Motorists are being urged to ensure their driving licences have not expired.

The new photo card driving licences automatically expire after 10 years, unlike the old paper licences which were valid until the age of 70.

The date a licence is valid until can be found listed under number 4b on the pink plastic credit card-sized cards.

Some motorists may not realise 4b related to the date a licence expires, even though there is a key on the back of the card.

Sergeant Malcolm Palmer of the North Worcestershire Road Policing Unit said: “Officers can ask to see a driver’s documents for a variety of reasons, such as a vehicle defect, driver misdemeanour or road traffic collision, and if the driver is unable to produce them at the time they will be issued with a Home Office Road Traffic (HORT) form, requiring them to take the documents to a nominated police station within seven days.

“Either at the roadside or at the police station, the date the licence is valid to will be checked and drivers whose licences have expired may find themselves being reported for summons for driving not in accordance with the licence or failing to surrender a licence.

“While we may sympathise with drivers who do not realise their licence has expired, it is their responsibility to ensure their licence isn’t out of date, just like it is essential to ensure their vehicle has valid insurance, tax and MOT.

“Anyone who is unsure should contact the DVLA for guidance.”