Buying a car with expired license

[sedgar87]

Hello. Has anyone been in a similar situation or can advise me with the following scenario: I’m in the process of purchasing a new vehicle, Skoda Octavia vrs 245 which has to be registered by the end of April. Problem is, my driving license expired at the end of March, I have been attempting to renew it since the end of January but for various reasons the DVA keep sending it back as incomplete. It is currently in their possession without having been processed, and Skoda advise that they cannot sell me the vehicle without a valid license. I’m currently on holiday and was hoping to have my new license waiting for me when I arrive home (northern Ireland) so that I could go and collect the Skoda, as I sold my previous car before going on holiday. The driving license renewal forms were most recently sent back to the DVA on the 18th April and in my experience there’s no way in hell they will have it processed and back to me by the end of April. Will I just have to forget about the Skoda and live without a vehicle for 6-8 weeks until I get my license back? Any advice appreciated.

[Olivergt]

Ring DVA.

Also, not sure why you can't buy a car without a licence, can you get someone else to drive it home?

[Starfighter]

You are still OK to drive, it is just the photocard that has expired. There is no legal requirement that stops a non licence holder from buying a car. They may want to see it if you are taking the 1 week of free insurance that many offer to get you home. The dealer will be covering their arse.

[Pica-Pica]

Are you renewing an existing driving licence? Do you have the previous licence number? With medical limited licence you can drive while the application is being pursued. Can you do this?
Try here.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/inf1886...

(Note DVLA, not DVA. Licence, not license).

[sedgar87]

I’m confident that I can drive with an expired license as long as the application for renewal forms are with the DVA. Skoda seems to be the problem, unwilling to sell me car without seeing my license. Maybe it’s because I’m taking the car on PCH, finance company may be reluctant with someone who’s license, on paper, is expired.

[anonymous-user]

sedgar87 said:

(northern Ireland) .

Pica-Pica said:

(Note DVLA, not DVA.

Have you ever stopped and thought, why am I always so pedantic?

DVA is correct as OP is in NI.

[sedgar87]

CP12 said:

sedgar87 said:

(northern Ireland) .

Pica-Pica said:

(Note DVLA, not DVA.

Have you ever stopped and thought, why am I always so pedantic?

DVA is correct as OP is in NI.

Thank you. He got me with the licence thing though :-S

[Alucidnation]

Just let them register it and collect it when you have your licence back.