Do I Need to exchange UK Driving License
Apr 6th 2013, 6:28 pm
#16
Just Joined
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 2
Re: Do I Need to exchange UK Driving License
Yeah - it's the old paper license - expires 2042.
It's sort of a moot point, as I've been using it over here for more than 10 years anyway without any problems - but just out of interest wondered if I was being naughty in any way :-).
It's sort of a moot point, as I've been using it over here for more than 10 years anyway without any problems - but just out of interest wondered if I was being naughty in any way :-).
Apr 7th 2013, 11:38 pm
#18
Banned
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 284
Re: Do I Need to exchange UK Driving License
Next you will be asking, can I use my UK passport in Ireland, or am I being naughty in anyway?
Apr 8th 2013, 9:49 am
#19
Senior Moment
Joined: Jan 2006
Location: On the edge
Posts: 20,460
Re: Do I Need to exchange UK Driving License
Its not the issuer in these cases, its the countries you end up in. A UK EU photo licence for instance cant be renewed if you are no longer resident in the UK, therefore more often than not the only way of resolving it is by changing it for a local country licence, i.e. Spanish or Italian or whatever.
Apr 11th 2013, 7:09 am
#20
Retired
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,649
Re: Do I Need to exchange UK Driving License
As I understand it, I am perfectly within my rights to use this license until it expires, yes? (After all you can't change the license address to one that is outside GB, and I'm not required to get a new license if I move outside GB until my old one expires as I understand it anyway)? I know this is a bit ridiculous as N.I. is part of the UK. But that's how I understand it...
Just like in other countries - in Canada, if you move from Ontario to Alberta, it's still the same country but the driving licenses are different.
However, unlike in other countries (where you must get a new driving licence when you move state/province), Northern Ireland does let you keep using a GB licence as long as it's valid.
http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/index/inf...-countries.htm
Should you trade your GB licence for a Northern Ireland licence? Issues to consider include:
1. You should check with the DVLA in Swansea if your licence is still valid to use now that you no longer live in Great Britain. It may still be valid, however they will not register a Northern Ireland address onto a GB licence.
2. Would it be easier to have a Northern Ireland licence for identification purposes? Would you insurance company be happier if you have a NI licence?
3. If you lose your GB licence, you will not be able to get a new one without a GB address. How difficult or easy would it be to get a Northern Ireland licence if you cannot supply your GB licence? DVLA-Swansea may be able to give you a driving record, but not necessarily a new licence.
4. If you're planning to move somewhere else, be aware that some jurisdictions (especially certain Canadian provinces) will exchange GB licences but not Northern Ireland ones.
5. Does it work any differently with penalty points and/or being taken to court for speeding or similar offences if you have a GB licence instead of a Northern Ireland one?
Last edited by JAJ; Apr 11th 2013 at 7:11 am.
Apr 29th 2013, 3:02 pm
#21
Forum Regular
Joined: Jan 2012
Location: London UK
Posts: 135
Re: Do I Need to exchange UK Driving License
The address on your licence has to be somewhere where they can contact you, such as your parents or inlaws address. It does not have to be where you are actually living.
Apr 29th 2013, 4:41 pm
#22
Senior Moment
Joined: Jan 2006
Location: On the edge
Posts: 20,460
Re: Do I Need to exchange UK Driving License
International agreement means that the DVLA accept that whilst the licence is valid when you live in another country, that the address will not be correct. My UK licence had an address on it I hadnt lived in for 6 years. Its now been changed to a current UK address
