Jerseygirl

OK it's not valid in the UK.

aml1982

That, to me, reads more like your GB drivers license cannot be registered for use in another country, not that you can no longer use it in the UK.

Looking at this page:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring...ng/DG_10023103

It seems like if you move abroad your license remains registered at your old address, unless you choose to exchange it for a license in your new country of residence.

JAJ

Once again - without a reference to the law (and something a lot more specific than "some EC directive"), you have no basis to state this as fact.

Jerseygirl

I'm just passing on the reply from the DVLA after I wrote to them.

JAJ

Perhaps if you could post the exact text it would be more meaningful, as it could then perhaps be verified against the law.

Just because someone at the DVLA said it doesn't make it true. But with references, everything can be clarified.

Jerseygirl

In that case I suggest any expat who wishes to use their UK DL whilst in the UK contact the DVLA in writing and ask.

sir_eccles

Road Traffic Act 1988

s89 Tests of competence to drive.

- states you must be resident to apply for a license

s174 False statements and withholding material information.

s175 Issue of false documents.

s176 Power to seize articles in respect of which offences under sections 173 to 175 may have been committed.

- these three sections basically say if you make a false statement (i.e. lie about your address) while applying for/renewing your license then an officer can seize it.

aml1982

Yeah, but none of that says your license becomes invalid when you move abroad. It says you must be a GB resident to apply for one, and the official website states that you don't have to contact DVLA to notify them of a move abroad.

traceym

A British driving license does not become 'invalid' until the date stated on it. An address must be given in the UK where the License holder can be contacted (regardless of where they live abroad.) UK Armed forces being the majority for this rule, they can be sent abroad for long periods, PO Box is not sufficient therefore a family member or friend's address can be used. This is basic information and quite readily available on the DVLA web site.

JAJ

If it's so readily available, perhaps a link would be appreciated?

srefre

Possibly a useful quote:

So first off you don't need to inform the DVLA when moving abroad.

Secondly, the returning to the UK from a non-EC\EEA country points strongly imply that your license is still valid, by the statement that if you are not in possesion of it, you can just apply for a duplicate.

Stranger things have happened, but I would assume they don't go round giving out duplicates of invalid licenses just for novelty value!

Source: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring...ng/DG_10023103

RayM

Back to the OP's question. Your friends/relatives should make sure that they explain to their insurance company that the car will be driven by a non-UK resident. This may cost more BUT it is the only way to ensure you have insurance cover.
Don't forget, if you do get stopped and the insurance company say you have no cover then the car will be seized and that is very costly!

The license issue seems complicated and isn't clear from the DVLA website.
If you have a US license you're ok, you can drive on that for up to 12 months.
If you have been living abroad and don't have a valid license for the country you are resident in you should check with the insurer that you are covered on your UK License, assuming it hasn't expired.

With insurance YOU MUST disclose all relevant facts. Ignorance is NEVER a valid excuse.

All of this is my opinion. I did check with my insurance company and they did say that you must declare if any driver of the vehicle is non-resident.

JAJ

The question of whether the licence is valid or not is a question of law - not a matter of the insurance company's opinion. I'm not saying don't check, but when you hear the answer no (as you probably will) it should immediately be challenged.