C1 license renewal whilst abroad for over 70's

[Deleted member 19733]

We plan to be away for several months over the winter mostly in Spain. Our C1 license needs renewing during this time. We are aware that the earliest one can apply is 3 months, but we'll be away longer than that.

Has anyone been in this situation who can advise what they done to complete the usual medical checks, eye tests, submitting documents to DVLA etc,.

Your experience and suggestions would be much appreciated.

Thanks :anyone:

 

[shortcircuit]

The medical checks will need a Doctor who gains access to your medical history which I would suggest may be difficult if you are considering attempting that from Spain.

 

[Deleted member 74361]

The medical checks will need a Doctor who gains access to your medical history which I would suggest may be difficult if you are considering attempting that from Spain.

That is not correct.

The various companies who offer D4 Medical checks in UK do not have access to your medical records nor are they required to have access.

The DVLA rules state that the Medical Examination must be done by any Doctor qualified to practise in any EU country.

I have had the last two C1 D4 Medicals done here in Poland by a Polish Doctor and there were no problems.

The D4 form can be downloaded from the internet, but the D2 application must be an original form, either from a Post Office or posted from DVLA Swansea, something about attaching the photo, so needs a bit of planning.

All possible from Spain.

Geoff

 

[shortcircuit]

That is not correct.

The various companies who offer D4 Medical checks in UK do not have access to your medical records nor are they required to have access.

The DVLA rules state that the Medical Examination must be done by any Doctor qualified to practise in any EU country.

I have had the last two C1 D4 Medicals done here in Poland by a Polish Doctor and there were no problems.

The D4 form can be downloaded from the internet, but the D2 application must be an original form, either from a Post Office or posted from DVLA Swansea, something about attaching the photo, so needs a bit of planning.

All possible from Spain.

Geoff

Thats interesting. The Doctor, who was recommended by the company, had my medical records folder, thick as your arm. I would agree that the company would not have access to your records.

As I have circulation problems how would a foreign Doctor be able to determine this if I withhold info and he has no access to my records?

Just to add, if you are more than three months out of the country, do you then become unsubscribed from your medical practice?

 

[Clunegapyears]

We tried for James in Portugal. We had the original forms from the DVLA and had checked the any registered doctor in the EU would be able to do it. However he was also told that it was not possible as the Portuguese doctor did not have his medical records.
I don’t know if you can take those with you or show them to the doctor online. The eye test we had paid for in Portugal so that part was all fine.
In the end James did a short turnaround EasyJet flight back to have the doctor’s appointment. So the forms got sent off… As long as the application is in the DVLA process you are still entitled to drive on your C1.

 

[GeoffL]

I answered this in the similar thread on one of Phil's other sites. According to D4Drivers, the medical is valid for four months from the date of the doctor's signature. So, if the timing's right, you can get your medical done just before leaving the country and then send in your renewal application while abroad to arrive at the DVLA up to three months from the expiry of your current licence and up to four months from the date of your medical.

 

[maingate]

Don't send your application in early, you could lose out as they will date the start of the new 3 year licence from the date they process it. I lost nearly 7 weeks like that (Birthday mid April, new licence dated from late February).This time I am sending in the forms 2 days before the licence ends (by recorded delivery).