03/12/2015
Sometimes it is mandatory for live-in carers to have a driving licence. Clients require mobility for a number of reasons such as shopping, day trips and visits. It stands to reason then that live-in carers are not only able to access a larger range of clients, but are able to provide them with easier access to the outside world.
Although a valid driver’s licence is valuable, it is by no means essential. Estimates put the amount of live-in carers with driving licences at around two thirds. Many of those with licences come from foreign countries. A common question asked by those from abroad is whether or not their licence is valid in the UK.
According to information obtained from UK Anglo Info,visitors over 17 years of age, with a valid driving permit issued elsewhere in the world may drive a passenger vehicle in the UK for up to 12 months.
After 12 months, some foreign licences remain valid for use in the UK for a limited period; some may be exchanged for a UK licence; some cease to be valid and a full driving test must be taken for a British license (GB) to be issued.
Driving with an EU/EEA-issued license
A valid driving licence issued anywhere within the European Union (EU), or European Economic Area (EEA), may be used by the licence holder until the age of 70, or for up to three years from the time they become resident in Great Britain (whichever is longer). In order to continue driving after this period, you must get a British driving licence. EU licences can only be renewed in the country in which the holder is resident. If a driver holds a licence from another EU country and renews it in Britain, it will be converted to a UK licence.
Licence issued in a designated country
A licence issued in one of the 17 countries with which Great Britain has a reciprocal licencing agreement may be used for 12 months and then exchanged for a GB licence of an equivalent category.
The 15 designated countries are:
* Andorra, Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Falkland Islands, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Hong Kong, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland and Zimbabwe.
* A Motorbike licence from the Faroe Islands and Republic of Korea is not exchangeable
Although the designated country licence is only valid for the first 12 months, it may be exchanged at any time within five years of the licence-holder becoming resident in the UK. However, after the first year the driver may not drive until that is done.
Licences from other countries
A licence issued by any other country is valid for use for one year. To continue driving, a full driving theory and practical test must be taken for the issue of a GB licence.
Written By:
Daniel James
www.danieljamesbio.com
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