British Expats - Using old Driver's License

British Expats (https://britishexpats.com/forum/)

- Moving back or to the UK (https://britishexpats.com/forum/moving-back-uk-61/)

- - Using old Driver's License (https://britishexpats.com/forum/moving-back-uk-61/using-old-drivers-license-835555/)

Re: using old Driver's License

Quote:

Originally Posted by helendha (Post 11287839)

Long story short, lady very patiently explained that I must keep my address updated on my license while in the UK. You cannot have a non-UK address on your license, so no need to update it while you are overseas - however this does NOT invalidate your license. Upon your return, simply update it asap with you new and current address and away you go.

:goodpost:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lorac05 (Post 11288938)

The only driving licences being issued in the UK are photo ID ones so if you change your address then yes you will get a photo one. However if you stay at the same address that is on your paper licence you do not need to get a new photo one. There may come a point where the photo ID one becomes the standard but to my knowledge there is - currently - no law that will force people to have the photo one.

:goodpost:

This is it, in a nut shell!

The controversy arises all over the boards on the issue of driving on one's British DL, while visiting the UK, when resident abroad. As the above posters mentioned, green & pink paper licences don't lose validity until the date on them (or one's 70th birthday)

S

Re: Using old Driver's License

Quote:

Originally Posted by pondhopper2014 (Post 11288692)

How long can my Hunny drive on his Canadian DL before he has to switch it over? Can he use it till we get a permanent address or is there a limit of a few weeks?
Just curious now... :)

Up to 5 years, apparently, as long as his licence from a Canadian province remains valid. All the info at https://www.gov.uk/exchange-foreign-driving-licence

There are certain restrictions however.
S

Re: Using old Driver's License

Quote:

Originally Posted by pondhopper2014 (Post 11288692)

How long can my Hunny drive on his Canadian DL before he has to switch it over? Can he use it till we get a permanent address or is there a limit of a few weeks?
Just curious now... :)

If he formerly held a full UK driving licence he can simply get it renewed provided he is under 70 years of age. The same procedure as a change of address from old UK address (even if decades old) to new UK address.

If he never held a UK driving licence he can exchange his Canadian licence for a UK one, but if he does he will be limited to driving automatics unless he can prove he passed a road test in a manual or takes a UK driving test in a manual.

Renewed and exchanged are different processes, you can use one or the other.

Re: Using old Driver's License

Good info... thanks! He thought he's have something like three months and HAVE to do a test. He can drive standard, no problem (me on the other hand *gasp!*) but it's good to know he can at least get ONE DL there... or just stick with his Canadian one till he HAS to do the test (meaning, more time practicing before doing a test).
Thanks!! :)

Re: Using old Driver's License

Answers on the Moneysavingexpert site:

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/tra...riving-licence

- if you don't change address, there is no need to get a photo license until 2033.