UK driving licence
#1
UK driving licence
Hi guys,
When you moved to NZ what did you do with your UK driving licence? Did you tell DVLA you were moving abroad? And if so do you have to 'surrender' your licence as you can not register a UK licence to foreign address?
We have NZ licences and wonder if there is any point in keeping the UK one. I think I have read that you 'have to' tell the DVLA of change of address or you can be fined etc?
When you moved to NZ what did you do with your UK driving licence? Did you tell DVLA you were moving abroad? And if so do you have to 'surrender' your licence as you can not register a UK licence to foreign address?
We have NZ licences and wonder if there is any point in keeping the UK one. I think I have read that you 'have to' tell the DVLA of change of address or you can be fined etc?
#2
Re: UK driving licence
Hi guys,
When you moved to NZ what did you do with your UK driving licence? Did you tell DVLA you were moving abroad? And if so do you have to 'surrender' your licence as you can not register a UK licence to foreign address?
We have NZ licences and wonder if there is any point in keeping the UK one. I think I have read that you 'have to' tell the DVLA of change of address or you can be fined etc?
When you moved to NZ what did you do with your UK driving licence? Did you tell DVLA you were moving abroad? And if so do you have to 'surrender' your licence as you can not register a UK licence to foreign address?
We have NZ licences and wonder if there is any point in keeping the UK one. I think I have read that you 'have to' tell the DVLA of change of address or you can be fined etc?
You have no obligation whatsoever to tell them anything. As to what to do with the UK one? Keep it. You never know if you may need it again. I have kept mine and been away 5 years and have no intention of returning on a perm. basis. When driving on vacation in the UK I will present my kiwi licence if needed to.
#3
Re: UK driving licence
DVLA won't accept an overseas address so best if you change it to a family or friend's address in the UK.
You don't surrender it here, just show it to get a NZ one (go to the AA for this and the quick sight test).
You don't surrender it here, just show it to get a NZ one (go to the AA for this and the quick sight test).
#4
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2008
Location: Sydney
Posts: 412
Re: UK driving licence
You're fine to keep a paper one forever (well, until 65/70) but the photocard & counterpart one needs renewing every 10 years. The renewal for that specifies that when you're signing you're confirming that you are resident in the UK.
It's actually cheaper to let it lapse and get a new one if you go back (same exchange is possible so no test). Unless you know that you are going back soon.
The DVLA website states as others have said that you don't have to inform them if leaving the UK for good.
It's actually cheaper to let it lapse and get a new one if you go back (same exchange is possible so no test). Unless you know that you are going back soon.
The DVLA website states as others have said that you don't have to inform them if leaving the UK for good.
#5
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 287
Re: UK driving licence
We are coming over in a few weeks, both have UK driving licences.
OH had lost his photocard so ordered new one (£20 ), he now has paper and photocard.
I can't find my paper bit but have photocard... is this enough to bring to NZ to use for the 1st year and then to get a NZ licence? Or should I pay another £20 and get the paper bit too?!
Thanks
OH had lost his photocard so ordered new one (£20 ), he now has paper and photocard.
I can't find my paper bit but have photocard... is this enough to bring to NZ to use for the 1st year and then to get a NZ licence? Or should I pay another £20 and get the paper bit too?!
Thanks
#8
Forum Regular
Joined: May 2007
Location: North Shore now
Posts: 203
Re: UK driving licence
I wouldn't bother getting the paper license if you have the plastic one. Just get an NZ one when you arrive. It's as simple as going to an AA centre, taking an elimentary eye test and having your picture taken. No worries
#9
Re: UK driving licence
AFAIK no-one else anywhere in the world understands the UK paper bit so don´t expect or ask for it once they see the plastic card bit...
#10
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2008
Location: Sydney
Posts: 412
Re: UK driving licence
We are coming over in a few weeks, both have UK driving licences.
OH had lost his photocard so ordered new one (£20 ), he now has paper and photocard.
I can't find my paper bit but have photocard... is this enough to bring to NZ to use for the 1st year and then to get a NZ licence? Or should I pay another £20 and get the paper bit too?!
Thanks
OH had lost his photocard so ordered new one (£20 ), he now has paper and photocard.
I can't find my paper bit but have photocard... is this enough to bring to NZ to use for the 1st year and then to get a NZ licence? Or should I pay another £20 and get the paper bit too?!
Thanks
#11
Re: UK driving licence
They are not interested in the paper bit in NZ or Aussie I wouldn,t bother
Neil
Neil
#13
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 287
Re: UK driving licence
Thanks for all the feedback
Just thought, may not need it for NZ but will I need the paper bit for car hire in the U.S for our mini-trip on the way to NZ?!
Just thought, may not need it for NZ but will I need the paper bit for car hire in the U.S for our mini-trip on the way to NZ?!
#14
Re: UK driving licence
I never have, the only traffic cop I have spoken to didn't expect or ask for it either - guess how I know