Hi,

My Thai girlfriend is in possession of a Thai DL (not her first one) which she acquired about 23 years ago.

She is adamant that it is "for life." She points to a word in Thai language on the license which, allegedly confirms this.

I'm aware that Thai safety rules can be somewhat lax, but surely a license cannot run forever, at least not without some safeguards, can it?

My UK license needs renewing post age 70 every 3 years --- I'm on my second renewal. Admittedly, I only need to affirm that I am still medically fit and competent to drive at each renewal, but at least it is a check of a sort, albeit a "weak one." 

  

Im not really sure but ive read that even lapsed you just front up to the transport branch do the simple test which is every 5 ys then your issued with a new current licence, so yes and no, they dont flunk anyone (school, licences etc) in this country so its for life I guess.

My wife's TDL is also valid for life.....

It's never been questioned when renting a vehicle during international travel.....

Whole-life driving licences were no longer issued after 2003.

If you are not in the UK for more than 182 days a year you are no longer a UK resident so are supposed to surrender your UK licence. 

 

Everyone uses an accomodation address (sister, brother, son, friend etc.) but it is a criminal offence to do so both for you and your 'friend'.   The UK is really tightening up on this and will increasingly be making cross checks with HMRC, electoral roll etc.

5 minutes ago, Mises said:

If you are not in the UK for more than 182 days a year you are no longer a UK resident so are supposed to surrender your UK licence. 

 

Everyone uses an accomodation address (sister, brother, son, friend etc.) but it is a criminal offence to do so both for you and your 'friend'.   The UK is really tightening up on this and will increasingly be making cross checks with HMRC, electoral roll etc.

 

Not quite as simple as 182 days and your out.........or so I thought?

 

The standard residency tests allow you to be out of the country for longer as long as you fulfil other criteria?

 

Property in the UK, ties to the UK, no property abroad, returning to live in the UK property you own......that kind of stuff?

5 hours ago, Briggsy said:

Whole-life driving licences were no longer issued after 2003.

 

That explains it. The OP's wife her her licence 23 years ago.

 

Mine is also for life, issued last century.