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As long as you have a form of driving licence, insurance, tax and valid MOT, you are fine to drive in the UK.
It is not illegal to be a holder of the older paper-based licences (unless it was issued after 1998, see update below). However it is highly recommended that you apply for a newer photo licence.
The photo licences are a lot more accurate than the old paper-based licences and cuts the number of licence frauds in the country. It also increases accuracy and speed of dealing with enquiries, for example, if you are stopped by the police, a paper licence can take 20 minutes to process, wasting both yours and the police's time. A photo licence can be processed in 5 minutes.
No paper licences are being issued anymore due to European laws. However, holding a previous paper license is not illegal. But it is highly recommended you get it upgraded.
--- MAY 2015 UPDATE ---
As of the 8th June 2015, all paper licences which were issued after 1998 are no longer valid. You will need to have a photo licence produced. This is to cut down on:
- The administration costs
- The taxpayers costs
- The police time wasted checking your licence
- Frauds
If you have a paper licence that was issued after 1998, you need to get it upgraded to a photo card licence by the 8th June 2015. Otherwise your licence is invalid and you could face fines for driving without a valid licence. The DVLA should have made you aware of this.
- Click here for a related article with information.
- Click here to go to the official government website page where you can view information and warning flags against your licence.
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∙ 11y ago
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Is owning a pittbull in UK illegal?
if they have a licence there not illegal
How long can you drive in the UK with a driving licence from an EU country?
You can use an EU driving licence in the UK until it expires.
Is there an age limit for driving abroad with a UK driver's license?
In the UK there is no such thing as an International Driving Licence - your UK licence is valid throughout Europe
Are Polish people allowed to drive in the UK without a UK driver's license?
yes everwhere you do Any EU driving licence will be acceptable for driving in Poland; for EU citizens there is no need to get an international licence.
What does a full UK driving license mean?
A 'full UK driving licence' refers to a driving licence issued by a UK authority that entitles the bearer to drive a car on the public highway without L plates or supervision.
How long can you drive in UK on an international driving license you living UK the last 8 years?
If you have an EU driving licence, you may use the licence for as long as it is valid. If you have a licence from outside the EU, you may only use it for the first 12 months that you are in the UK. After this time you must obtain a UK licence.
what are acceptable photo ids in the UK?
The most acceptable is a current passport (of any nationality) followed by a photocard driving licence. Other ID will vary according to who is asking for it.
Can you drive in UK with your algerian driving license?
you can not drive with algerian driving licence but you can live in France for 6 months and exchange your algerian licence to a french one and you can drive in the UK
Do you have to convert to a UK driving licence from a french one?
EU driving licences do not need to be converted to UK licences.
Is it necessary to change from an Irish Licence when working in the UK?
EU driving licences can be used in the UK for life (provided the licence does not expire).
Do you have to convert to a UK driving license from and Irish one?
A valid Irish Driving Licence is acceptable in the UK, you are not required to change it.
Can you drive in the UK with an international licence gained in Ghana?
Any overseas (non-EU) driving licence can be used in the UK for up to a year.
