Is the 2-part Driving Licence now mandatory?

[SurreyGuy]

We're having a discussion between 4 of us at work - 2 of us have the "new" 2-part licence and the other 2 have the "old" 1-piece paper one.

Is the 2-part one now mandatory?

T.I.A.

[kempie]

Although the DVLA now only issue photocard licences to comply with an EU directive requiring all member states to issue driving licences in a card format, there is not yet any requirement to exchange the 'old' paper licence for an equivalent photocard and counterpart.

If someone wishes to voluntarily exchange their old licence for a photocard (which will require renewal every 10 years) they will incur a fee of �19 but if a change of name or address is required then the exchange is free.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLic ensing/NeedANewOrUpdatedLicence/DG_4022084

[SurreyGuy]

Thanks

[tel b]

IIRC, some European countries require the new licence too. Certainly my old green one wasn't valid in Spain or Italy, but you can still get internation driving license from motoring associations (AA, RAC etc). These carry a passport-sized photo.

[dilligaf]

As kempie posted there is not yet any requirement to hold a new photocard licence. However, if you travel abroad you may have difficulty hireing a car with the old style paper licence.

[SurreyGuy]

Thanks folks - I've got the 2-part one so I'm OK. Well, till the ******* want money off me for the 10-year renewal! :o)