Converting a foreign drivers license to a UK one

sarahg1969

The OP states she now has a provisional, so the SA licence is considered cancelled now anyway. She must now only drive accompanied and with L-plates until she's passed her test. She's not allowed to continue driving unaccompanied on the SA licence.

(Is the OP a she? I've just assumed.)

livalicious

Thanks for all you replies, looks like im gonna have to go through it all again unfortunately.

So... can anyone suggest a nice way of telling my driving instructor that after two lessons of him barking at me and constant grabbing of the steering wheel ive decided to use someone else and would like the money i paid upfront for 5 lessons back? :rolleyes:

ps. avantra could you please explain what ILTR stands for? its probably something obvious but brain is a bit frazzled right now.

Millionaire

livalicious wrote: »

T
could you please explain what ILTR stands for? its probably something obvious but brain is a bit frazzled right now.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indefinite_leave_to_remain

livalicious

Well I was granted ILTR on the 14th June 2004, so if Avantra is right and the 5 year period applies from this date, then I should still be able to convert the license. Even if this is so, sarahg1969 said my SA license is invalid now because I have a provisional. Does anyone know how i can confirm any of this information. I have called the DSA a few times now, and all they have told me is what is stated on their website, someone even suggested i find a lawyer who might know of a loophole?!

sarahg1969

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/DrivingInGbOnAForeignLicence/DG_4022561

The important point is:

"...if you do not pass a test within the 12-month concessionary period you will not be allowed to drive as a full licence holder and provisional licence conditions will apply. If you do not apply for a provisional licence within the first 12 months you must stop driving and obtain a British provisional licence with a view to passing a driving test. Provisional licence conditions will then apply."

I'm not sure there's a lot you can do now, other than to drive supervised until you pass your UK test.

spaniel_

Avantra, could you confirm where you read that the five years is from the date of ILTR? I've been here as a PhD student (limited leave to remain), intending to return, but have now decided to stay and apply for ILTR. I've just missed the cutoff, but have been told that date of residency is counted from the first entry stamp in your passport.

Wig

Even if you have exceeded the 5 years, it may still be possible to exchange your licence. For one thing the wording does mention "from the last time you entered UK" so you could go home for a while and come back - possibly?

Also I know someone who had stayed here longer than 5 years (and had been here working most of that time EEA citizen) When they phoned the DVLA to ask about exchanging the guy at the DVLA said "Yes you can exchange it, just send it in to us using form.... bla bla bla"

They then asked the DVLA guy but what about the 5 year rule? I've been here longer than that.

His reply:
"So if you put a date on the DVLA form within 5 years, who's going to know it isn't true?"
Job done! Licence was exchanged with no problems.

This was 15 years ago, so I'm not sure if they have tightened procedures since then.

livalicious

:rotfl:thanks wig, ive actually noticed your post today because I was going to ask another motoring question. I think the procedures today are more stringent than 15 years ago, I think the bit that said persons giving false information would be prosecuted (and possibly in my case deported) it really wasnt worth the risk!

But thanks for the reply, i have since got my UK license and finally bought a car today! Yippee... Quotes for car insurance? Not so good.. boo!

rev_henry

I know it may be a bit late for the OP but I've definitely heard that going back to wherever your from for a bit then coming straight back is a tried and tested loophole with motoring things. I think the usual thing is e.g. Polish people (I've heard they do it most often, but it doesn't really matter who) buying and insuring a car in Poland, driving it here, staying here then going back to poland for a day or 2 every 11 months or so, thus evading having to officially import their cars and get a UK licence.
Sorry if that's not actually very helpful to anyone here! :P

livalicious

hi rev-henry

The DVLA have actually said that if i went home for a while and came back then my residency would start again from the date I returned. But I think the costs of going home would far outweigh the inconvenience of just getting another license. The cost of flight tickets alone are about £400 minimum to SA. Besides I think its a good idea to have two licenses for each country, i dont know why yet, but i do .