Expired EU Driving Licence in UK

DIYhelp76

Hi

Hope someone can help with this query for a friend please.

They have been driving in UK on an EU licence. Now resident in UK. They declared EU licence to insurer when taking out car insurance.

Just realised the EU licence was about to expire so made application to DVLA to exchange it for a UK licence. The licence was valid at time of application but has since expired.

They haven't been driving since the expiry as thought they weren't allowed to.

But I did some googling and found something about a s.88 RTA exemption which seems to say you can drive whilst waiting for the new licence from DVLA.

Does anyone know the ins and outs of this and if it's correct? Would they have to notify the insurer of the situation. Or is it best to just not drive and wait for outcome of the application.

Assume, it is a straightforward exchange without need to take a new test?

They tried phoning DVLA - it's been a few weeks since posting the application - but they can't say how long it will take.

Thx in advance.

Car_54

The section 88 exemption applies ony if the application has been received by the Secretary of State (i.e. the DVLA). Does your friend have proof of delivery?

Iceweasel

Would be better perhaps to renew the EU licence.

flaneurs_lobster

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81999278#Comment_81999278

Wouldn't that need the return of the expired EU licence (which is with DVLA) or a declaration that the licence is lost (which is false)?

Not sure that EU licence can be issued to someone not resident in EU?

Grey_Critic

Does this answer your question?

https://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/ask-the-police/question/Q416

DIYhelp76

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81999265#Comment_81999265

Hi, many thanks for the replies. Yes it was sent by special delivery and they have proof of it being signed for/received by DVLA. It's 3 weeks on and DVLA are now saying they can't locate the application! So, with this proof do they remain entitled to drive even though DVLA say they've lost the application?

If they are entitled to drive still, do they need to inform their insurer of what's happened?

They did keep copies or a photograph of the EU licence before sending it to DVLA.

In reply to other comments made, they can't renew the EU licence because they are now resident in UK and believe they would need to be resident in an EU country in order to renew the licence there.

Iceweasel

AFAIK the EU rules are the same as UK.

You do not need to be resident - an address at which you are contactable will do.

A relative or friend's address is enough.

Car_54

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82000740#Comment_82000740

AFAIK every country in the EU has its own rules.

Iceweasel

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82001100#Comment_82001100

Sure they do. But all you need is a contactable address - you do not need to be a resident to renew.

For example if one has passed a German driving test when resident you can renew it after you cease to be a resident as long as you have a 'serviceable' address.

Other EU countries are available.

sheramber

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82001244#Comment_82001244

Presumably you need a suitable to receive the lnew licence and forward it to you in the UK.

Grey_Critic

But if you are now a permanent resident of the UK then you will still only be able to drive on that licence for 12 months in the UK. I do know that when my son lived/worked in the USA he had to take a driving test and obtain a USA licence. He also had to revert to his UK licence when Covid came along and he was unable to renew his A1 visa - his driving licence was linked to the visa.