Wigan Warrior

My uk drivers licence expires soon (well the photo card does) is it worth renewing or would I be able to switch my aus one if I ever went back? I've added to my licence since I've been here so my aus one is better for me than my uk one.

Cheers,
Ww

al150n

Mine expired in January & I didn't renew it. I exchanged my UK license for my Oz one in September & as I understand it (& hope I understood it correctly ) if I move back to the UK I can swap my Oz license back for a UK one.

Alison x

Wigan Warrior

Thanks Alison.

I'll save my money and let it expire!

Tubbs2Oz

You wont even need to swap your Aus one for another UK one, except WW you might want to to get the extras that you've added. It states on the DVLA (or DirectGov) website that you can just get a replacement when you come back as your actual licence is still valid (unless you leave it until your 70). So you can have both on the go still. I'm going to let my photocard lapse too, there's no point paying 20 pounds every 10 years when you don't have to, plus you're supposed to sign saying that you are resident, which we're not.

moneypenny20

You can't renew it as you are no longer resident in the UK.

Beoz

Having a UK license does help getting into RSL clubs when living within the 5k.

moneypenny20

How?

paddyo

lol...I can vouch for that!!!

RSL visitors do not have to pay if they live outside 5k of the club, you have to show proof of address and hey presto this is where your UK license comes in.

moneypenny20

It's hardly a big deal, paying a few dollars a year to help the clubs support the people who fought for their country though, is it?

paddyo

Exactly. My photocard license expired last year (June 10) and was concerned that the date on it might confuse people, easily confused these ozzie bureaucrats!!. I was back in UK last month on holiday and called the DVLA and asked about getting my photocard renewed, I also explained that I am only a Australian Temporary Resident and in NSW a Temp Res does not need a NSW driving license (you can get one but it is only a Temp Driving License and has to be renewed every year). I was told 2 important things:

1. If you do not reside in the UK with a permanent UK address you can not renew/apply for a photocard license. If you somehow obtain one via nefarious means (like getting your renter to onward post it to you if your house is rented out - like me) then you engaged in fraud.
2. If your paper counterfoil is still in date (mine is until 2032) then as an 'overseas visitor' in the UK that is a legal form of driving license to use and provide should you need it, e.g. stopped for speeding. It also means it is valid internationally wherever a UK license is accepted.

So I am cleared legally to drive on my paper counterfoil, but, and this only applies to Temp Res people in NSW like me, I MAY still have issues when having to show my driving license for ID purposes here. As a matter of course I always show my paper counterfoil when hiring a car as well....makes life so much easier than having to explain everything!~!

paddyo

I am a fully paid up member of my local RSL.

When I go away with work or use other local RSL's/Bowling Clubs/etc then that is when it comes in handy.

paddyo

and I did say 'visitors' not local members by the way.

paddyo

and another thing.....

Its the pokie machines that support the clubs, certainly not the meagre membership rates they charge. Each machine has an average ratio of 12.5% payout....I want to put two in my front porch and get the local miscreants to play them and pay my rent!!

Beoz

It's not an RSL thing, its a club thing. I have nothing against supporting the diggers but if I have to then support the bowlers, the league players, the trade unionists, and all the other clubs then it gets a little silly. Looks like the 5k thing is a legal requirement for clubs?????

moneypenny20

But if you have one membership card for a club in the area, the other clubs accept their card as well, you don't have to 'support' the others. Then if you're visiting one outside the area, you have your Aus driving licence to prove where you live.