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Q418: I have a foreign licence and have been caught speeding, what's the process?

Answer

There will be information on the ticket as to what you need to do but the basic system in the UK is explained below.

The key point is whether you have a satisfactory UK address – this is defined as one in the UK at which, in the opinion of the constable, it is likely that it would be possible to find you whenever necessary in connection with court proceedings or the issue of a fixed penalty notice.

If you have such an address, the police officer will issue you with a notice in relation to your speeding offence. Then, depending on the circumstances, you may be invited to attend a Speed Awareness Course, be given a fixed penalty fine and points or have to attend court. Note that you will be notified of what action the police intend to take in due course, you cannot request a Speed Awareness Course, it up to the police to decide whether the circumstances in which you exceeded the speed limit are suitable for such a course.

If you do attend a Speed Awareness Course you will not receive any penalty points or a fine but you will have to pay for the cost of the course – foreign licence holders can take a Speed Awareness Course in the UK. Alternatively, if you are given penalty points, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) in the UK will create a record for you and the points will be shown on that record.

If you cannot provide the police officer with a satisfactory UK address they will require a roadside deposit from you – for speeding this will be £100. However, if the offence is to be prosecuted at court the deposit will be £500. If you can't pay the deposit immediately, your vehicle may be prohibited and immobilised.

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​​The link within the Related Information section explains how you can replace a motorcycle CBT certificate.

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Drivers will need a different licence entitlement to drive different types of buses, coaches and lorries.

Drivers must hold full (not provisional) category B entitlement (car) before they can take an LGV or PCV test . They must also gain a full category entitlement for a vehicle before taking a second test to add the trailer entitlement (+E). No additional entitlement is required to tow trailers that weigh less than 750 kg. If at any stage the driver loses their car licence entitlement, they will also automatically lose their LGV or PCV (Passenger Carrying Vehicle) licence.

Every person intending to use a goods vehicle (above 3.5 tonnes) in connection with any trade or business carried out by him, or a Passenger Carrying Vehicle on a road, for hire or reward, must apply to the Traffic Commissioner for an operator licence. The role of Traffic Commissioners is to promote road safety and the safety of the travelling public.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), on behalf of the Traffic Commissioners, maintain the Operator Licensing scheme. DVSA process all Operator Licence applications. The DVSA website includes comprehensive guidance on how to apply and manage licence details, which can now be changed electronically.

Further information can be obtained from either the DVLA or the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DSVA).

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Answer

You should inform your insurance company of any penalty points you have received. The details you provide to them form the basis for your insurance quote and subsequent insurance cover. If any of the details change or are incorrect and you do not inform your insurer, it may affect your cover.

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Answer

To hold a licence to drive a moped you have to be 16 years old. To hold a licence for a car you have to be 17 years old, unless you are getting or have applied for the enhanced rate of the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in which case the minimum age is 16. To ride a motorcycle you have to be 17 years old.

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Related Information
Answer

Please see details of how long penalty points / endorsements may stay on your licence below. 

4 years from the date of offence for endorsement codes

Code

Offence

Points

AC10

Failing to stop after an accident

5 to 10

AC20

Failing to give particulars or report an accident within 24 hours

5 to 10

AC30

Undefined accident offences

4 to 9

BA10

Driving while disqualified by order of court

6

BA30

Attempting to drive while disqualified by order of court

6

CD10

Driving without due care and attention

3 to 9

CD20

Driving without reasonable consideration for other road users

3 to 9

CD30

Driving without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration for other road users

3 to 9

CU10

Using a vehicle with defective brakes

3

CU20

Causing or likely to cause danger by reason of use of unsuitable vehicle or using a vehicle with parts or accessories (excluding brakes, steering or tyres) in a dangerous condition

3

CU30

Using a vehicle with defective tyres

3

CU40

Using a vehicle with defective steering

3

CU50

Causing or likely to cause danger by reason of load or passengers

3

CU80

Breach of requirements as to control of the vehicle, such as using a mobile phone

3 to 6

DR40

In charge of a vehicle while alcohol level above limit (If a disqualification isn't imposed)

10

DR50

In charge of a vehicle while unfit through drink (If a disqualification isn't imposed)

10

DR60

Failure to provide a specimen for analysis in circumstances other than driving or attempting to drive (If a disqualification isn't imposed)

10

DR70

Failing to provide specimen for breath test (If a disqualification isn't imposed)

4

DG40

In charge of a vehicle while drug level above specified limit (If a disqualification isn't imposed)

10

DR90

In charge of a vehicle when unfit through drugs (If a disqualification isn't imposed)

10

IN10

Using a vehicle uninsured against third party risks

6 to 8

LC20

Driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence

3 to 6

LC30

Driving after making a false declaration about fitness when applying for a licence

3 to 6

LC40

Driving a vehicle having failed to notify a disability

3 to 6

LC50

Driving after a licence has been cancelled (revoked) or refused on medical grounds

3 to 6

MS10

Leaving a vehicle in a dangerous position

3

MS20

Unlawful pillion riding

3

MS30

Play street offences

2

MS50

Motor racing on the highway

3 to 11

MS60

Offences not covered by other codes (including offences relating to breach of requirements as to control of vehicle)

3

MS70

Driving with uncorrected defective eyesight

3

MS80

Refusing to submit to an eyesight test

3

MS90

Failure to give information as to identity of driver etc.

6

MW10

Contravention of special roads regulations (excluding speed limits) (Motorway offences)

3

PC10

Undefined contravention of pedestrian crossing regulations

3

PC20

Contravention of pedestrian crossing regulations with moving vehicle

3

PC30

Contravention of pedestrian crossing regulations with stationary vehicle

3

SP10

Exceeding goods vehicle speed limits

3 to 6

SP20

Exceeding speed limit for type of vehicle (excluding goods or passenger vehicles)

3 to 6

SP30

Exceeding statutory speed limit on a public road

3 to 6

SP40

Exceeding passenger vehicle speed limit

3 to 6

SP50

Exceeding speed limit on a motorway

3 to 6

TS10

Failing to comply with traffic light signals

3

TS20

Failing to comply with double white lines

3

TS30

Failing to comply with 'stop' sign

3

TS40

Failing to comply with direction of a constable/warden

3

TS50

Failing to comply with traffic sign (excluding 'stop' signs, traffic lights or double white lines)

3

TS60

Failing to comply with a school crossing patrol sign

3

TS70

Undefined failure to comply with a traffic direction sign

3

UT50

Aggravated taking of a vehicle

3 to 11

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Question

Q418: I have a foreign licence and have been caught speeding, what's the process?

Answer

There will be information on the ticket as to what you need to do but the basic system in the UK is explained below.

The key point is whether you have a satisfactory UK address – this is defined as one in the UK at which, in the opinion of the constable, it is likely that it would be possible to find you whenever necessary in connection with court proceedings or the issue of a fixed penalty notice.

If you have such an address, the police officer will issue you with a notice in relation to your speeding offence. Then, depending on the circumstances, you may be invited to attend a Speed Awareness Course, be given a fixed penalty fine and points or have to attend court. Note that you will be notified of what action the police intend to take in due course, you cannot request a Speed Awareness Course, it up to the police to decide whether the circumstances in which you exceeded the speed limit are suitable for such a course.

If you do attend a Speed Awareness Course you will not receive any penalty points or a fine but you will have to pay for the cost of the course – foreign licence holders can take a Speed Awareness Course in the UK. Alternatively, if you are given penalty points, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) in the UK will create a record for you and the points will be shown on that record.

If you cannot provide the police officer with a satisfactory UK address they will require a roadside deposit from you – for speeding this will be £100. However, if the offence is to be prosecuted at court the deposit will be £500. If you can't pay the deposit immediately, your vehicle may be prohibited and immobilised.

Further information
The following questions may also be of use:
 
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