OleJanx

I always had a UK address and also a registered car to that address but had understanding insurance brokers; I paid a bit more than a total resident, but I had a car and address in the UK, right or wrongly, and it was a great help when I brought back a Mercedes from the Gulf, as I had several years no claim to off set the fact I wanted to insure an imported LHD car.

Beakersful

The Residency and 'permanent address' links into domestic bank accounts/cards and ability to buy things online (family birthday/seasonal gifts, etc, helping out partners you're leaving behind temporarily) I can feel some 'anonymous' phone calls coming on over this. But my bank didn't bat an eye even when I said I am giving up my rented accommodation in the process. We don't stop being British through all this (I want a return of the black passport and the determined identity that went with it. that slammed me through an awkward situation with a tosspot in a certain marxist nation back in the 80's)

jackthehat

Sorry Janx, Until I am 70! But I can drive for one year, on the UAE, Saudi, Qatar, or Philippines Licence whilst back in the UK. After one year, leave the Country (down the Chunnel) return, and the year starts again! - But you have to request a 'Stamp' in your Passport. After more than 15 Years overseas, my old UK Licence is worthless! - Despite that, it got me the last one!

The response I received from DVLA last year was 'Yes, you need to prove that you are Resident in UK and will have to take a Driving Test!'

busybee2

people panic and think that i should renew my photocard etc "when i am back in the uk" as i may get a fine for not doing so, but if you are not resident in the uk, you cannot legally renew it, if when you go back to the uk to live you can renew your photocard without being fined. use your uae licence, its not worth the hassle if you do have an accident and then you will have no licence or insurance, as said above the car companies arent bothered they will always take your uk licence, but technically when you swapped your uk for your uae the police should have taken your licence away and sent it back to dvla so you do not have a uk licence.

busybee2

they probably dont realise what the rules are. yes if you do not have a valid photocard you can be fined. but the rules do state that in order to renew you have to be resident in the uk, if you go back for a holiday for a couple of days, does that mean you are resident, nope. its not offence abroad as you dont use your uk licence abroad.

Eeyore

No, you don't have to retest. You don't have to do anything. Once you're living permanently in the UK again, your licence is automatically valid again. The DVLA has no idea that you spent any time living outside the UK, unless you made a point of telling them (and who does that?)

I swapped my old-style licence for a photocard one a couple of years ago, using the online application system and putting my parents' house down as my address. I knew I was potentially taking a risk, but I knew of other people who'd done it without problems, so I went for it.

There are a few worrying statements on the website, including one about checking things like the electoral register, but it all just worked. I didn't even have to supply a photo, because they can automatically pull across your passport photo from whatever government computer that's stored on.

busybee2

i know someone that has lived overseas for a long time,she tried to renew licence online, but was looked into and caught, i think she got off with a warning, and was told that she must only do it when she is in the country again etc. yes if your passport is under 5 years old they will take the photo from there, but remember they can tell where you renewed your passport if its from dusseldorf and not the uk, gives them a little bit of a clue.

Beakersful

There will be a lot of crossover between computer systems then that will inevitably catch everyone out I guess. Although our current government does seem to be rather incompetent where any bureaucracy is concerned except where it means collecting fines from middle class people (who, as easy targets, don't really need harassing any further)

If we don't have to retest when we come back home, and it's just about forking over some cash and photos to get the UK driving license back then it's not the end of the world.

Eeyore

The authorities here don't actually take your UK licence away when you exchange it for a UAE one (strictly speaking they should take it and send it back to the DVLA so that you're no longer in physical possession of a UK licence, but that's far too much like work). As long as that situation continues then there's literally nothing to be done when you move back to the UK - you're a permanent resident again, so your licence is valid.

The only downside is that you will probably have to start again from zero no-claims discount with your car insurance. UAE insurers often accept proof of NCD from UK insurers, but you may well have problems convincing UK insurers to accept NCD from UAE insurers.

Beakersful

1) That reminds me, on having updated my photo section I was supposed to send DVLA my old one back, cut up. Better get on it soon!

2) I'm going to Saudi, does anyone return from their pinball table like roads with any NCD?

OleJanx

No....