UK Driving Licence Renewal

[lillypad]

Hello,

 

I live in WA and my UK photocard licence is about to expire. I have looked at the gov.uk website about how to renew the licence but it states I should have a UK address and reside there. I do have a UK address but I reside in WA and hold a WA licence (after proving I have a vaiid UK drivers licence). I also can't apply for the renewal online as I don't have a biometric passport. I'd like to renew it for car hire purposes in the UK and ID in the UK.

 

My questions are:

1. Will I face a £1000 fine for not renewing on time when I return to the UK

2. Will I have to surrender my UK licence on return

3. Will I have to retake my UK driving test to get a UK photocard licence again

4. Can I use my Australian WA licence to drive/hire a car in the UK

5. Will my WA licence ever expire if my UK photocard does?

6. Has anyone had any experience renewing whilst being in Australia or on their return to the UK with an expired photocard

 

Thanks all!

[Guest]

My questions are:

1. Will I face a £1000 fine for not renewing on time when I return to the UK

** Only if you try and drive around with an expired photocard.

 

2. Will I have to surrender my UK licence on return

** No, it is valid until you are 70 (think is 70 before you have to retest).

 

3. Will I have to retake my UK driving test to get a UK photocard licence again

** No. Just re-apply once you're back in the UK with your new address.

 

4. Can I use my Australian WA licence to drive/hire a car in the UK

** Yes.

 

5. Will my WA licence ever expire if my UK photocard does?

** No, they aren't connected.

 

6. Has anyone had any experience renewing whilst being in Australia or on their return to the UK with an expired photocard

** I've hired cars in the UK on my ACT licence since my photocard expired.

[lillypad]

Thanks Peach, that's set my mind at ease!