mikelincs

In many countries. like the EU, you have to haave a photo license as they don't recognise the paper one, the are not aware just what it is. You still have to carry the paper one as well as that one is the license, not the photocard.

Dave242

This might be useful to someone in a similar situation:

I wanted to know what would be a proper, legal way to deal with the following situation: I am moving to The Bahamas for about 6-8 years, and didn't want my UK Driving Licence to become invalid, lapse etc, etc.
As I already have a full Bahamas licence, I do not need to exchange the UK one for it.
During my stay in Nassau I will not be resident in the UK (50% tax? Yeah, right!), so won't have an address in my name. My current UK licence is due for a photograph renewal in 5 years.

Called DVLA and had a long detailed conversation ... Here's what I was told by DVLA:

1. Renew the licence now, before leaving for Nassau, so it'll have a fresh 10 yrs validity, taking care of my time away from the UK.
2. No need to notify them of me leaving the UK, as they are not interested in overseas address.
3. UK Licence will remain valid and the fact that it'll have my old address in a few years time, when I'm back in the UK will not subject me to a lovely £1,000 fine, as long as I notify them of a new address, once I'm here.

So, rather pleased with the situation, as I didn't want to do anything even slightly dodgy (friend/relative's address, etc), but on the other hand, certainly didn't fancy taking a driving test on my return (Bahamas DL can not be exchanged for a UK one).

Cheers,
Dave

holly_1948

Yes, that is crucial, as soon as you move back to the UK you must tell them your new address right away. (Unless you move back into the same address you left).
You must not drive around for a year on your foreign licence without telling them you new address and (at least) the number on your old licence.
If you are unable to renew a ten year old photo (because you are not allowed to if still abroad) you still get to keep the licence and can notify the new address on return. You may be fined for not renewing photo but you will still not lose the licence and can renew it immediately after moving back.

ldollard

What happens if you never had a license in the UK, I only ever had one in the USA.

holly_1948

Then you can drive up to one year on your American license and during that time you must obtain a provisional licence and pass the road test.
For some foreign countries you can obtain a British licence on a reciprocal basis without doing the road test; USA is not one of those countries.
Most people in that situation will take a few formal paid driving lessons. To learn test technique as much as anything.

spouse of scouse

What a handy thread, thanks all! When I exchange my Australian licence for a UK one, does anyone know if my Aus licence is sent back to me along with the new, UK one? I did look on the relevent links but couldn't find that info. I would like to keep my Aus licence current as well if possible, so I can drive while back in Australia on visits.

Panhandle

Yes you will get everything back except the fee

spouse of scouse

Bugger, that was my next question Thanks for the info Panhandle.

brioche

According to INF1D - How to fill in your application for a driving licence (D1):

If you exchange your non-UK licence you must send us your current one. We cannot return it to you.

As a visitor, you can drive in Australia with a UK licence.

holly_1948

I can see why they want to snatch a (for example) French licence when you exchange. But it makes no sense to me for an Aussie.

So I guess it comes down for Aussies to either (1) Exchange and give up the Aussie licence or (2) Get a UK provisional licence, pass the test and keep the Aussie licence. Your choice.

Who said the law is an ass?

Alfresco

Yes, that is correct. The DVLA does not return your foreign licence to you.

spouse of scouse

Ta for the info everyone. I wonder what they do with all the old ones.
Ok, stopped wondering now.

I'll exchange mine for the UK one and use it on visits to the UK as Brioche suggests. Heee-hawww!

holly_1948

They probably send them, in batches, to Oz. Where they check you are not banned (and you are for the high jump if you are banned in Oz and fail to go the provisional+on the road test route).

roaringmouse

Which isn't a major problem, as if you move back to Australia you can easily swap the UK licence for a licence from whichever state you go to (and certainly in the case for Victoria, they give back your UK licence).

Alfresco

Yep, same in QLD. We have all ours still.


They send it back to the country that issued it.

www.dft.gov.uk/dvla/~/media/pdf/leaflets/INF38.ashx

"You must send us your non-GB licence, which we will return to the authority that issued it."