date need to identify the date in section 4b and ensure the licence is renewed in time.
