UK driving licence
Apr 21st 2014, 7:16 pm
#31
Forum Regular
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 203
Re: UK driving licence
You can drive using your Cdn lic for 12 mths, from the date of your return. It takes less than two weeks for the DVLA to exchange your lic. I just copied my Ab lic and carried that and my exchange application form in my bag, just in case I was questioned. I heard from a friend that you have to wait 6 months before exchanging your lic. I don't know if that is the case as I exchanged mine around about 11 months after my return.
Apr 22nd 2014, 8:54 pm
#32
Forum Regular
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 113
Re: UK driving licence
You can't exchange your CDN license for a UK one until 6 months after arrival but you can continue to drive an automatic car during that time. After 6 months and before 12 months you can exchange your CDN license for a UK license. I think it's £50. While you exchange it, drivers in the UK (so I understand) are not legally required to carry their drivers license while driving so if you get pulled over during those 2 weeks while you're exchanging your license, I guess it's not a big deal. Seems odd but...
Apr 22nd 2014, 9:26 pm
#33
Going back....
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 192
Re: UK driving licence
So even if you previously held a UK licence and had to exchange it for a Canadian one you still have to wait 6 months? How does this impact on getting insurance, will UK insurers accept a Canadian licence as equivalent? Confused.....
Apr 22nd 2014, 9:42 pm
#34
Forum Regular
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 113
Re: UK driving licence
My DH previously had a UK license but realized it expired when we moved back a few months ago. (Not sure why it wasn't exchanged when he went back to Canada). He just sent it away and exchanged it for a new one with photos and got it back within 2 weeks. We had already bought a car and it was insured here, with discounts based on his Canadian driving history (from ICBC). I'm listed on the insurance with my CDN license and will exchange for a UK license in a few months.
Apr 22nd 2014, 9:58 pm
#35
BE Forum Addict
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,348
Re: UK driving licence
If you're applying for a replacement of your previous licence, you're not exchanging so can do it straight away I believe. If you exchange a Canadian licence, you have to wait, and you can also only drive automatics on your new licence. When I inquired though, they did say they would want the Ontario licence that I'd exchanged my British one for when I moved here.
Apr 27th 2014, 8:46 pm
#36
Just Joined
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 25
Re: UK driving licence
Canadian authorities returned his license to DVLA (when they swapped it for a Canadian one) and DVLA has this in their records.
Apr 27th 2014, 8:58 pm
#37
Just Joined
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 25
Re: UK driving licence
Exchanged my license for a full UK driving license on the second month of returning to the UK... Technically they require you to be resident (hence the 6 month advisory period).
