Originally Posted by Guindalf

The IDP is just a translation of your UK DL, used for non-English speaking countries. It doesn't give you any more rights than the regular one, therefore it's a complete waste.

You've already learned a foreign language if you live in 'Bama anyway!

Originally Posted by MarylandNed

No, you don't hand it in at all.

There is no such thing as an "American driving licence". Individual states issue driving licences. Actually, there is no such thing as a UK driving licence either. There is a GB licence (issued by the DVLA) and a separate NI licence (issued by the DVA in NI).

Reciprocity agreements exist between the DVLA and other licencing bodies that allow drivers to exchange licences without taking a driving test. Separate reciprocity agreements exist between the DVA and other licencing bodies. Unfortunately, I don't believe that there are any reciprocity agreements between DVLA/DVA and any US states. So you'll have to take the state driving test.

I did a driving test in Ontario, Canada after I moved there from the UK in 1989. There was no reciprocity agreement in place at that time between Ontario and the DVLA so I still have my GB licence. It's the old, green paper version and it's valid until 2035 (although technically speaking it's not valid at all since I don't live there anymore). I actually moved back to the UK for a couple of years in the 90's and continued to use it (was it invalid when I did this? Don't know, don't care. I updated my address). When I moved to Maryland, they just gave me a Maryland licence because I already had an Ontario licence (reciprocity agreements exist between US states and Canadian provinces).

Originally Posted by Tim Beardsley

I have an old green paper UK driving license valid until sometime after 2020. I wrote to the DVLC about it to ask if it was still valid because I am living in the USA. After some hemming and hawing, they wrote to say, yes, it is still valid. I used it to get insurance to drive a family member's car in the UK when I visit. The license details were checked by the insurer and found to be OK.

Originally Posted by Jerseygirl

It is still valid but it cannot be renewed if you are not a UK resident. The problem is with the address...I'm pretty sure it has to be your current UK address where you are resident.

Originally Posted by Steve_

I never understand this fascination with holding onto DLs from places where you don't live. Couldn't you just use your US licence?

Anyway, as far as the judge goes, a DL is something HMRC (and every other tax authority) uses for determining residency because it's something only a resident can get, because it lists your address on it. I can think of various tax forms where it actually asks the question, for example NR74 which is a CRA form, or IRS form 8840.

Also, there's the issue of driver compacts, i.e. are you going to get points or a fine. Well for example there is no driver compact between Alberta and any US jurisdiction, so there are no points. US States have very few driver compacts, some of the NE States have driver compacts with Ontario and Québec and so does Kentucky I think but that's about it. The UK on the other hand has loads of reciprocal agreements. If you get a ticket in the UK and you're using a UK licence and you don't live there, then what?

I was quite happy for the Alberta MoT to shred my GB licence and I don't miss it!

Originally Posted by Steve_

I never understand this fascination with holding onto DLs from places where you don't live.

Originally Posted by rpjs

I've always assumed that people think if they return to the UK they'd have to start from scratch with a provisional, L-plates and have to take the test again. My understanding[1] is that that's not the case and if you passed the UK test and held a full licence there in the past, you can get a full licence re-issued by the DVLA if you return to the UK to take up residence again.

[1] Never actually had a UK licence so may be wrong.

Originally Posted by Jerseygirl

I thought this to be the case also but we have a member over in the MBTTUK forum who the DVLA has refused to issue him with a new DL. Admittedly he has lived in the US for some years and is over retirement age...maybe that makes a difference

Originally Posted by Shirtback

(I try to avoid the DL threads as it seems we go round & round the house on them !)

It is the case. Depending on age.

My (pink paper) UK DL is (confirmed by DVLA) valid until 20** OR my 70th birthday, whichever comes soonest. Perhaps this explains the above case .

Originally Posted by sir_eccles

Worth pointing out that the license is going to be solely a photocard from next year. No paper counterpart anymore. As I understand it, if the details on your paper license are still correct you can still use it. Should your address change you will have to get a photocard license (I think the fee is waived).

Originally Posted by sir_eccles

...Should your address change you will have to get a photocard license (I think the fee is waived).

Originally Posted by sir_eccles

Worth pointing out that the license is going to be solely a photocard from next year. No paper counterpart anymore. As I understand it, if the details on your paper license are still correct you can still use it. Should your address change you will have to get a photocard license (I think the fee is waived).

Originally Posted by Jerseygirl

...and you cannot legally get a photocard license if you are not a UK resident.