Driving abroad without physical driving licence

[SteveE]

I’m about to send off my driving licence to get a provisional C1 category added… I’ve been told it can take the DVLA 3-4 weeks to turn it around but if it takes much longer it will clash with our planned trip to France & Germany.

Does anyone know if it’s a legal requirement to have the physical licence with you to drive abroad? I will keep a photo on my phone and I can always do an online check if it was needed.

The alternative is to delay sending my licence off until we get back which will delay getting my C1 by a month or two.

 

[HarryML7]

You could risk taking a photocopy with you. (Also I would take a photocopy anyway before you send it to dvla in case they mess up the categories you have)

 

[SteveE]

Just found out that the D4 medical is valid for 4 months so think I’ll get they medical done before my hols but keep hold my driving licence and then send it off to the DVLA as soon as we get back. It will still add a few weeks on to the C1 process but seems better than risking our trip.

 

[Jimbohorlicks]

Don't send your physical license to the dvla. They don't need it .you do.
If you get pulled up in the eu you will be in trouble with no licence.

 

[Kirsten]

Just apply but tell them you have lost/misplaced your license they will send you a new one I believe.
And the medical is valid for 4 months but the sons of bachelors at the DVLA often take a lot longer than you would think is humanly. possible to sort the simplest issue out ....
and bloody good luck !!

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[pappajohn]

I've NEVER returned a licence to DVLA for ANY reason.
They either lose them or say they never received them....or even miss off categories.

 

[bobandjanie]

When we exchanged our licence for a Spanish licence, we couldn't travel outside Spain with our temporary authorisation, they are quite hot on paperwork. Bob.

 

[Nanniemate]

When do you intend to take your test ? Theory and practical

Generally if all forms are completed correctly and there are no.issues
The provisional licences are back within 3 weeks.

Why not just wait until.you get back it can't be that urgent or you would have
Done it sooner.

D4d can you in most areas in 24hrs post forms same day all legal and no worries

 

[Charente16]

It is a legal requirement in France to have your Driving Licence with you if stopped for a document check. During the summer, the number of checks on 'overloaded' motorhomes/caravans increase, but they mainly target the French/Dutch.

 

[SteveE]

Thanks all, I’ve decided to delay applying for C1 until I get back from hols.

I seem to be in a bit of a blackspot for D4 medicals… with most local places only offering Sundays which I can’t do… still I have got something booked in for next month. Just need to pass all the tests now!

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[CAB96]

Apply for the C1.

But, "oh dear, I appear to have mislaid my licence, I can't find it anywhere!"

DVLA (should) know your current license details.

And yes, I have spelt it Licence and License in the same post

 

[hja]

When our licenses become digital (next year) how is having an actual license going to work abroad? Just wondering.

 

[Maxieras]

When our licenses become digital (next year) how is having an actual license going to work abroad? Just wondering.

On your phone, same as the French do.

Dematerialized driving license becomes more widespread with France Identity

Dematerialized driving license becomes more widespread with France Identity

www.service-public.fr

 

[nicholsong]

I never send my licence to DVLA when renewing my C1.

I tell them I need it to drive in a country which requires me to carry my licence - same as truckers, who never send it in.

 

[CAB96]

T

When our licenses become digital (next year) how is having an actual license going to work abroad? Just wondering.

The EU licenses are going digital as well.

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[1090alex]

I’m about to send off my driving licence to get a provisional C1 category added… I’ve been told it can take the DVLA 3-4 weeks to turn it around but if it takes much longer it will clash with our planned trip to France & Germany.

Does anyone know if it’s a legal requirement to have the physical licence with you to drive abroad? I will keep a photo on my phone and I can always do an online check if it was needed.

The alternative is to delay sending my licence off until we get back which will delay getting my C1 by a month or two.

Hi,
The concession which allows you to drive whilst awaiting your new licencee even if your licence expires during the waiting period is only valid within the UK. You must have a physical licence to drive in the EU.
So for as I can remember you have to enclosed your current licence with a renewal application. I did take a copy though.

 

[Clive Beeza]

I’m about to send off my driving licence to get a provisional C1 category added… I’ve been told it can take the DVLA 3-4 weeks to turn it around but if it takes much longer it will clash with our planned trip to France & Germany.

Does anyone know if it’s a legal requirement to have the physical licence with you to drive abroad? I will keep a photo on my phone and I can always do an online check if it was needed.

The alternative is to delay sending my licence off until we get back which will delay getting my C1 by a month or two.

Been said on many replies on here
DO NOT SEND DVLA YOUR LICENSE
send them a photocopy which despite what they say
they will accept and means you hold the original in your hand
if they make another of their infamous cock ups

 

[carolyn]

When Nick did his D4 medical recently to retain his C1 at 70 we didn’t send his old licence back. I just put a note in to say we needed it for a trip abroad. We received the new licence very quickly no problem at all.

It was handwritten, that was the hard part!

 

[Mad dog]

Use the 'Driver Codes' app. I think it's the only authorised UK app that can store your license digitally.

I have been pulled in by the French a couple of times in 20 yrs, but once they see the UK plate, they often wave you straight back out again!

 

[Hymer Tony B]

Just apply but tell them you have lost/misplaced your license they will send you a new one I believe.
And the medical is valid for 4 months but the sons of bachelors at the DVLA often take a lot longer than you would think is humanly. possible to sort the simplest issue out ....
and bloody good luck !!

Probably delay due to no one in office. Most Work from Home !!

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[Kirsten]

Probably delay due to no one in office. Most Work from Home !!

Sadly in my experience they dont work at all......this year and last year it has been a nightmare trying to get them to do their job!

 

[denisejoe]

The medical lasts for 1 year if they put you on a section 88 then you have to renew your application but your previous medical counts.

 

[scotzsue]

Can confirm Spanish police do not accept a photocopy, did have the licence but for some reason had secreted it in the safe, took a bit o get them to wait while i dug it out.

 

[SteveandSueJ]

I’m about to send off my driving licence to get a provisional C1 category added… I’ve been told it can take the DVLA 3-4 weeks to turn it around but if it takes much longer it will clash with our planned trip to France & Germany.

Does anyone know if it’s a legal requirement to have the physical licence with you to drive abroad? I will keep a photo on my phone and I can always do an online check if it was needed.

The alternative is to delay sending my licence off until we get back which will delay getting my C1 by a month or two.

They returned mine 2 months back when 70 in 4 days.. all done...amazing...

 

[The Artilleryman]

They returned mine 2 months back when 70 in 4 days.. all done...amazing...

Yes, if you have no medical problems, you get your new license quickly, but quite a lot of us by the time we reach 70 have medical problems.

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[Richardcamper]

Thanks all, I’ve decided to delay applying for C1 until I get back from hols.

I seem to be in a bit of a blackspot for D4 medicals… with most local places only offering Sundays which I can’t do… still I have got something booked in for next month. Just need to pass all the tests now!

I sent of my D4 forms over a month ago. Still waiting1