UK driving licence
 

I don't drive. This is about my husband's licence.

When we came to Canada 8 years ago, and he went to get a Canadian licence, they took his British licence off him.

How does he get it back when we return in July?

I've looked at the DVLA website and it says that if you swap a Canadian licence for a British one, then you are only allowed to drive an automatic. It also says you have to be resident in the UK, defined as having been here for 185 days, which is a hell of a long time to wait.

Does anyone know a way round this?

Re: UK driving licence
 

There is a form for applying for a replacement UK license. I can't recall what details you have to fill in on your past license but I think some form of ID (like a passport) is required if you don't have details of the license (such as the previous license number).

Re: UK driving licence
 

Re: UK driving licence
 

That's not going to work, is it? If you read what it says underneath.

Re: UK driving licence
 

Can't see anything adverse? Just report it lost and apply for a replacement.

Re: UK driving licence
 

Making a false statement to obtain a licence is a criminal offence. I'm interested in doing it legally.

Re: UK driving licence
 

There has been threads on this before. The rule for only driving an automatic if you swap the canadian license for the UK one only applies when you took your test in an automatic car. You have to prove that you took the test in a standard car which is what you do when you take the UK test. If you can remember your UK license number or have a copy still then you can use that as proof. If not you will have to let the DVLA know that your husband previously held a UK license and took his test in the UK. If they can find these records then they will give him a UK license without any restrictions.

Re: UK driving licence
 

Thanks.

Re: UK driving licence
 

How is it illegal? Your husband no longer has his licence and he doesn't know where it is. All in likelihood it has been destroyed by the Canadian authorities. If you're worried about the correct procedure why not ring the DVLA and ask then?

Re: UK driving licence
 

That argument would not wash in court. Trust me I'm a (retired) lawyer.

Re: UK driving licence
 

Ask the Canadians for it back then. Not really sure what answer you're expecting to find by asking on here. Either it's lost or destroyed and needs replacing or it's not. If you want to do things strictly by the book then ring the DVLA and ask them. I highly suspect they will give you exactly the same answer.

Re: UK driving licence
 

No they won't. A surrendered licence is not a lost licence. The Canadians do not give back foreign licences once they have been surrendered.

What I'm hoping to find by asking on here is someone who has been through the procedure and knows what to do.

Re: UK driving licence
 

The DVLA people are very helpful on the phone (at least they were when I was still in England). I would give them a quick call. You are probably over-thinking this.

Re: UK driving licence
 

I sent off an email query to the DVLA today. I just thought someone might have already dealt with the same problem.

Re: UK driving licence