Driving to France - but Licence is with the DVLA! What do I do?!

kitatravs

Hi there,
I'm wondering if anybody out there could help me with some advice!
My boyfriend has suprised me with a trip to Disneyland Paris for my birthday, and we've decided to share the driving. Only problem is my licence is with the DVLA to have my address changed and I'm worried it's not going to get back to me in time. What do I do? I've heard the French Police are pretty strict on this (my car registration and insurance are fine) so would this mean only my boyfriend could drive my car in France? I have colour photocopies of both parts which have been sent off, plus a reciept from the DVLA office I went to saying they have my licence to change my address - would this be sufficient? If not would the French Police still be a bit funny about me not having my licence on me even though it's my boyfriend driving my car?
HELP!!!!

VickyA_2

If it's just a change of address, then the DVLA take (generally!) up to two weeks to get the licence back to you. It just depends when you sent it off and when you're lucky enough to go to France....

Don't forget you will also need a spare set of bulbs, a first aid kit, a warning triangle and a hi-visability jacket. You can get sets from Halfords

bobsmum

Not sure when you are going, but I sent my licence off for change of address (inc changing from old paper-style to photocard style) on 21 August and received the new one back on 29th. My OH got his back in 4 days (simple address change) so you might not need to panic yet!!

Lemoncurd

Personally I wouldn't risk driving yourself if your license isn't back in time. We've just got back from Disneyland and it was only 3 hours from Calais so not too long a drive for one person to do it.
Hope it is back before your trip, have a good time!

VickyA_2

Also don't forget a fire extinguisher (no, I'm not joking). There's a first aid kit etc here

kitatravs

Thanks VickyA - knew about the bulbs, triangle and hi-vis jacket but not about the fire extinguisher! I've also heard somehting about headlamp converters?!
Fingers crossed it'l be back in time - I think I'm just panicking because it's only a week away and there was a strike on Friday!
Lemoncurd - I think I will just leave it to the other half to drive if it isn't back in time - means I can sleep in the car! hehe

kb36

http://driving.drive-alive.co.uk/driving-in-france.htm
Please check out this link for what is and is not compulsory - save yourself some cash.... Whilst things like a first aid kit/fire extinguisher are not compulsory they are always handy for peace of mind etc. Shop around though and don't get caught out buying the overpriced ones at ferry terminals/on board etc.

LillyJ

Licences are pretty quick for address changes. How long have you got?
I did mine online, and it was here 2 days after asking for the address change.