M_and_M

It is law to have the details on your driving licence up to date. You can be fined for an incorrect address on there.

Once you move out of the UK your licence becomes invalid because you must be resident in the UK to hold a valid UK licence

Robbie2010

If that was the case everyone driving in NZ on their UK licence would be driving illegally as your licence must be valid to convert it to an NZ one!

Show me your source of information where it says you must tell the DVLA that you are leaving the UK.

Tom1983

I'd like to see this note about informing the DVLA as wel

Because when we made me move, I was told I only had to change the address on the UK licence if I would still be driving in the UK. As this was not the case, and I wouldn't be returning for a year, there was no requirement to do this

Once it's near renewal date, you just let the licence expire and use your NZ licence. Well, that's what i'd be doing if we ever return for a trip to Blighty

M_and_M

There's no need to yell at me, and if you don't believe me, then ignore me.

I have been back to the UK several times and car insurances won't insure me because my UK licence is void (because I don't live there any more).

M_and_M

There's no need to yell at me, and if you don't believe me, then ignore me.

I have been back to the UK several times and car insurances won't insure me because my UK licence is void (because I don't live there any more).

Stormer999

I informed DVLA Swansea that I was emigrating to NZ. They said I could not register my NZ address in the UK but I needed to inform NZ driving licence peeps of my new abode and the fact I would be driving on a UK licence. DVLA said they would note my UK absence on record for expiry purposes or return to the UK.
Considering I will not be needing a UK licence again then I need not have bothered.
So everyone is right.

Robbie2010

Nobody is yelling at you but... you said that people must tell the DVLA when they leave the UK .. They don't!

What has going back to the UK and car insurances got to do with telling the DVLA you have left the UK?

tiger mama

Thanks all for your advice!

We contacted the DVLA on the phone and got a definitive answer once and for all. No, you don't inform them you're going overseas. However when you apply for the NZ license, the NZ licensing authority informs the DVLA on your behalf.

MrsFychan

thats nice of nz licencing. thank you for finding that out saves me a phone call/stamp

Snap Shot

Nice one, that's useful, thanks