Driving on an foreign driving license?

Question

Hi,

I am an international student in the UK and I was driving on my foreign driving license and got captured by a speed camera on a highway. I found today I can only drive on my license for 12 months since I came to the UK in first place.

What is exactly meant by that? First time I came years ago for only 3 weeks. However, I started my BSc in October last year and I got my license (in my country) only 3 months ago.

What are the consequences of the offence having the license was not valid?

Is it worth to get a lawyer in my case?

I am the registered keeper of the car, insured (though it is not valid any more, uh?) and the car was appropriately taxed and MOT'd.

Thank you.

Answer 1

The 12 months that you are allowed to drive are from becoming resident in the U.K., either permanently or temporarily, so the few weeks you spent here at some point several years ago don't matter.  

If you came to the U.K. as a student in October 2007, then your foreign license will still be valid here until October 2008, regardless of when you actually acquired/renewed it.

Answer 2

If you got your licence 3 months ago,then it runs out here in another 9. It doesn't matter that you came here yrs ago,you didn't drive then. Why isn't your insurance valid,as long as you have the certificate and are still insured when caught speeding, I don't see what the problem is. You'll just get a fine.

Give more info.

Answer 3

You need to get international license to drive in the UK for up to 12 months, then if you're staying in the UK you need then to have a UK license to drive legally.

Answer 4

it is worth getting a lawyer. a visit of only three weeks cannot qualify you as being resident. i believe the law states you can use your intn'l  licence for 12 months from becoming resident, which in this case would be from October last year. in any case a quick phone call to your local citizens advice bureau would be in order - and free

Answer 5

The DVLA's webpage is playing up at the moment but Yes, if you have been living in this country for over a year then you can legally ONLY drive on a British driving licence.  Otherwise you are committing an offence, which is usually regarded as "Driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence", which carries a possible 3-6 points (which will go straight onto your licence when you get it), discretionary ban, £1000 fine or 6 months imprisonment; or quite possibly a combination of them all.

If you are likely to be prosecuted for this, then I would certainly recommend getting a lawyer - you can show that you followed the other aspects of driving legally, and try to plead ignorance, but you WILL have a struggle without good advice.  There is one statement that many people overlook at their peril - "Ignorance of the law is no defence against it!"

Answer 6

I wouldn't worry as I'm sure the police won't either - there must be THOUSANDS of motorists driving in the UK on foreign licences for more than a year - I'm sure that little - if anything will be done - welcome to the UK -  have a nice stay!

Answer 7

Your licence is valid 1 year from the last time you entered the UK which will be stamped on your passport