24 year old, no UK license, what are my options?
Discussion
Hello everyone. I'm posting this because I have some questions regarding insurance and the UK drivers licence.
I am 24 and I had my EU licence for almost 6 years now (got it when I was 18), however I am originally from Portugal and as I have discovered the EU licence is worth nothing for UK companies (jobs, insurance companies, etc).
So here's my question: If I apply for a UK licence my previous 6 years of experience won't be accounted for right? And I will pay a huge premium for being (a) a foreigner and (b) having a very recent licence...
Pisses me off, because I am an experienced driver and an educated person, and I see so many chavs racing around in s
tty old mercs and modified saxos with no regard for public safety.
My future as a motorist in the UK doesn't look very bright...
I am 24 and I had my EU licence for almost 6 years now (got it when I was 18), however I am originally from Portugal and as I have discovered the EU licence is worth nothing for UK companies (jobs, insurance companies, etc).
So here's my question: If I apply for a UK licence my previous 6 years of experience won't be accounted for right? And I will pay a huge premium for being (a) a foreigner and (b) having a very recent licence...
Pisses me off, because I am an experienced driver and an educated person, and I see so many chavs racing around in s
tty old mercs and modified saxos with no regard for public safety.My future as a motorist in the UK doesn't look very bright...
Edited by carguy88 on Friday 24th August 22:43
I knew a Portuguese bloke in the same position as you. He naively drove around without changing his licence for a few years. He got a tug from the police and just got a friendly warning. To change his licence was pretty simple, just sending in a form I think and I think insurance companies are understanding.
Best thing to do would be to phone a couple and ask for their take.
Best thing to do would be to phone a couple and ask for their take.
billybob69 said:
licence lol
I trust your knowledge on the nuances of Portuguese is exemplery exemplary.Have you read these pages? http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensi...
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensi...
I'm not going to pretend I understand what they're saying, but it sounds like you can swap to a UK licence depending on exact circumstances.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensi...
I'm not going to pretend I understand what they're saying, but it sounds like you can swap to a UK licence depending on exact circumstances.
xRIEx said:
Have you read these pages? http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensi...
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensi...
I'm not going to pretend I understand what they're saying, but it sounds like you can swap to a UK licence depending on exact circumstances.
I knew that, its pretty straight forward actually, but I'm afraid that the insurance companies won't take into account my previous 6 years of experience and, therefore, charge me an arm and a leg, like if I was 17...http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensi...
I'm not going to pretend I understand what they're saying, but it sounds like you can swap to a UK licence depending on exact circumstances.
I wouldn't be at all surprised if you can't just apply to swap for a UK license.
When I was in the US, insurance companies were prepared to insure me with my UK license for a few months until I could arrange my US test, so give them a call and see if the swap idea fails.
Your NCB/duration of license held is probably not going to be usable here, but some insurers may help if you have written proof of your NCB from portugal and make it clear you can send them proof. You have to explain the situation clearly and not get too annoyed if it doesn't work; sadly moving to another country is full of frustrating costs like this, I had the same situation when I moved to the US.
ETA: yes, I know, I never know which side of the Atlantic I'm on these days.
When I was in the US, insurance companies were prepared to insure me with my UK license for a few months until I could arrange my US test, so give them a call and see if the swap idea fails.
Your NCB/duration of license held is probably not going to be usable here, but some insurers may help if you have written proof of your NCB from portugal and make it clear you can send them proof. You have to explain the situation clearly and not get too annoyed if it doesn't work; sadly moving to another country is full of frustrating costs like this, I had the same situation when I moved to the US.
ETA: yes, I know, I never know which side of the Atlantic I'm on these days.
Edited by FisiP1 on Friday 24th August 22:57
carguy88 said:
Hello everyone. I'm posting this because I have some questions regarding insurance and the UK drivers licence.
I am 24 and I had my EU licence for almost 6 years now (got it when I was 18), however I am originally from Portugal and as I have discovered the EU licence is worth nothing for UK companies (jobs, insurance companies, etc).
So here's my question: If I apply for a UK licence my previous 6 years of experience won't be accounted for right? And I will pay a huge premium for being (a) a foreigner and (b) having a very recent licence...
Pisses me off, because I am an experienced driver and an educated person, and I see so many chavs racing around in stty old mercs and modified saxos with no regard for public safety.
My future as a motorist in the UK doesn't look very bright...
If you can prove being insured for past X years then that is likely to countI am 24 and I had my EU licence for almost 6 years now (got it when I was 18), however I am originally from Portugal and as I have discovered the EU licence is worth nothing for UK companies (jobs, insurance companies, etc).
So here's my question: If I apply for a UK licence my previous 6 years of experience won't be accounted for right? And I will pay a huge premium for being (a) a foreigner and (b) having a very recent licence...
Pisses me off, because I am an experienced driver and an educated person, and I see so many chavs racing around in s
tty old mercs and modified saxos with no regard for public safety.My future as a motorist in the UK doesn't look very bright...
Does exchanging the licence give the date of pasing the test on it or just the issued date?
carguy88 said:
Far Cough said:
How long have you been resident in the UK ?
one yearI can see anyway round it unless you can justify a foreign address and insure off shore that covers you here.
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