European driving licence??

[SleepingWithGhosts]

Asking on behalf of a friend.

Friend moved from Poland to the UK 7 years ago. They have held a European driving licence for 11 years.

I remember reading / hearing something about having to retake a UK driving test if you move to this country? Is this correct?

She seems to think her European licence is valid in the UK permantely but wants now to confirm this as obviously worried she has been driving for the last 7 years on a licence that is not valid.

[mumblechum1]

Suggest she looks on the DVLA website. I don't know, sorry.

[STIDW]

As far as I remember a European driving licence is valid for three years if someone is resident here and it can be exchanged for a UK licence.

[mousymouseafraidofdogs]

have a look at the dvla website

A valid community licence issued on the strength of a driving test within the EC/EEA, will allow you to drive in GB for a set period. Alternatively, you can exchange your licence for a British licence.

Provided your licence remains valid you may drive in GB:

Car, motorcycle driving licence holders (ordinary driving licence):

?until aged 70 or for three years after becoming resident, whichever is the longer period

so unless your friend is really old, no need to exchange the license.

[PigletUnrepentant]

I don't know if the rules have changed but when I went through similar, you were expected to exchange it for a UK one within 3 years IF you were settled as a permanent resident of the country.

Nobody is going to come to check but, if she has a serious accident, the insurance will be in the case trying to invalidate her policy.

Just found the website: www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/DrivingInGbOnAForeignLicence/DG_4022556

[PigletUnrepentant]

She can drive with it until she is 70, as long as she is not a permanent resident of the UK

[mousymouseafraidofdogs]

the text above from the dvla is for residents. so if the friend is under 70 there is no need to exchange. but it might be useful to get better insurance deals.

[AreWeHavingFunYet]

What is a European driving license? Do you mean a Polish driving license?

If they hold a Polish photocard license they can use it to drive in the UK until the photocard expires (10 years). At this time they will need to renew their license in their country of residence. It shouldn't mean taking a test they just need to apply to transfer an overseas license to a UK one.

If their photocard license has already expired the DVLA might ask for a letter from the Polish driving license authorities to confirm that the license to drive is still valid even though the photocard has expired.

They will need to relinquish their Polish driving licenses but can easily apply to change back if they ever decide to return to Poland.

I have swapped my driving license within the EU and it is as easy as completing a form and getting your picture taken.