Robbiej

I'm from the UK and have been living in NZ for 20 years. I want to head back to the uk for 3 months a year to spend more time with my elderly mum.
Is there any way I can open a UK bank account? It would make life a lot easier. Could I use my mum's address? (I wouldn't strictly be UK resident)
Thanks for any thoughts.

Also would like to renew my expired UK driver license, but that's another can o worms

LittleGreyCat

You should be able to drive on an NZ driving licence.
We can drive on UK licence in NZ.
Why do you need a UK bank account?
Do you need more than a Wise account where you can draw money in any country?

[Just noted 666 posts - am I cursed now?]

Pulaski

A bank is going to want proof of residence, such as utility bill, and you being on the electoral roll, which as a visitor you wouldn't be eligible for (depending on how you define "visitor") and these days British banks generally won't open a/cs for non-residents, so would require some degree of subterfuge and deceit, especially if you put yourself on the electoral roll.

Ditto finnagling a UK Driving Licence - the rules are designed to ensure only residents get one - and in your case I think you'll be required to hand over your NZ licence. And obtaining a Driving licence may open up an ugly can of worms for you regarding you establishing tax residency.

Robbiej

I'll look into a Wise account, thannks.

Robbiej

Thanks for the advice Pulaski. I was planning to submit a licence application but I think you're right re: tax eligibility etc. I might move back full time in a couple of years, so don't want to mess that up that transition.

Robbiej

Yes I can drive on an NZ license, but have to hire a car which gets prohibitively expensive for 6 weeks at a time - it's more than the air fare. I can't get on to my mum's insurance with an NZ Licence, or insure a car myself. Hence why I was looking into renewing my UK license.

Justcol

I never updated mine and kept my old paper license, it doesn't expire until I'm 70 🙂

Having the license itself wouldn't solve your problem. Insurance covers UK residents not visitors. Simply holding the license isn't enough.
Some companies do offer specific policies for travelers, don't think you can insure someone else's vehicle though if it's already covered by another policy

Robbiej

You're lucky! I was on a photocard one which expired in 2012.