Driving Licence in Europe (1 Viewer)

[Dorset Diver]

I'm just past 70 and waiting for my C1 to be extended (I've past all the medical bits now). According to the DVLA I can continue to drive in the UK without actually having the licence in my possession but we want to head across the channel. Can anyone point me at the laws covering France and Germany regarding having your licence with you please.

 

[sallylillian]

Ring them tell them you are about to leave for France and don't fancy trying to explain the situation to a French policeman armed with a gun and night stick! They got my wife's back in 2 days.

 

[olley]

They sent me a letter stating I was ok to drive while awaiting a medical decision, which they said would cover me abroad.

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[moulin 87]

In France you need to have your license with you.. Could be an on the spot fine without, though very unlikely to be stopped .. Just DON'T hit anything while you are there..

 

[mustaphapint]

My son was fined 11 euros for not having his licence with him at a roadside check in France, so I guess it may not be regarded too seriously solong as you can eventually prove you are entitled to drive.

 

[gus-lopez]

They sent me a letter stating I was ok to drive while awaiting a medical decision, which they said would cover me abroad.

They might say it but unless it was in the language of the country it wouldn't count & personally I'd trust using it like a hole in the head.

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[olley]

They might say it but unless it was in the language of the country it wouldn't count & personally I'd trust using it like a hole in the head.

Not being the type to worry over these things Gus, I just went ahead with our holiday, and would do again. What are they going to do? Lock me up. Wife would probably tell them to throw the key away.

 

[mpdcymru]

I believe that it is essential to carry your licence when driving in most EU member states. It is easy for DVLA to say that but, as others here have said, you try explaining that to a French/German/Italian policeman at the side of the road.

I agree with @sallylilian contact DVLA and tell them of the situation. Can't guarantee that it will expedite matters as much will depend upon the facts of the case.

 

[sedge]

It's not their problem - it's yours. They tell you to contact the people responsible for issuing licences in the country(ies) you intend to visit.

That's what I was told when it happened to me!

They didn't rush themselves at all because I had a problem.

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[sedge]

PS I am of course clueless about who one might approach in the Government of Forrin Parts to find out!

 

[sallylillian]

By the way we now never send our licence back until the replacement arrives so at least we have an official licence for something!

 

[Glandwr]

Do you have a photo copy? Can't completely reassure you but outside the EU many countries will require you to have an international driving licence (available from the AA or main POs). They are valid for 12 months and can be got by showing your UK one. I should imagine that they would be also legal in the EU.

Dick

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[Riverbankannie]

In same situation last year. We phoned DVLA and explained situation and they sent a licence without C1 almost by return of post.

 

[Dorset Diver]

I do have a photocopy but my application was for my C1 to be extended which required a medical. It was made well before my 70th but that has now past and with it the validity of my licence - in short it has expired. DVLA have told me that whilst I have a valid application with them made before the expiry date, then I am free to continue driving until they either reject my application or accept it and issue a new licence.

 

[Dorset Diver]

In same situation last year. We phoned DVLA and explained situation and they sent a licence without C1 almost by return of post.

@Riverbankannie that would not help as our motorhome is over 3.5t.

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[Riverbankannie]

@Riverbankannie that would not help as our motorhome is over 3.5t.

Ah, that's difficult. I think then that I might just take the risk and go. You could check on the DVLA database and take a printout of that.
Its Hobsons choice really, if you are not happy going without your licence you have to stay home.
We had a phone call apology today to say sorry for it taking a year.

 

[Dorset Diver]

@Riverbankannie did they offer an explanation?

 

[Puddleduck]

If you are in the situation of having done everything needed and at the correct time then please do not hesitate to make a formal complaint and inform your MP.

A few people on this forum have done this and had their application approved very quickly.

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[Riverbankannie]

@Riverbankannie did they offer an explanation?

They just said sorry and that they are going to employ more doctors to try and speed up process.

 

[Dorset Diver]

When I'm unable to travel I get bored and there is nothing I enjoy more than using my years of experience to construct a watertight legal case. An apology will not satisfy me, I will give them about another 10 days then go for a damages claim.

 

[Riverbankannie]

When I'm unable to travel I get bored and there is nothing I enjoy more than using my years of experience to construct a watertight legal case. An apology will not satisfy me, I will give them about another 10 days then go for a damages claim.

I need a "good luck with that one " button

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[sallylillian]

I need a "good luck with that one " button

Too right, but it will be transformed upon polling to something with less effect, unfortunately.

 

[Glandwr]

This link says that you can get an International Driving Permit with a photocopy of your licence. I've done it for Maroc, US and Serbia on 3 different occasions they are very quick. Alternatively if you can do it over the counter in main POs

https://www.theaa.com/driving-advice/driving-abroad/apply-for-an-idp-by-post

Dick

 

[Dorset Diver]

DVLA must be having a clear out. Today, just after I had started researching and planning my claim my new licence dropped on to the doormat. So be warned, I'm back on the road for another three years.

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