Search Q&A
drivers License
I have a question i have a driving license from the UK, the photo update is next year, i contacted the DVLA whom tell me that if i want to drive in the UK with an expired photo i could get fined, i am thinking of changing it for a Belgian one, apart from the license could someone advise me if any other documents would be required?
Swap it for a Belgian one. Far cheaper than any of the alternatives.
You do it at your local commune. You'll need your ID card and current driving license, and €15, though it's a while since I did this myself.
It is not just that you could be fined for driving in the UK with an expired photo. A UK driving licence is only valid if you have notified the DVLA of your current address which has to be within the UK, so your licence has ALREADY ceased to be valid. However, those nice Belgians will continue to accept it as proof that you have passed the necessary test(s) and will issue a Belgian one in exchange. The procedure has become much easier since Belgium switched to photo licences in April. As J says you need to go to the commune with your eID and UK licence and some money (charge varies according to commune) and they will arrange the issue of a new licence. You will have to return after a few days to collect it and at that point the commune will retain your old UK licence for return to the DVLA.
Your basic B and B+E entitlements (and A if appropriate) will continue unchanged and remain valid for life, but any C1 or D1 entitlements will cease 5 years after the date of your initial registration in Belgium unless you take a medical (as any Belgian would have to). Although your entitlements are for life the actual photo licence has to be renewed every 10 years as required by EU laws.
Becasse is spot on -- Just one note -- teh C1 and D1 elements are valid for personal use if you pass the medical (every 5 years) but NOT if you are employed driving with your C1 and D1 categories -- you have to undertake I think 38 hrs of training for both - one is by 2015 and the other 2016 (I did the medical earlier this year)
Swapping it for a Belgian one has the added advantage that there are no points on Belgian licences.
I believe its simple to do here. If the picture part is out of date `i believe you also need something from the DVLA to get a belgian one not sure what I think the DVLA have to give a form.Better to do it before the picture expires
