sofistek

I think that, legally, one has to notify the DVLA about address changes. they then send you a new licence with your new address.

Is there any reason at all to do this, once I move to NZ (fingers crossed)?

Watt Dabney

Funny you should ask this as i have been wondering what to do about my UK driving licence. Couldn't find anything on the DVLA website so I have e-mailed them. Cause surley if I want to drive when I visit the UK I need my current address on my licence, but on the back of mine it says it has to be a permanent UK address.

Will tell you what they say when I get a reply.

Paula

janeyray

I still want to keep my British driving licence so I am going to change the address to my parents address, even though I am living in Oz. When I go back for visits this is where I will be staying so its kind of my address

wizzywozza

I just used my Aussie licence when I was back in the UK. I think if you got stopped by the police for any reason they would be more lenient if you used an Aussie or Kiwi licence. That's my theory anyway. You can always get an international one as well.

jaz

So how would you go about getting an international license. Do you need to take an international test, and I presume you would also have to give up your UK license, but then you would not nee to take the Australian test. A very interesting thought. I wonder if you need to retake your test every so often as you would in Australia, and many other countries.

Has anyone done this or equired about it?

kentcoast

Hi Jaz,

Common misconception, an international driving licence is not actually a licence at all - it's just an internationalised version of a local licence that provides details of that licence in a recognised format and translates it into a number (can't remember how many) of languages.

Most countries will recognise foreign licences for up to three months out of twelve.

The plus side is that you won't get points on a foreign licence, the down side is that depending on offence and country you may be dealt with there and then by spot fine (most of mainland europe) or even arrest (UK - rare but does happen)

Cheers

Perry

sofistek

I didn't realise that it stated a UK address was needed. Giving the parents' address sounds a good idea. Let us know what the DVLA says, Paula.

Thanks.

Watt Dabney

Well just had my reply from DVLA and this is what they say.

I cannot have my address changed on my licence as the address on there has to be my PERMANENT UK address. If I ever come back to the UK to live
I just change my address then. When I come back to visit I will be able to drive on my NZ licence for a max of 12 mths.

So there you go, hope this helps. Not sure about putting on my mums address, don't think it has any advantages.


Paula

sofistek

Thanks, Paula. So I guess it is still a valid licence, unless you go back to the UK permanently. Odd but fair enough.

Don

Problem is, if you have to hire a car, they look at your old UK licence and ask if the address is still valid. If you lie, (because you no longer live there), I guess it invalidates the insurance?

Cheers - Don

sofistek

then I guess the thing to do is buy one as quickly as possible. However, iIt's certainly legal to drive on your UK licence for up to a year in NZ, so I can't see why car insurance would be invalidated, either for hire cars or private cars.

Has anyone had a problem with this?