How Will Brexit Effect My Driving Licence?
Okay so we are a few days into our post-referendum country and there are so many discussions as how the exit vote is going to change things.
It is very early days and seemingly the “exit” camp are quite surprised about their narrow victory and information about what happens next is a bit sketchy.
All we do know at this stage is that nothing major is going to happen quickly.
One issue that has been raised a few times through social media is, what will happen about the UK’s European driving licences.
Again, at this stage we can only really speculate, however, here are a few observations.
One major concern is that because it shows the design imposed by the EU then will UK drivers have to surrender their current driving licence and be issued with a new “UK only” driving licence?
An extended concern is as to whether to not drivers will have to pay for updated and amended driving licences?
Although we cannot firmly say yay or nay, it would seem to be the most sensible suggestion to allow the current driving licences to expire naturally and then reissue the new driving licences as and when required.
However, with the current EU driving licences, UK driving licence holders can drive in any country within the EU. So what will happen now that we are leaving the EU?
In short, it may well mean that we have to apply for international driving permits in the event that we want to drive whilst abroad.
UK drivers already have to do this in non-EU countries through the AA, RAC and or Post Office. However, this type of driving permit may be extended to our popular EU holiday destinations when the plans are finally worked out.
We can also look to other non-full EU member states such as Lichtenstein and Iceland only to see that by them being members of the EU single market they are been allowed to use EU-based driving licences.
If we were to follow the Lichtenstein or Iceland route then this may circumvent the need to apply and maybe even pay for driving licence permits.
Just by way of an aside and we all know that Brexit is in its earliest stages, but as the PM stated: “We will be continuing as normal for the time being. It’s too early to speculate on any changes.”
So the final upshot is that there are a few options but we have to sit tight and await the administrative outcome.
About Nick Freeman
Nick Freeman is probably the best known solicitor practising in the country today.
He has been dubbed "Mr Loophole" by the press owing to his vast technical knowledge of motoring law matters and his ability to successfully challenge the prosecution over procedural irregularities.
Nick is widely known for his celebrity client list and high profile criminal defence cases.
Nick is the head of Freeman & Co. Solicitors and although based in Manchester, represents defendants in motoring and criminal cases all over the country.
After graduating from Chester Law School in 1979, Nick started his career as a prosecuting solicitor for Greater Manchester Police.
Nick soon became known for his technical legal abilities and robust court room style and he was soon recruited into private practice by the highly respected solicitors firm of Burton & Co. He was soon to be made a partner at the practice but in 1999 he decided to start his own firm following which Freeman & Co. was formed.
Owing to Nick's meticulous case preparation and technical legal skill he soon made Freeman & Co. one of the most respected and sought after criminal solicitors firms in the country.
Despite the celebrity client list and media attention, Nick and Freeman & Co. have built their practice on representing ordinary members of the public with the same tenacity as those more high profile cases that are reported in the press and on TV.
Outside of his professional practice Nick is a regular expert guest on TV and radio and is well regarded as an expert legal commentator. He is an ardent supporter of defendant anonymity in sex cases.
In recent times his credits have included Tonight With Trevor MacDonald, Close Up North West, Channel 4 News, BBC Radio 4 and BBC Radio 5 Live to name but a few. He also appears regularly on Sky News, BBC News 24 and Legal Eagles on ITV's This Morning. Nick is a regular legal commentator for the Sunday Times.
A father of 2 children Nick is a keen golfer with a 2.9 handicap and enjoys vigorous exercise with his Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
Contacting Nick Freeman
For professional matters and representation Nick can be contacted through Freeman & Co. on 0161 236 7007 or you can send him a confidential email by clicking here.
If you would like to contact Nick for a media appearance or legal comment please call David Simister on 0845 389 26 26.