UK driving license renewals

[margaretcarnes]

On the back of the Thai license thread - this is something for Brit expats which I admit I wasn't aware of myself. Anyone who has the UK plastic card license needs to be aware that they need to be renewed after 10 years. The DVLA are supposed to send out reminders but that system is by no means reliable, and in any case how many expats have told the DVLA they are in HuaHin?
So just in case anyone might be thinking of going back home, or even just for visits and will need their UK license - keep an eye on the expiry date.

[Big Boy]

You will also need a UK address, because they don't issue them to non-UK residents. My son lost his a few months back, but fortunately we hadn't changed his address. However, we had to contact the people living at our old address, and arrange for them to receive it, and send it on.

[StevePIraq]

Don't forget you also have to update your photo on a regular basis or risk a large fine

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-20968886

[blue05]

to all those that got the lastic picture licence, unlucky

I decided against and kept the paper licence, still valid for another 23 years and accepted here in thailand too when stopped by the BIB- just say I am on holiday

[StevePIraq]

to all those that got the lastic picture licence, unlucky

I decided against and kept the paper licence, still valid for another 23 years and accepted here in thailand too when stopped by the BIB- just say I am on holiday

No it's not mate, Photo-card driving licences are set to become mandatory in 2015, when paper licences are officially phased out. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-20968886

They may still be accepted in Thailand after that but not in the UK and if not replaced by a plastic one by 2015 you have to take your test again.

[blue05]

fair do, as long as the Thai police dont get that link I should be fine, no plan to get back to UK ever

[Dannie Boy]

You will also need a UK address, because they don't issue them to non-UK residents. My son lost his a few months back, but fortunately we hadn't changed his address. However, we had to contact the people living at our old address, and arrange for them to receive it, and send it on.

BB, do you know whether you can give a "postal address" e.g. my sons address, as I no longer have a house in the UK?

[StevePIraq]

You will also need a UK address, because they don't issue them to non-UK residents. My son lost his a few months back, but fortunately we hadn't changed his address. However, we had to contact the people living at our old address, and arrange for them to receive it, and send it on.

BB, do you know whether you can give a "postal address" e.g. my sons address, as I no longer have a house in the UK?

You cannot give a PO Box, I gave my brothers address in the UK however he had to go into sign for it, luckily he could do my signature.

[Khundon1975]

Margaret I did mine last year, just another way for the DVLA to rip us off for another £20

[StevePIraq]

to all those that got the plastic picture licence, unlucky

I decided against and kept the paper license, still valid for another 23 years and accepted here in Thailand too when stopped by the BIB- just say I am on holiday

Blue,
Be aware that you cannot drive in Thailand on a UK driving license be it plastic or paper without also having an International Driving License, yes we all know many people do and the local traffic police don't usually seem to have problem with it however should you have an accident don't expect the insurance company to pay out for damages and injury as officially you are breaking the law and hence insurance does not apply.

Get yourself a Thai license, it is very easy and makes life so much simpler.

[Big Boy]

BB, do you know whether you can give a "postal address" e.g. my sons address, as I no longer have a house in the UK?

I did my son's online, and it insisted on a UK address. There was no online validation, but they did give the threat of contacting my son at his home phone number (which no longer existed). Thankfully, that did not happen.

[STEVE G]

You will also need a UK address, because they don't issue them to non-UK residents. My son lost his a few months back, but fortunately we hadn't changed his address. However, we had to contact the people living at our old address, and arrange for them to receive it, and send it on.

Yes, I had this problem a few years ago, I decided to replace my old UK paper licence as I almost never drive there and I was having problems driving elsewhere with it as it doesn't look like a driving licence in any other country.
As you say, if you read all the rules, you have to be a UK resident to get a licence, I haven't been for many years for tax reasons but I managed to get one by using my Fathers address which I also use for a few other things to maintain an address in the UK. To convince them I had to send my birth certificate, National Insurance card and some bank statements before they were happy as for some strange reason, a passport isn't good enough to prove who you are, even though my birth certificate now looks like a find from the Dead Sea Scrolls!

[chaspul]

For long term expats you can drive in the UK for 12 months on a Thai licence,http://www.dvla.gov.uk so hireing a car should not be a problem. After 12 months you have to take a test.

Seem to remember that about 10 years ago expats in Saudi could apply for the UK plastic card through Embassy. Did not bother at the time as price was much inflated. Maybe it is the same here?

Looked on DVLA site but could not find details on phase out of paper licence, will grandfather rights apply if I want to convert my paper licence in the future (say 2018) ? It was after all issued by a government agency and states valid until 2023.

Chas

[margaretcarnes]

Margaret I did mine last year, just another way for the DVLA to rip us off for another £20

Yes true! I changed mine on returning to the UK in 2005 - because the paper licence isn't accepted as ID, and you need more than just a passport to open bank accounts etc. When you don't have a property and no utility bills and suchlike finding enough valid ID now can be a pain in the butt!

[usual suspect]

Just a quickie mildly connected to the subject of paper Vs plaggy licences...I've been hanging back from getting a plastic card due to reservations about losing my entitlement to drive 7.5 ton trucks..which my paper licence states I can do..anybody else 'switched over' & had this worry..?? Would I still keep this 'bonus' entitlement that I picked up on passing my car test all them years ago..???