Obtaining a drivers abstract from the UK
 

HI all,

I recently moved to BC, from Alberta, prior to that- Manitoba- prior to that- England.

When I first arrived in Manitoba I exchanged my UK driving license for a Manitoba driving license. I then exchanged that one for an Alberta one then albert>BC license when I moved here. At this point I was told I would need to provide proof for the extent of my driving history in order to get a lower rate of insurance from the BC provider. I was told this would be referred to as an "original drivers abstract" or "certificate of entitlement". I went onto the DVLA website but couldn't access my drivers history as I no longer have a UK license.

Does anyone know how I can get what they need to over here to show my driving history? I have 12+ years of no claims that I would like to be applied but no idea how to acquire the relevant document.

I appreciate any input or advice anyone has to offer. Thanks!

Re: Obtaining a drivers abstract from the UK
 

I’ve seen comments on a Facebook group advising people moving over to Canada to get that info before swapping their licence as it’s lost at that point. I was left with the impression that it couldn’t then be retrieved unfortunately.

Re: Obtaining a drivers abstract from the UK
 

You probably won't be able to obtain the online version as you have already exchanged your license, but should be able to get the paper version.
Paper application: https://www.gov.uk/government/public...driving-record
:)

Re: Obtaining a drivers abstract from the UK
 

That’s good to know, although I see that there’s a warning about processing times for such requests at present. The comments I’d seen elsewhere didn’t realise that was a possibility - thanks.

Re: Obtaining a drivers abstract from the UK
 

You can call DVLA Driving Records and see if they can help. Their no. is +44 179 278 2200.

Re: Obtaining a drivers abstract from the UK
 

Does one need to complete this? I remember last time I lived in BC, I just exchanged my licence and was given a Canadian licence. I'm assuming the abstract only helps with lower insurance premiums, as in it's not mandatory to get this in order to get a Canadian licence? Will BC take into account my previous Canadian driving history??

Re: Obtaining a drivers abstract from the UK
 

Read this link

https://www.icbc.com/insurance/movin...residents.aspx

Re: Obtaining a drivers abstract from the UK
 

You are correct- it is not mandatory to prove driver history acquire a Canadian license (due the the reciprocal exchange agreement). I need it to qualify for a much lower rate of insurance. I exchanged my UK license in Manitoba back in 2018 so as far as BC is concerned that is the first non-learner license I have owned. I've been driving (no claims) for about 15 years longer than that so want to be able to prove that fact for the lower rate. Scans of my original UK license are not sufficient (which I think is a little unreasonable).

Re: Obtaining a drivers abstract from the UK
 

I'm trying to avoid the international call but I think I will have to resort to this. The DVLA like to keep their contact info close to their chest for some reason! Thankyou for the reply.

Re: Obtaining a drivers abstract from the UK
 

You probably won't be able to obtain the online version as you have already exchanged your license, but should be able to get the paper version.
Paper application: https://www.gov.uk/government/public...driving-record

Re: Obtaining a drivers abstract from the UK
 

Is it OK to jump in with a question? Wasn't sure about starting a new thread for a similar enquiry. Does any one have an idea of what I need to search/apply for to get a full UK driving licence history? I can get the online one, but it only shows my current licence which was renewed in April this year. I've had a UK licence since 2002 but I don't know how I get proof of that? (Looking to exchange my UK licence for a BC one. Have looked at the DVLA and ICBC sites but seem to be going in circles a little bit!)

Re: Obtaining a drivers abstract from the UK
 

Yea no worries about asking your own question. It sounds like you are essentially in the same situation as me. You don't need a full driving history to exchange your license (or get insurance for that matter). If you need to show your "driving history" for insurance- they actually only want to know when you acquired the first, full (non-learner) license you ever received. To do that you will need to get a letter of entitlement like I am training to attain myself.

The dvla has been pretty slow to respond to me but I finally got an email back today. If you follow the same instructions they gave to me they will fax your Letter of entitlement to a fax number you provide. I was given the relevant fax number by the person who presented me my BC license.

"We appreciate that you have taken the time to contact us in relation to this matter.

If you need to provide proof of your entitlement to drive to a licensing authority overseas, please call us and weÂ’ll issue you with a certificate of entitlement.

You can call our Contact Centre on:
(+44)300 790 6801
Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm
Saturday 8am to 4pm

There is no fee for this service.

When you call to request the certificate of entitlement you will be asked to provide a fax number or postal address.

Before calling, please check with the licensing authority if they will accept a faxed copy of your driving entitlement or whether they require the original document.

Please note: Certificates can only be requested through calling the above telephone number and can only be sent via fax or post. If you require the certificate to be sent via post within the UK, it will be sent to the address showing on your driving licence.

I trust this is of assistance to you."

Hope that helps!

Re: Obtaining a drivers abstract from the UK
 

Amazing, thanks very much!

Re: Obtaining a drivers abstract from the UK
 

Just to clarify- if you have less than 2 years on the license you currently hold, you may need to get the letter of entitlement before you exchange your license. They may try to give you a learner license if you can't prove more than 2 years full license experience. You could try them and if they try to give you a learner license- leave, get the letter of entitlement faxed over, then return and exchange your license.

Best of luck!

Re: Obtaining a drivers abstract from the UK
 

(In case cost is an issue...) I use a provider called G3 Telecom. Only 1c/min to UK landline so a $5 top up goes a long way and there is no expiry. I use my cell phone to dial the access no. and then call the destination upon prompt.

Re: Obtaining a drivers abstract from the UK
 

​​​​​​
Due to some industrial actions they do NOT take any calls at the moment

Re: Obtaining a drivers abstract from the UK
 

Have you checked the back of the physical license? It should show how long you have held a license and which categories - the front only shows the date of renewal. :)

See this post.. https://britishexpats.com/forum/cana.../#post12948050

If you don't have it, you can also apply by mail https://www.gov.uk/government/public...driving-record

Re: Obtaining a drivers abstract from the UK
 

Good Morning,
Did you or anyone mange to get through to them? I have been trying for 2 weeks now and i don't even get put on hold i just get "all lines are busy please call back later good bye".
I have emailed them and i got the same generic letter that you got.

Re: Obtaining a drivers abstract from the UK
 

I called in late July before coming to Canada and the only way I got through on the phone to DVLA was to call IMMEDIATELY as they open.
I asked for my certificate of entitlement and they sent by fax within a few hours.

For insurance, I sent my CoE, drivers record and 6 years worth of insurance history from MIB to Johnsons. It saved me a lot - $2400pa down to $1600pa.