Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Trip Paperwork
UK driving licence issue UK driving licence issue
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Trip Paperwork Covers all documentation, carnets, customs and country requirements, how to deal with insurance etc.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Like Tree2Likes
  • 2 Post By Alexlebrit

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 29 Apr 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 66
UK driving licence issue
I may be about to find myself in an inconvenient situation and hope I can get good advice and sort it out.
Later this year I expect to be going to South America with my Land Rover. While I’m away, my British driving licence (period of validity printed on it:1976 to 2015) will expire – in fact, it could have expired already, according to what I’ve read.
I got my first licence in about 1966, so this present one must have been a replacement. In 1976, after living abroad, I visited my parents. For the replacement I used their address. It was the only one I had. I retrurned to the UK in ’78 and for three years lived at several temporary addresses: a month in one town, two months in another. Tell the driving licence people every time I moved? It never occurred to me. If it had, it would have seemed preposterous. Anyway, I didn’t. In 1981 I went overseas again and have been abroad ever since.
The UK licensing authority will not register an overseas address. It’s an offence, I understand, not to notify the UK licensing authority of address change but they won't register an overseas address. It’s also an offence to drive in the UK with the wrong address on the licence. Then I’m a criminal!
Not the only one, I guess. I can’t be the only UK citizen with a currently dated (I’m being careful not to say “valid”) licence who’s living abroad and has no UK address.
When I turn 70, in 2015, I want (naturally) to keep my UK licence up-to-date. But it seems that won’t be possible: I don’t have a UK address and they won’t accept an overseas one.
Any advice much appreciated.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 29 Apr 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: My place and other places.
Posts: 172
Have you any close friends or relatives in the UK?

Just use their address, once you have somewhere to fill in on the address you are ok. It may be a bit of a pain if there is required documentation to accompany the application, but proofs of address can be obtained(change their phone bill/electric bill into your name).

I'm not sure what supporting documentation is required now, but I am going to be in the same boat in a couple years again.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 29 Apr 2014
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Bermuda
Posts: 163
I'm in a similar position, having left the UK in 1984. My UK driving licence is one of the old-style green paper licences and has my last UK address on it.

Last year, I considered applying for the new photo card licences and using my mother's UK address. When I got the application form, I saw that it is an offence to make a false declaration on the application, so applying for a licence and using my mother's address would be an offence.

As far as I am aware, my UK licence is still valid, albeit the address is no longer current. I have quoted the UK driving licence details for my UK vehicle insurance (for my UK registered Land Rover). Otherwise, I use my Bermuda driving licence.
__________________
2014 overland adventure to Russia and Central Asia in Land Rover Defender www.bermudarover.com
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 29 Apr 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: My place and other places.
Posts: 172
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bermuda Rover View Post
I'm in a similar position, having left the UK in 1984. My UK driving licence is one of the old-style green paper licences and has my last UK address on it.

Last year, I considered applying for the new photo card licences and using my mother's UK address. When I got the application form, I saw that it is an offence to make a false declaration on the application, so applying for a licence and using my mother's address would be an offence.

As far as I am aware, my UK licence is still valid, albeit the address is no longer current. I have quoted the UK driving licence details for my UK vehicle insurance (for my UK registered Land Rover). Otherwise, I use my Bermuda driving licence.
How does one determine a 'fixed address' though? I still consider myself a UK citizen although I don't have a house of my own in the UK.

Some day (sadly) I will most likely inherit my mothers house and farmland, I doubt I'll ever live there again, but I don't consider using the address a 'false declaration'.

At one time I was pretty much of 'no fixed abode' because I never stayed in the one place long enough to sign a lease etc, but I wasn't residing at home either. Was that a 'false declaration' then?

Its another one of those 'grey areas'. How do members of the travelling community get licences etc?
Where and how did you register your landrover if you don't have a UK address? (Don't expect an answer to that, just making a point)
I think once you can actually access any mail you may get there its enough, morally if not totally legally,and lets face it the law is usually an ass in the case of this kind of beurocratic nonsense.

My mother used my grandparents address for all these type of things until she was in her 50's because she moved several times. And given that her father was a very senior member of the judiciary I can't imagine it was a blatantly illegal thing to do!
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 7 May 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 66
Thanks for replies.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 11 May 2014
Alexlebrit's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: West London
Posts: 920
I'd suggest that the answer depends on where you currently reside. If you are in an EU member state then you have the right to exchange your British licence for a local one, often better as many are issued for life not just until you are 70.

If you are outside the EU enquire if there is a reciprocal exchange agreement, if not then in all my dealings with.the DVLA I've always been told that you don't need to put a residential address just a reliable contact address, family/friends/etc.

It's a problem faced not just by ex-pats, boat dwellers, the homeless even students all either have no fixed abode or a frequently changing residential address. The DVLA seem to be strangely pragmatic about this and accept that we can't all fit into their boxes.
__________________
Happiness has 125 cc
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 12 May 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 141
Loads of people use their parents' address or similar for their licence. As long as you can be contacted via there, I wouldn't worry about it
__________________
That concrete whizzing by five inches below your foot is the real thing...
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Provisions for driving in China. - facts. uk_vette West and South Asia 2 24 Jul 2014 08:58
Motorbike Driving licence in Chile/Argentina payder South America 5 24 Jan 2014 00:29
int driving licence ????? carlzrx Trip Paperwork 3 11 Mar 2013 14:12
Hip ! hip ! horay !!! - Got my Chinese Driving Licence uk_vette West and South Asia 3 30 Dec 2012 09:18
Uk Driving Licence OK to use in Brazil?? Jaythro Trip Paperwork 6 23 Feb 2012 01:45

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 16:36.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top