Returning to U.K. Obtaining a U.K. Driving Licence

skorts07

I have lived in Thailand for many years and converted my U.K. car and motorcycle licences to Thai licences. My U.K. licence has expired. I understand after 183 days of returning/living in the U.K. I can apply for a U.K. driving licence. 

Having looked at the U.K. Gov’t “Exchange a foreign driving licence” tool I am confused. 

Thailand is not one of the designated countries allowing a foreign licence to be exchanged for a U.K. licence but under question 3. It says “Where did you pass your test?”.
Great Britain or Northern Ireland is one of the options. 

As I passed both my car and motorcycle tests in the U.K. if I select that option it allows me to continue and says “You can exchange your licence if it was issued on or after 1 January 1976. There is no fee”.
My original U.K. licences were both issued after this date. 

Does anyone have experience of doing this from a non-designated country licence as I think it is a bit ambiguous. Any feedback gratefully received. Thank you. 

user1977

Why do you think you need to transfer your foreign licence? Aren't you simply renewing your old UK licence? I don't think the fact you've been abroad matters. In the same way that someone who has been UK resident but not driving can simply restart, subject to any medical requirements. 

skorts07

Thanks for your feedback. I had hoped it was that simple but according to several web sites if your U.K. licence has expired for more than 2 years you might have to take a driving test - and not just for medical reasons. The Gov’t web site has no information regarding this. Their web site tool is also very confusing. This is why I am trying to get feedback from someone who has actually returned to the U.K. from a non-designated country, after their U.K. licence(s) had expired and what they actually had to do re-start their existing U.K. driving and motorbike licences. It would be great if having originally passed my tests in the U.K. I can just re-apply based on the old licences without the need for new tests. 

Iceweasel

More precise wording needed here.

How long is 'many years'?

I've no experience of 'converting' a UK licence, but have exchanged one for a BiH licence. I kept my UK one as no-one asked for it to be destroyed - they gave me it back.

In Saudi Arabia it was the same - gave me a Saudi Licence and returned my UK one.

What happened to your UK licence?

If you are under 70 it has not yet expired.

Even if they cut it up in Thailand, I think it makes no difference to DVLA.

HillStreetBlues

Have you checked your actual licence to see if it's still valid?
https://www.gov.uk/view-driving-licence

Car_54

skorts07 said:

Thanks for your feedback. I had hoped it was that simple but according to several web sites if your U.K. licence has expired for more than 2 years you might have to take a driving test - and not just for medical reasons. The Gov’t web site has no information regarding this. Their web site tool is also very confusing. This is why I am trying to get feedback from someone who has actually returned to the U.K. from a non-designated country, after their U.K. licence(s) had expired and what they actually had to do re-start their existing U.K. driving and motorbike licences. It would be great if having originally passed my tests in the U.K. I can just re-apply based on the old licences without the need for new tests. 

UK licences do not expire until  your 70th birthday.

The photocard expires after 10 years, the licence does not.

Iceweasel

Your UK driving licence expires when you reach 70. You then have 2 years to renew it, otherwise it lapses and you may have to resit a driving test.
So - are you over 70, and if so, how long since your UK licence expired?

skorts07

Thanks for all of the helpful feedback. I am under 70 so seems like I can just get another photo card before I reach 70 without needing to resit a driving test. I still have my U.K. licence photo card. My Thai licence can be used for 12 months on returning to the U.K. and I think I can then apply for a new photo card once I have been in the U.K. for 183 days. 

Car_54

skorts07 said:

Thanks for all of the helpful feedback. I am under 70 so seems like I can just get another photo card before I reach 70 without needing to resit a driving test. I still have my U.K. licence photo card. My Thai licence can be used for 12 months on returning to the U.K. and I think I can then apply for a new photo card once I have been in the U.K. for 183 days. 

If you're a UK citizen, have a UK licence, and a UK address, I can't see why you can't apply straight away.

Also, since you have a valid UK licence, I believe it would be illegal to use your Thai licence, though I may be wrong.

Iceweasel

I also don't see any point in delaying applying to renew your UK licence straight away.
I fail to where 183 days comes into anything in your case - the 183 days is for 'foreign nationals' who have arrived I UK for the first time.
I think you are overthinking this - just apply to renew online.
Having lived in Thailand is not a factor.
You could have stayed in UK and not renewed your licence.

GrumpyDil

As above, check your licence validity online and as long as it still shows as valid apply for a photocard straight away. 

No need to make this more complicated than it needs to be.