DVLA :(

[Big Tav]

I am dying to buy car but the DVLA have just put that plan on hold for a couple of weeks

Sent my Australian Licence to them with my passport to get exchanged over a week ago. Got a return letter yesterday in the mail and thought it was my new UK licence but NO. They sent it back asking me to fill in one more question about pre-existing medical conditions (even though the form said if I have an unrestricted licence with no conditions from Australia to skip that question).

Had to send it back yesterday so I am presuming there will be no test driving or being able to buy anything until I get it back right? I have my passport and a photocopy of my Australian licence but I don't think i can even get the road tax paid without a UK licence either can I?

Merry Xmas from your carless member

[tomsugden]

You don't need to show your driving licence to renew tax. Insurance certificate, MOT, and V5 or renewal form will do it.

[Big Tav]

I dont think I'll get good insurance until I have the UK license though. I need to test drive a couple before I decide too. In Australia I could have just walked in to my local branch, paid the money and got the license. Looks like it will be on January now

[davepoth]

You could still get the car insured on your Australian license (technically you still have it), and then change the insurance to the UK license when it comes through. I doubt there will be much of an extra premium - Australia will be thought of quite highly by the insurers as the roads are quite similar to here (well, you drive on the proper side!)

Fortunately all of the systems in the UK have developed around the crapness of the DVLA so they don't need them so much.

Edited by davepoth on Saturday 25th December 22:07

[soad]

Aww, it sucks with no car. Hope you get it sorted before too long!

[randomwalk]

I got insurance with my Oz licence, it did not make a difference to the premium, I provided proof of my 5 yrs no claim bonus with Shannons. You can drive here with an Oz licence for up to 12mths before changing it over, it does have advantages to use the Oz licence.....