Trip back to the UK - Driving on a UK license
Nov 5th 2019, 5:40 pm
#1
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 96
Trip back to the UK - Driving on a UK license
Couldnt find anything on search (either within BE or using Google), but apologies if this has been covered before.
I moved to the USA a few months ago and have not yet obtained a US driving license. A family member has just passed away and I need to return next week - would I be able to drive in the UK using my UK license? It still still has my previous address information on unfortunately as Gov.uk suggests it is not possible to change license address when moving abroad, so obviously I didn't do this. I'm assuming it is probably not legal, but wondered if anybody had any actual experience or could cite any sources?
I would either add temporary insurance to a parent's car or look to rent a car myself, so need to also think about insurance coverage and rental policies as well.
I understand I probably could get away with it and I know many people who do this, but I'm keen to understand if it is legal or not.
TYIA
I moved to the USA a few months ago and have not yet obtained a US driving license. A family member has just passed away and I need to return next week - would I be able to drive in the UK using my UK license? It still still has my previous address information on unfortunately as Gov.uk suggests it is not possible to change license address when moving abroad, so obviously I didn't do this. I'm assuming it is probably not legal, but wondered if anybody had any actual experience or could cite any sources?
I would either add temporary insurance to a parent's car or look to rent a car myself, so need to also think about insurance coverage and rental policies as well.
I understand I probably could get away with it and I know many people who do this, but I'm keen to understand if it is legal or not.
TYIA
Nov 5th 2019, 8:46 pm
#2
Joined: Feb 2012
Location: Not in Paris
Posts: 18,193
Re: Trip back to the UK - Driving on a UK license
No, it’s not legal.
Nov 6th 2019, 1:51 am
#3
Heading for Poppyland
Joined: Jul 2007
Location: North Norfolk and northern New York State
Posts: 14,540
Re: Trip back to the UK - Driving on a UK license
If it was me, I’d take a train or coach to the locale - then be ferried around town by family & friends. I certainly wouldn’t drive.
Nov 6th 2019, 3:35 pm
#4
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 96
Re: Trip back to the UK - Driving on a UK license
Thank you, had assumed the case but hoped somebody may correct me. Looks like I'll be making use of family and taxis/public transport then
Nov 7th 2019, 7:15 am
#5
Concierge
Joined: Jan 2013
Location: Western Australia
Posts: 21,138
Re: Trip back to the UK - Driving on a UK license
Good decision. As you said in your opening post, some people probably do it and get away with it. But if any of those people are involved in an accident or picked up for even a minor traffic offence, they'll be up the proverbial creek without a toothpick, let alone a paddle.
