Steve2009

I just verified this with the RTA. Bad news unfortunately. Overseas drivers can have demerit points accrued against their overseas licences. Overseas drivers may receive 14 points (compared to 12 for Aussie licences) before they are suspended.

ABCDiamond

Most States do not deface a british licence, or require that you surrender it.

However, I do know that there is one that does, and I assume, without looking it up, that it is Victoria.

NSW used to punch a hole in a British Licence, but they don't do that these days.

With the State that does require your licence, it is not compulsory to hand it over, they do give you the option to take the driving tests if you prefer not to give them your licence.

ABCDiamond

That 'may" only be NSW ? I haven't looked, but as many State rules are different, it 'may' apply.

Notts_bloke

I think defacing a UK licence is totally unreasonble given that it is still a valid legal document. If you are a UK citizen you have every right to have a UK licence still.

JAJ

Being a British citizen does not entitle you to a British driving licence! Entitlement is based on residence.

Anyway, no such thing as a "UK" licence - there are five separate British licensing jurisdictions in the British Isles alone, leaving aside the overseas territories.

Notts_bloke

Someone better tell the DVLA to stop printing "UK" on the front of the licences it issues then.

Notts_bloke

Also you don't seem to know the difference between the British Isles and the UK.

hoveactually

I thought entitlement to a UK licence was based on one's ability to pass the driving test not residence?

Steve2009

In fairness s/he didn't suggest that there weren't non-British jurisdictions within the Isles. Most of us Irish aren't that easily upset.

ABCDiamond

Why can't that apply to Australians in the UK then ?

The UK rules are: "you must surrender your foreign licence which will be returned to the issuing authority" http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring...nce/DG_4022562

But here in Australia, most States just hand it back to you, although one State puts a small hole in it.

Maybe it would be better if they did it the British way ?

AMCD

Most states seem to have different rules on driving. Am I right in saying that you cannot get a NSW licence now until you are living here six months which is very different to the other states where you have three months to transfer to an oz one?

Notts_bloke

Well if people are going to be pedantic they should at least get the facts correct!!

JAJ

It's the same reason as NSW puts "Australia" on its licences as well as "New South Wales".

A Northern Ireland licence is just as much a "UK" licence as one issued by DVLA. So there is no single "United Kingdom" licence.

And I was correct in stating there are five British licence issuing authorities in the British Isles - I was not including the Republic of Ireland.

ABCDiamond

No

Permanent Residents, in all States, are breaking the law if they are driving without a State licence after 3 months of arriving here, or becoming resident here.

However, a Temporary overseas visitor who wishes to obtain a NSW licence, must wait 6 months before they can apply.
These "Q Licences" will be marked with the letter code ‘Q’ in the conditions area on the front of the licence, with the accompanying text ‘Evidence of permanent resident status not provided to the RTA’ appearing on the back of the licence.

steve99

And you'll almost definitely find that your car insurance is therefore invalid .