Fortunately, the Road Traffic Act of 1988 contains all you need to know about cars, roads, and the UK. (source: Legislation.gov.uk)

You can own a car without having a driving license in any part of the UK. The law doesn’t bar anyone from owning cars, provided you own them through legal means. Per UK legislation, there’s also no age restriction to owning a car, and you don’t need any unique document.

However, non-residents cannot own a car in the UK since they need a fixed address for legal and insurance registration. In this article, I’ll dive into all you need to know about buying, financing, and selling cars in the United Kingdom.

Can You Buy a Car Without a License in the UK?

The United Kingdom law is clear about all things on driving licenses and car ownership. For example, anyone can get a license if they fulfill the laid requirements and pass the tests (source: Gov.uk)

However, there’s a chance you could be without a license, and you might be interested in buying a car. So, can you buy a car without a license?

You can buy a car without having a driving license in the UK. There’s no law prohibiting unlicensed purchases, but you’ll need to have a provisional license to drive it on any UK road—even if the car dealership is close to your home. So, you might want to consider having it delivered instead.

Although you don’t need a license, you need to have a Ministry Of Transport (MOT) roadworthiness pass certificate for your car, insurance documents, and, sometimes, a vehicle excise license to purchase a car legally. 

However, you don’t need these documents in all cases, and some dealerships will sell most cars to you if you have an MOT roadworthiness pass certificate and some way to prove you’re a UK citizen. (sources: Angloinfo and Gov.uk)

It’s a bit different if you’re a foreigner. While foreigners can buy cars in the UK, you must have a driving license—either an international driving license or a UK-issued one—and have a legal UK address and a valid means of identification and other required documents.

Here’s how to buy a car in the UK:

1. Carefully inspect the car you’re interested in when you find a dealership or seller in your area. Ensure the dealership has the car’s V5C vehicle registration certificate to ensure the legitimacy of all its parts—even if it’s a new car. Remember to check the registration number and MOT test number too. (source: Safe Driving For Life)
   
2. Buy the car and register it with the Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency. You’ll need to register both new and used vehicles bought in the UK. However, old cars with V5C vehicle registration certificates need to be taxed before you can drive them on UK roads. (source: Gov.uk)
   
3. Get car insurance. Insurance is vital, and you can get into serious trouble in the UK if you own a car without insurance papers. You can check here to confirm if your car is insured. (source: Gov.uk)
   
4. Pay the car’s tax fees. Although almost everyone has to pay mandatory taxes to drive in the UK legally, there are some exceptions if you’re disabled or drive certain vehicles. However, you need to tax your car even if you’re not legally required to pay. (source: Gov.UK)

Afterward, you can drive the car home or have the dealer deliver it to you if you don’t have a driving license.

Can You Get Car Finance Without a Driving License in the UK?

You might want to purchase a car, but you might be financially limited and unable to do so—that’s why we have car finance.

Car financing allows individuals to become car owners through loans that you can serve over months or years. While car finance is majorly uncomplicated, many people might wonder what impact a driving license might play if you want to get car finance. (source: My Car Credit)

You can get car finance without a driving license in the UK. You’ll need a means of identification to get the loan, but a passport or similar document will work in most cases. However, some lenders might insist you have a full driving license before authorizing the loan.

Foreigners and residents of any nationality can also get car finance in the UK. Still, you’ll need a driving license, credit history, and a UK address if you fall into this category. A lot goes into car financing, and some technical parts depend on the lender and car dealership.

Can You Sell a Car Without a License in the UK?

I’ve explored the possibility of buying cars in the UK without a license, but you may wonder if it’s possible to sell a car—or someone else’s car—if you don’t have a driving license.

After all, since you can buy and own a vehicle without a license, there must be a drawback in selling, right? Unsurprisingly, UK legislation is pretty straightforward about these things, and you can probably guess the answer.

You can sell a car without having a driving license in the UK. You can sell your car or other people’s cars as long as you have the DVLA-required documents for vehicle sales. You also don’t need additional dealing licenses when selling vehicles in the UK.

Of course, make sure you have all the papers required when selling your car. You’ll need to provide all the documents you got when purchasing the vehicle. UK law also requires that you inform the DVLA after selling a vehicle for tax refund and record-keeping purposes. (source: Gov.uk)

You don’t need a driving license to own, buy or sell a car in the UK. While you might need some other documents for identification, insurance, and legal purposes, UK law does not list a driving license as a requirement for any of these activities.

The same applies to car financing. And although some lenders and dealers might insist on customers presenting a full license, it’s not the law.

Here are the different ways you can report someone driving without a licence in the UK:

1. Call the police on 101.
2. Contact Crimestoppers UK.
3. Message the police via 18001 101.

In the rest of this article, I’ll discuss the steps you can take to report someone driving without a licence in greater detail. I’ll also cover whether you can report it anonymously and the penalties associated with driving without a licence in the UK. Let’s get into it.

Call the Police on 101

Talking to the police is the best way to report someone driving without a licence in the UK. The key here is to make sure you call 101 and not 999. 

101 is the police’s non-emergency line, while 999 is strictly for emergencies and should never be dialled for anything less. Driving without a licence may be a crime, but it doesn’t amount to an emergency unless someone is already injured as a result of it.

Dialling the non-emergency number helps keep the emergency line available for those who really need it. So by choosing the right communication channel, you might help save someone from immediate danger by allowing their emergency call to go through.

If you’d rather not call, you can fill out this online form. It’ll narrow the report down to local police agencies that can directly handle the query.

When you establish contact, the police will ask you to provide the following information:

• In-depth information about the driver. This includes licence plate number and specifics about the vehicle, such as make and model. 
  
• The location of the offence. This means telling them which motorway you saw them driving on or letting them know their address if the person lives near you.
  
• Any other information you think will help their investigation. You may need to disclose your relationship to the driver and how you know they are driving without a licence.

You can ask for your call to be anonymous, meaning they won’t let the driver know you contacted them. However, they will likely keep your details on record for the purposes of the investigation, and that includes your name and contact number in case they need to get in touch with you (source: NI Direct Government Services).

Contact Crimestoppers UK

Crimestoppers is a charity in the UK that is dedicated to ending crime. They are entirely independent of the police, but they often work together to end all sorts of crimes, from minor offences to serious felonies (source: Crimestoppers UK).

Reporting to Crimestoppers is a relatively simple process. You can call their hotline and discuss the issue with complete anonymity, meaning your contact details and identity will not be tracked or kept in their records.

Everything you tell Crimestoppers is completely confidential, so rest assured that if you decide to contact them, the driver in question won’t know it was you who reported them (source: Crimestoppers UK).

Additionally, they often reward people for giving information about criminals. However, this is usually only if the crime is substantial, such as fraud or violence.

If you would like to report someone driving without a licence to Crimestoppers, fill out their anonymous form online or call 0800 555 111 to speak to one of their reps.

Caveat: Unless the driver is driving very dangerously without a licence, they may advise you to speak to the police. In this instance, you can ask them to pass on the information on your behalf to keep you out of the loop.

Generally speaking, it’s advisable to contact the police instead of Crimestoppers because:

• The police can handle the report directly, and the process will likely be much faster.
  
• Crimestoppers usually take on more significant matters, so your local police department is usually the better choice to report someone driving without a licence.

Message the Police Via 18001 101

The 18001 101 is the equivalent of 101, except it involves texting instead of calling. This non-emergency SMS service is primarily geared toward individuals with speech and hearing impairments. It works across all mobile networks and can be used to report crimes such as:

• Driving without a licence.
• Car theft.
• Minor traffic accidents.
• Property damage or theft, and more (Source: Durham Police).

Why Is It Important To Report Someone Driving Without a Licence in the UK?

Driving in the UK is usually a safe experience since numerous regulations prevent poor driving and prescribe multiple penalties for breaking the rules. Still, encountering an individual driving without a licence isn’t uncommon. While you’re under no legal obligation to report such individuals, doing so goes a long way to make our roads safer.

It’s important to report someone driving without a licence in the UK because it prevents accidents from occurring. It is a serious offence to drive without a licence, and it could end badly for pedestrians and other drivers. Reporting the driver will help keep the roads safe for everyone.

Before being able to drive in the UK, you must have acquired the correct licence for the type of vehicle you drive. This means that you can’t drive a lorry or bus if you only have a car licence, and you shouldn’t drive a car if you only have a motorcycle licence. It’s even worse if you have no licence at all (source: Greater Manchester Police).

Once you have reported them, the police will conduct an investigation to get the driver off the road. If the culprit cannot produce a valid driver’s licence for their vehicle, along with credible insurance and a recent MOT, the police will act accordingly (source: Gov.uk).

What Are the Penalties for Driving Without a Licence in the UK?

The penalties for driving without a licence in the UK include a hefty fine, points on your future licence, and possible jail time. You could even get banned from driving for up to a year. The Road Traffic Act stipulates that it is illegal to drive without a registered licence.

You could end up with up to 6 points on your licence once you acquire one, which means you’re halfway to being banned from driving in the UK altogether (source: Gov.uk).

And if you kill someone driving without a licence, you will inevitably go to jail. You may also incur a more severe sentence since you shouldn’t have been operating a car in the first place.

Even if you are a learner, you cannot drive alone in a car without a registered instructor who has had their licence for a few years. Driving alone on a provisional licence is likely to lead to a fine of up to £1,000 (source: JMW).

Considering all this, it’s not worth it to drive without a licence in the UK. If you know someone who is, you are within your rights to report them, and doing so keeps Britain’s roads safer overall. Get in touch with Crimestoppers to ask about the process, or get in touch with the police for the formal procedure.

Choosing a monocular for bird watching can be difficult. With all the technical jargon that you may not understand unless you’re well versed in the world of telescopes, it can be hard to know what to look for. That’s why I’ve put together this guide detailing the 3 best monoculars for bird watching on the market. 

I’ve also answered some commonly asked questions about monoculars. To discover more, read on! 

Best Compact Option

Opticron 30440 BGA 8×42 Monocular

This monocular is the most compact, meaning that you can just pop it in your pocket or bag and take it wherever you need it. At just 9.9oz and measuring at 13.72 x 4.57 x 4.32 cm, you don’t have to worry about it taking up valuable space when heading out bird watching. 

It’s available in many lens diameters, so you can choose which magnification you prefer. It’s powered by 1 AA battery, so you don’t have to worry about running out of power as you can keep a spare on you without taking up space. 

This compact monocular for bird watching is waterproof up to 5m, meaning if you get caught in a typical UK rainstorm then you can still use it to see the wildlife. It also comes with a carry case and a lanyard, as well as caps for the main objective and an eyepiece to keep it safe whilst you’re out and about. 

One thing I love about this waterproof monocular for bird watching is that it’s built with glasses wearers in mind! A rare find, the eyepiece has 2 modes, one for glasses wearers and one for those who don’t wear them. 

Reviewers rave about the high-quality image and focus of this compact monocular, you can really get up close and personal with the wildlife, from a safe distance of course!

Pros:

• Compact and light
• 8 options to choose from
• Powered by 1 AA battery
• Waterproof
• Carry case and lanyard included
• Built with glasses wearers in mind! 

Cons:

• Some reviewers have commented that the focus ring is stiff initially, but this loosens with use

Best Budget Option

DFlamepower 10×42 HD Monocular

It can be hard to find a budget monocular without compromising on quality, but I think this monocular does an impressive job. This monocular for bird watching is made of rubber making it fairly durable, so you won’t have to worry about it getting broken by being loose in your bag on a hike. 

There’s an anti-drop hand strap to place around your wrist when holding the monocular, with rubber armour that makes it easier to hold within your hand.  It also comes with a microfibre cleaning cloth for the lens and a carrying bag. Waterproof enough to use in the rain, with dual focus capabilities suitable for glasses wearers too. 

The lens is coated with a green film and Bak-4 prisms, which makes your view brighter and clearer. It also has a focus wheel that you can easily turn with one hand, which allows you to see things up to 1000 yards away. 

Reviewers have commented on the excellent quality of this monocular, despite its affordable price point!

Pros:

• Budget-friendly
• Rubber armour
• Anti-drop hand strap
• Waterproof
• Dual focus for glasses wearers

Cons:

• Doesn’t quite compare to higher-end products

Best High-End Option

Bushnell 191142 Legend Ultra HD Monocular

The Bushnell 191143 Legend is the best high-end option on the market. It’s not the smallest or lightest option, but it’s still portable. However, with 10 x magnification power, it’s hard to complain. ED Prime glass, PC-3 Phase-Coated prisms and fully multi-coated optics ensure that you get bright and clear views that are of unrivalled quality.

Not only is this monocular waterproof, but it’s fog proof too meaning you can use it in any weather condition without your view being affected. It works well in lower light conditions, as it transmits plenty of light through the objective lens.

The eyecups are adjustable so that you can be comfortable when holding them against your eye for longer periods of time. The front lens cap is removable but is also on a hinge. This means that it can be used as a sunshield on those brighter days when the sun may affect your view. 

One of the things that I love about this monocular is that you can easily attach it to a tripod with its built-in picca rail. This gives you more stability to view the wildlife if you know that you’ll be staying in one place for a length of time. 

All reviewers have commented on the excellent clarity that’s even better than expected. 

Pros:

• Extremely impressive optics
• Waterproof and fog proof
• Adjustable eyecups
• Hinged front lens
• Easily attach to multiple accessories

Cons:

• Not the lightest or smallest of monoculars
• No batteries included

Monocular vs Binoculars: Which Should I Use?

Monoculars and binoculars are both powerful magnification tools that can help you spot wildlife and beautiful birds from a long distance away. 

Monoculars are much more lightweight and compact, making it easier to take them on outdoor trips with you. If you’re hiking to a sightseeing spot, you need to make sure that you save valuable backpack space for water, snacks and anything you may need in case of emergency.

This means that monoculars are much easier to take with you as they don’t take up much space and some are even small enough to keep in your pocket or attach to a belt loop! Despite their small size, monoculars can have up to a huge 10 x magnification, making them a powerful tool for bird watching. 

However, with a monocular instead of binoculars, you can only use one eye. Although this may not be a problem for many, some people may prefer to get the whole picture using both eyes for a more immersive experience.

Although, I’ve found that if you’re a glasses wearer like myself where each eye is at a different prescription, I actually prefer just using one eye. 

A monocular can also be more comfortable to hold than traditional binoculars, it also leaves one hand free to note down your sightings or take a sip of a hot beverage. 

When it comes to birdwatching, a monocular is a more popular choice with enthusiasts. However, if you’re looking at a general view and just taking in the scenery, binoculars will offer the wider picture. 

How Far Can A Monocular See?

Monoculars tend to have a magnification power between 6x and 10x,  higher optical magnification will allow you to see further into the distance. 

Monoculars will often have their magnification option listed within the product specification. When looking at this, you will see 2 numbers. The first number is the magnification and the second is the lens size. The bigger the lens size, the wider the view available.

For example, a specification of 8×25 will mean that the monocular has 8 x magnification with an eyepiece lens size of 25mm. This means that the object in view will appear 8 times larger than it would with your naked eye. 

The distance you can see will depend on the quality of the bird-watching monocular that you choose. On average, monoculars can see around 5 miles into the distance, but for specifics check the specification of the product. 

I hope that after reading this guide, you’ve found all the information you’re looking for and can begin your journey to spotting some fantastic birds! 

I got maddened by how difficult it is, so researched lots of ways on how you can contact the DVLA for your request.

I have learned a LOT about the fascinating and somewhat backward world of motor vehicle paperwork, including a ‘secret’ page the DVLA has that gets updated weekly, and it shows where you are in the application queue! (scroll down to my ‘tips to ease the frustration’ for that) – but I hope there are other things in this article that can help you out, too.

When MUST you contact the DVLA?

If you’re anything like me, then it can be confusing to know when you need to contact the DVLA. 

These reasons can include:

• Informing the DVLA of a medical condition
• Failing an eye test
• Vehicle tax or a statutory off road notifications (SORN)
• Number plates and log books
•  Passing your driving test
• Getting rid of your car
• If you’ve sold, bought or transferred a vehicle

You can also contact the DVLA for general enquiries or complaints. 

How do I notify the DVLA that I’ve scrapped my car?

If you decide to scrap your car, you must inform the DVLA that you have done so. If you do not inform the DVLA, then you may receive large fines. The DVLA will assume that you are still driving the car as you have not notified them otherwise.

This means you could get a fine and ticket for driving the vehicle with no tax. You can also get fined £1000 for not updating your vehicle’s details. 

You can notify the DVLA about scrapping your car in a few ways. 

Via website

The easiest way to contact the DVLA about scrapping your car if you have internet access is via their website. In order to do this, you need the name and address of the scrapyard, the vehicle registration number and the 11 digit vehicle reference from the latest log book (V5C). 

Use the scrapyard or insurance company’s name as the trader you sold the vehicle to, even if you did not get any money for doing so. 

By post

Contacting the DVLA by post is still a viable option, especially for those who do not have great internet access. 

All you have to do is fill out section 4 of your logbook and post it to the DVLA. If your car was manufactured before April 2019, fill out section 9. 

The address is:

DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1BA

The DVLA should notify you with a confirmation letter within 4 weeks.

What if I don’t have my logbook?

It’s not uncommon to misplace or automatically destroy your logbook once your car has been scrapped. Don’t panic if you’ve done this, you can still notify the DVLA. 

If you have the V5C written down, simply contact the DVLA via their website. If you don’t, write a letter to the DVLA at the address above and inform them that you have scrapped your car, but do not have the logbook. You must include your full name, address along with the name, address and VAT number of the scrapyard. 

How do I phone the DVLA?

There are multiple phone numbers for the DVLA, each for different departments. For the quickest response time, call the relevant number during their business hours. 

Driving Licence Enquiries

Phone Number: 0300 790 6801

Opening Hours: Mon to Fri – 8 am to 7 pm, Sat – 8 am to 2 pm

To enquire about the status of your driving licence application, order a new licence or change your name and address, call this number. 

Driving and Medical Issues

Phone Number: 0300 790 6806

Opening Hours: Mon to Fri – 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, Sat – 8 am to 1 pm

Call this number to inform the DVLA about a medical condition or disability that can affect your driving ability. You can also call to reapply for a driving licence if you’ve had one taken away due to said medical issue. 

Vehicle Tax, Registration or SORN

Phone Number: 0300 790 6802

Opening Hours: Mon to Fri – 8 am to 7 pm, Sat – 8 am to 2 pm

For help with paying and checking your vehicle tax and changing the tax class of your vehicle, call this number. You can also register and request a vehicle logbook (V5C) and enquire about personalised number plates and importing and exporting vehicles. 

If you wish to take your vehicle off the road so it’s not taxed, you’ll need to make a Statutory Off Road Notification which can be done via this number too 

Information about Driving Records

Phone Number: 0300 083 0013

Opening Hours: Mon to Fri – 8 am to 7 pm, Sat – 8 am to 2 pm

To find out which vehicles you can drive, the number of points on your licence or any driving disqualifications and more about your record, call this number. If you want to share your record with a third party, such as a car rental service, call to create a shareable check code. 

Welsh Language Enquiries

Phone Number: 0300 790 6819

Opening Hours: Mon to Fri – 8 am to 7 pm, Sat – 8 am to 2 pm

If you speak Welsh and need assistance from the DVLA, then call this number for help relating to any department. 

Are DVLA Numbers Free to Phone?

It is not free of charge to call the DVLA. The 0300 numbers are charged at around 9p a minute from landlines and 55p a minute from mobiles. This is why it’s often still better to write to them, slow as it is.

Can I talk to a real person at the DVLA?

A lot of the DVLA phone lines are automated, but to get through to a real person all you have to do is follow the automated steps. Listen to the automated voice and press the numbers on the keypad related to your enquiry, once you have done that you will be put through to a real person to speak with. 

The phone lines tend to have long waiting lines, so be prepared to be put on hold before you reach someone. 

Can I email the DVLA?

There is no specific email address for the DVLA, to contact them via email you must head to the government website and answer the questions related to your enquiry. You can contact them about vehicle, driver and welsh enquiries. 

Once you have completed all the answers, you will have an option to fill in your information. Enter your full name, date of birth, address, email address and vehicle details. Then, it will give you an option to enter a question or concern along with any relevant attachments.

Once you’ve finished, click the green submit button. This will be sent to the DVLA and they will aim to get back to you via the email address you put in as soon as possible. 

You will receive a confirmation email immediately. The response time can vary depending on your message, it can take several weeks. Remember to check your spam folder if you haven’t heard anything in a while! 

Writing to the DVLA: What’s their address?

There are a few addresses for the DVLA, all of them located in Swansea. The address will be different depending on what your enquiry entails. 

For vehicle enquiries

For assistance with vehicle taxes, vehicle registrations and logbooks. You can also make a Statutory Off Road Notification via this address. 

Address:

Vehicle Customer Services
DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1AR

For driving enquiries:

For help with your driving licence application, making changes to your licence or replacing one that’s been lost.

Address:

Drivers Customer Services
Correspondence Team
DVLA
Swansea
SA6 7JL

For medical enquiries:

To update the DVLA on any medical conditions or disabilities that may affect your driving ability, appeal a decision on revoking your licence or reapply for a licence.

Address:

Drivers’ Medical Enquiries
DVLA 
Swansea
SA99 1TU

For complaints:

If you are unhappy with the service you have received and have already reached out to the relevant department for assistance, you can make a formal complaint. Include all the details and any correspondence you have already had. 

Address:

Complaints Team
DVLA
Swansea
SA6 7JL

It can take up to several weeks to hear back from someone via post, depending on the difficulty of your request. If you are looking for a faster response time, we recommend emailing or ringing the DVLA.

Is DVLA Swansea Freepost?

I thought I’d better answer this at the same time, since posting things is still one of the best options.

No, the DVLA Swansea address is not a Freepost address. You need a stamp if you send anything to them. Always put stamps on or pay the correct postage for your letter or else you’ll sadly delay things even more! Their address looks like a Freepost one, but it’s not.

Can You Visit DVLA Swansea in Person?

Recently I had to get a replacement V5 document from the DVLA. I bought a second-hand car that didn’t have the V5, so the only way I could get one is to request it from DVLA in Swansea. Their estimated time on this (at the time of writing) was six weeks.

We live in the West Country and it’s not that far to drive to Swansea. Therefore we wanted to know if you could go there in person to the DVLA’s actual office address and make the process faster.

Unfortunately, you can’t visit the DVLA in person in Swansea. They don’t have a “customer service” desk. The best thing they can do is put your letter in their internal mail, but then it would just be treated the same as if you’d posted it to them, so you’re not saving yourself any time.

If you want anything doing these days with licenses V5 or any other similar paperwork you’re going to have to do it digitally and it usually goes through Swansea. Frequently there are no other options.

Is There a DVLA Office Near Me?

I ought to mention that DVLA no longer has the little local offices that they used to have throughout the country. These were all closed down by the government in 2013.

This was my first thought because I’d heard that there used to be offices for the DVLA nationwide… But nope – there are no local walk-in services any more.

How do I get a DVLA check code?

If you need to share your driving record with a third party, you can contact the DVLA for a shareable check code. The easiest way to do this is online via the government website. You can also use this service to check your driving record, as mentioned above. 

In order to complete this service and receive your code, you will need:

• Your driving licence number
• Your national insurance number
• The postcode on your driving licence

Once you receive your code, it is valid for 21 days. 

Other ways to get a check code

Applying online is not the only way to receive this code. There are multiple ways to do so. 

Via GOV.uk Verify

To access your driving record or receive your code, apply via GOV.uk Verify.

Via phone

Contact the department of driving records via telephone – 0300 083 0013.

Via post

Send a request form or a letter including the following information.

• Full name
• Address
• Date of birth
• Driving licence number

Address:

DACT Team
DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1AJ

Tips to Ease the Frustration of Waiting for the DVLA

If you’ve got this far, you’ll probably be feeling as frustrated as I did when I learned that there are very few ways to effectively contact the DVLA without waiting for a long time.

When researching this article, though, I found out a couple of things that might make the weight more bearable or at least get an idea of where you are in the queue.

1. Check Your Place in the Paperwork Queue

This one saved me a lot of bother when I was thinking of ringing them to chase up my application.

What many people don’t know is that on the official government website, the DVLA has a page that they constantly update saying which date they are dealing with at the moment. You can find it here.

Scroll down to “Processing Dates for Paper Applications” and you’ll see what they’re dealing with this week.

Therefore if you know which date you posted your documents you can see how far away they are dealing with yours. This helped me a lot because I knew I didn’t have to waste time chasing something that wasn’t even remotely near the front of the queue!

2. Chase Them if It’s Been 6+ Weeks

What is often hidden in the small print that you are entitled to chase DVLA if you haven’t heard anything back from them after 6 weeks – they hide this down at the bottom of their contact details but it is there!

You can use the link above to see if it’s been more than six weeks since your documents entered the queue, too.

3. Check if You Actually Need to Hear Back In Order to Drive

Many people don’t realise that you don’t need to hear back from the DVLA to continue using your car in certain situations. Here’s the official DVLA leaflet for all the scenarios where you can continue driving, even if your application is with them.

I hope this has helped you in the impatient wait to hear back from the DVLA. Unfortunately, it’s one of those situations where you can’t move things along, as you can with so many other businesses these days. Be patient, and good luck!

However, broaching the subject with someone that you care about is difficult. If you feel that your elderly parent (or relative) has become a hazard to themselves and others, then you have a responsibility to start a conversation with them about their driving safety.

Unfortunately, this usually only happens after an ‘incident’. I’ve written a lot on this site about my elderly father – I had to persuade him to stop driving after he accelerated by accident into a fence. Thankfully, nobody was hurt, but we were all shocked and thought about how it could easily it could have been worse, had it involved others or taken place on a major road.

If you’re unsure how to go about this delicate subject, don’t worry. I’ve detailed how to go about it in this article, advising on the legalities around the elderly driving and how to have the conversation.

Ideas on How to Stop an Elderly Parent or Relative Driving

The biggest fear that elderly people have is loss of independence, which is why many people continue to drive longer than they should.

Here are some of the ways you can encourage them to stop driving – or at least drive less often, or less far at first.

Encourage Your Elderly Relative To Use Public Transport

It sounds obvious, but public transport may be an option if your relative realises that it’s far better than it used to be (and also more sociable). Most areas have regular bus routes that’ll take you from village to village, or into the main town. 

Something that may make this option more appealing is that in England when you reach 65 (60 in Wales)  you become eligible for a free bus pass supplied by the Government, plus they’ll never have to pay for parking!

Very often, you can be dropped off in the centre of towns where cars can’t go, or where parking is usually a nightmare. If it helps, take a few trips with your relative to show just how ‘easy’ this can be.

One of the best things I ever did was get my dad advance first class tickets to go to a nearby city for a day out. First class sounds extravagant, but the tickets can be very inexpensive if you get them in advance. You often get a free meal or snack, tea and coffee, table service and a guaranteed comfy seat – he absolutely loved it. It can go a long way to persuade your elderly relative that trains aren’t perhaps what they remember from the 70s!

However, sometimes someone may have difficulty using public transport. In this case, there may be a community transport service available to them. This can help with door to door trips, or even outings to shopping centres. 

If your relative lives in a rural area where public transport isn’t as reliable, then taxis or apps like Uber are always a viable option too! This also gives you peace of mind as it’s something you can arrange for them and you know that someone will be with them, at what time and that they’re taking them exactly where they need to go. 

The gist of the above is that you can still get to where you want to go, whenever you like.

Get Extra Support for Elderly Relatives who Drive

If you’re worried about them driving, but they’re insistent that they’re fine and they want to continue, then mobility centres offer information, advice and assessments regarding driving mobility, with their aim being to help elderly drivers continue for as long as is safe to do so. 

Your elderly parent or relative can be referred to a mobility centre by their GP if they have a condition that could affect their driving, although some centres allow self-referrals. These centres will assess their driving ability and offer advice as to next steps, which could be to continue driving or to take some time off to relearn skills.

This will give you the confidence that a professional has assessed your relatives driving and has deemed them safe to do so. Or, if it goes the other way, then you’ve got further evidence to support your argument that your relative should stop driving. 

Some organisations offer information geared specifically to the elderly to help them with their driving skills, including leaflets and posters. There are also plenty of videos detailing essential information for elderly drivers and interviews with families whose elderly relative has given up driving, which can help reassure your relative that they won’t necessarily lose their independence just because they’ve given up driving. 

Ask for Outside Help

If your elderly relative really isn’t listening to you and refuses to see the issues they may cause themselves or others, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Many charities such as ageuk, will offer advice on approaching the conversation with your relative.

You can always go to the GP too, although GPs often won’t tell the elderly to stop driving unless it down to a medical issue, as they don’t want to break the trust the patient may have with them as it may mean that they won’t report issues that may prevent them from driving in the future, which could be serious.

However, the GP may be able to offer information and advice when it comes to starting the conversation. Many elderly folk will trust their doctors and will heed their advice.

Having The Conversation

Starting the conversation with your loved one is often the hardest part as you don’t want them to think that you’re attacking their character, or that they’re not capable of looking after themselves.

Before starting the conversation, imagine yourself in their situation and think about how you’d feel if you had to give up driving and how it would impact your day-to-day life. Empathy is key – after all, it will happen to us all, one day!.

Choose a calm moment – if you’ve just argued over something else “age related”, it’s not the best time! Let your elderly parent know that you are only bringing this up because you care about them and want them to be safe.

Remember to listen to their concerns as you’d want them to listen to yours. Asking them to give up driving is a big ask – so perhaps rather than demanding a complete, sudden stop, you may want to ask them to reduce their driving and take public transport twice a week, for example.

Try and offer solutions, such as the ones mentioned above, that will allow your loved one to keep their independence and let them do the things that they enjoy. Encourage them to think about the bigger picture and how they may be putting not only themselves at risk, but also other people too.

Ensure that you’re remaining positive throughout the conversation and approach it sensitively and tactfully. Your loved one may get upset or defensive and may even feel humiliated, if this is the case stay calm and remain supportive. If the conversation becomes too difficult, break it off and revisit it another time. 

In my own experience, my father who was 86 at the time, considered himself a good driver – and he was. However, there were a number of telltale signs – lack of feeling and dexterity in his feet meant he wasn’t as accurate with the pedals. After reversing into a fence, he decided to stop as he lost his confidence.

It was actually a relief to him, to have the conversation – sometimes your elderly relative might be thinking the same thing, and they just need another opinion to persuade them that it’s OK to stop driving.

What Happens If Your Elderly Relative Refuses To Stop Driving?

If your elderly parent or relative refuses to stop driving, realistically there is nothing you can do – they are adults, after all. Only the driver or the DVLA can stop them driving – this is covered below – but if you are extremely concerned then there is another option.

You can anonymously write to the DVLA about your relative’s dangerous driving, the DVLA may then follow up with the local police who will assess the safety of the public. This is an extreme option and one that you will have to think very carefully about.

Although the written letter will be anonymous, you must think about how doing this will affect your relationship with your elderly relative if they were to find out that it was you. This is the last resort, and before even considering this you should be sure that you have tried every other option available to you. 

What Is The Law Around Older Drivers?

Legally, it might surprise you to learn that there’s no set age limit as to when an older person must stop driving as long as they don’t have any medical conditions that will affect their ability.

However, when someone turns 70 they need to get their driving licence renewed with the Driver Vehicle Licence Agency (DVLA) every 3 years, but they do not need to retake their driving test.

The DVLA will send out a D46P application form around 90 days before their 70th birthday, or they can renew their licence online (source: GOV.uk).

Health Conditions And Driving

If your relative has developed a health condition, or one has worsened since they’ve had their licence issued, then the DVLA must be informed. Many people worry that this will mean they won’t be able to drive, but that’s not always the case.

It’s a legal obligation for certain medical conditions to be disclosed to the DVLA, and if you have an accident and haven’t declared a condition then it’s possible that your insurance won’t cover you. The conditions that must be disclosed include:

• Dementia
• Epilepsy 
• Parkinson’s 
• Diabetes (insulin related) 
• Any chronic neurological condition, such as multiple sclerosis
• Any condition that affects your eyes

It’s important that you ensure your elderly relative has disclosed any conditions to the DVLA and their insurance holders, even if it means that they may have their licence revoked, as they could be a danger to themselves and others.

Sometimes, the DVLA will issue a licence that shows special controls are required to help with driving, or they may issue a licence for 1, 2 or 3 years and reassess your condition after this time period. You can disclose conditions on this page.

Overall, this is always going to be a difficult conversation, but ensuring your loved one knows that you only want the best for them and their safety is bound to make the conversation a lot easier. I hope this advice has helped!

I’m both a redhead AND I have sensitive skin, so I choose my sun protection carefully.

Having delicate skin is frustrating and more so when the very product that’s supposed to protect and improve your skin is actually making it irritating, and giving you sore eyes.

Thankfully there are plenty of sunscreens on the market that have been formulated with sensitive faces in mind.

In this article, I’ve suggested the best options for your skin type and answered some important questions about the best sunscreens for the UK – yes, despite our weather, you DO need it, even if you’re not jetting off to sunnier places!

Best Sunscreens For Sensitive Eyes in the UK

La Roche-Posay SPF 50+
(Check Amazon’s Price)

This sunscreen by La Roche-Posay is a rare find as it’s specially formulated for those with sensitive, dry skin and eyes.

I use it because I was sick of my eyes stinging in hot weather when the sunscreen ran into my eyes with sweat (lovely, I know).

Fragrances are one of the most irritating ingredients for sensitive skin types, but this sunscreen has no perfumes or fragrances.

It has a very high, broad spectrum of UVA and UVB protection with an SPF of 50+ and also protects against certain infrared rays and atmospheric pollutants. You may not need an SPF this high, but I’d still recommend it.

The cream itself is waterproof which means that you can be out in the sun, sweating and it won’t transfer into your eyes and cause irritation.

It also acts as a moisturiser for very dry skin too, so you don’t have to double up on products and risk breaking out, it also doesn’t leave a white sheen like a lot of high protection sunscreens so you can wear it underneath makeup too!

Pros:

• Formulated for both sensitive skin and eyes
• SPF 50+
• Protection against UVA and UVB rays, as well as some infrared and atmospheric pollutants
• Waterproof
• Doubles up as a moisturiser
• No white cast left over face
• Non-comedogenic

Cons:

• Pump can be stiff
• Only 50ml, although some reviewers have said that this has lasted them a year!

The Best UK Sunscreen that Doesn’t Sting Eyes

Toddle Sun And Wind Balm
(Check Amazon’s Price)

If you have kids and want a non-stinging sunscreen for both your eyes AND one that’s good enough to use on children, then this Sun and Wind Balm by Toddle is a good family choice.

It has an SPF of 50+ and offers protection from UVA and UVB rays. UVB rays are the ones responsible for sunburn, whilst UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and cause damage that way, so it’s important to be protected from both.

There’s no artificial perfumes or fragrances, instead, there is added lemon and geranium oil that provides a pleasant scent but won’t irritate the skin with chemical fragrances.

It’s water-resistant too so it’s perfect for kids who love to run in and out of the water and splash around as you don’t have to chase them around for a top-up – this will stay put.

It also means that there’s no risk of eye irritation if they rub their eyes with wet hands!

One of my favourite things about this sunscreen is it’s packed full of natural active ingredients, such as Vitamin E which works well as a moisturiser for any skin type – so it won’t dry out even the most sensitive of skin and cause irritation.

If you have sensitive skin, you should avoid chemical sunscreens and opt for more natural protection like this sunscreen.

The Ingredients found in chemical sunscreens are known to cause reactions and worsen already painful skin problems and this is one of the products that avoids this issue.

This is also vegan and comes in biodegradable packaging too so it’s good for the environment too.

I ought to reiterate, it’s not just for kids, adults with sensitive eyes and skin have tried this sunscreen and loved it too, judging by the reviews.

One reviewer who has albinism said that despite them having extremely sensitive skin and burning practically all year round, this product stopped them burning and didn’t irritate their skin either!

Pros:

• Vegan and cruelty free
• Biodegradable packaging
• All natural ingredients
• SPF 50+ as well as UVA and UVB protection
• No artificial scents
• Great for children (or adults) with eczema
• Can use all over the body

Cons:

• Can leave a white residue on the skin
• Some people can find the lemon scent overpowering, but most have said that they get used to it

The Best Sunscreen For Sensitive Faces in the UK

Neutrogena Face Sunscreen
(Check Amazon’s Price)

If you want more of an all-round sunscreen for your face, rather than just your eyes, then I’d consider this sunscreen. Neutrogena are well known for their skincare products and this facial sunscreen is dermatologically recommended.

It is zinc oxide based, which is great as zinc oxide is known for its antibacterial properties that will help heal burns and acne, and its ability to keep moisture locked in the skin, so there’s a lower risk of your skin becoming dried out and irritated.

It has SPF 50+ and broad spectrum protection from UVA and UVB and has a formula that is specially made for sensitive skin types.

It’s hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, PABA free, free from irritating ingredients, and also oil-free, so it could work well for oily skin – although if you’re looking for a specific product for oily skin then I recommend one of those later in this article.

It absorbs well into the skin, instead of sitting on top and feeling like you’re wearing a mask!

This sunscreen for the face is also waterproof for up to 80 minutes, so you don’t have to worry about it rubbing off and irritating your skin if there’s a sudden burst of rain or anything like that!

One woman who suffers from rosacea said in the reviews that this is the only sunscreen that doesn’t further irritate her skin and cause a flare-up, so it’s suitable for those with skin conditions too.

Pros:

• Dermatologically recommended
• 100% naturally sourced ingredients
• Contains Zinc Oxide
• Broad spectrum protection from UVA and UVB rays
• Hypoallergenic and fragrance, oil and PABA free
• Can be worn alone or under makeup
• Suitable for those with skin conditions, although always consult a GP or dermatologist first!

Cons:

• Small bottle – only 40ml
• Can leave a white residue, possibly not suitable for those with darker skin under makeup!

The Best Mineral-Based Sunscreen for the Face in the UK

Heliocare Mineral Tolerance Fluid Sunscreen
(Check Amazon’s Price)

This mineral sunscreen by Heliocare has an SPF of 50+ and PA++++ so you know you’re protected against all kinds of sun rays.

It also offers protection from visible light and infrared-A rays, as well as free radicals and DNA damage.

Heliocare has a unique ingredient of antioxidant Fernblock FC to protect your skin from within by repairing enzymes to protect your skin cell DNA.

One of my favourite things about this sunscreen is, unlike other high protection sunscreens – this one doesn’t leave a white film on your face.

It absorbs into your skin quickly and dries clear, so it’s great if you have a darker skin tone as it can be worn alone or under makeup without altering the appearance of your skin colour.

This mineral sunscreen also has a matte finish, rather than leaving a sheen so it’s great for men with sensitive skin who don’t want to look too ‘glowy’!

Finally, this Heliocare sunscreen is dermatologically tested, hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, water-resistant, and alcohol and oil-free so it won’t irritate sensitive skin, with one sensitive skinned reviewer saying that she wouldn’t be without this product!

Pros:

• Lightweight formula and absorbs quickly
• Doesn’t leave a white residue
• Protects the skin’s surface and protects from within due to the Fernblock FC
• SPF 50+ and PA++++ rated
• Dermatologically tested
• Non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic
• Water resistant
• Alcohol and oil free

Cons:

• Have to shake the product well before every use, otherwise it separates and is oily
• Some people have said that this product has a strange smell

Best Face Sunscreen For Oily Skin in the UK

Heliocare Oil Free Gel Sunscreen
(Check Amazon’s Price)

Finding a sunscreen that suits oily skin is no easy task as slathering a thick layer of sunscreen that’s full of oil on to your face sounds like a nightmare when you already suffer from an overproduction of oil.

Luckily, there are sunscreens that have been formulated with oily skin in mind – such as this one, also by Heliocare.

It has all the same benefits as the one listed previously but is made specifically for oily skin rather than just sensitive skin.

Opting for a gel formula rather than a cream means that the product will absorb better into the skin and not leave a heavy film that feels like it’s suffocating your skin.

This is lightweight and oil-free sunscreen that dries matte and actually reduces the appearance of shine and leaves skin dry to the touch – you could even use it as a mattifying primer underneath makeup!

If you have a combination skin type that’s both dry and oily, then you may want to moisturise prior to using this sunscreen as it can leave skin feeling tight due to the mattifying effect.

Pros:

• Perfect for oily/acne prone skin as it mattifies the skin as well as providing sun protection
• Lightweight and absorbs quickly
• Doesn’t leave a white residue
• Protects the skin’s surface and protects from within due to the Fernblock FC
• SPF 50+ and PA++++ rated
• Dermatologically tested
• Non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic
• Water resistant
• Alcohol and oil free

Cons:

• Sticky when first applied
• Only 50ml – although this means it can be taken as hand luggage!

Should You Wear Sunscreen Every Day In The UK?

We all know that the UK’s climate isn’t exactly tropical, and it’s very rare that we have consistent sunny days throughout the summer, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t wear sunscreen if it’s not sunny outdoors.

Although we don’t have a high risk of burning from the sun all year round, the sun still emits UV rays that can be damaging to your skin and cause premature ageing and skin cancer later in life no matter the weather!

UV rays can penetrate through the clouds, so even if it’s cloudy outside you should be wearing sunscreen – especially if you’re pale like me and/or have a lot of moles or freckles.

If you use direct acids or retinoids in your skincare routine, you should be extra careful with your sun protection as these products can cause extra sensitivity to the sun and increase your risk of burning or damage to your skin.

Consider a higher rated SPF and a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face completely in the Summer.

A lot of makeup products and moisturisers now have SPF built in, but incorporating an extra sunscreen into your daily routine is definitely a good idea, no matter the weather outside.

Is SPF 15 Strong Enough Sunscreen In The UK?

It can be difficult to know what factor of sunscreen to use here in the UK.

NICE (the National Institution For Health And Clinical Excellence) recommends that factor 15 is enough in the UK as long as you are applying it sufficiently.

Sunscreen should be applied thickly, and if you are worried that you aren’t applying it thickly enough then you should opt for a higher SPF rating.

If you’re at a higher risk of burning or are applying sunscreen to a child, then you should use an SPF of at least 30, but many doctors recommend 50+ just to be on the safe side.

One of my friends, who is black and of Caribbean descent, still uses 30+ SPF to protect her skin. Even if you’re someone who doesn’t burn, you can still do invisible damage.

Babies under the age of 6 months should not be using sunscreen and instead should be kept in the shade at all times and dressed in protective clothing.

Although factor 15 is sufficient, you should always bear in mind personal circumstances and consider your outdoor activities before choosing an SPF – there’s no harm in going a little higher to be on the safe side.

Remember, when it comes to sun protection it’s always better to be on the safe side and you should avoid direct, intense sun exposure wherever possible – especially when the sun’s rays are at their strongest, even in the UK!