Restriction on license expiring
 

Have any of you guys had restricted licenses before? Mine is due to lose it's restriction on 20/10/06 (not that I've been counting down every day for the last month, and did a test run of changing the ecu last week etc etc) and I just phoned the DVLA to ask what happens.

They said that my license should say when the restriction is removed, but it doesn't, but I assume that any cop would know that it is 2 years afterwards. Am I over estimating the intelligence of the police?

They said the only way to get it removed was to fill in another D1 form, and pay £19. Apart from the fact that it would look nice and pretty, and if new european licensing comes in I won't have to worry, do you think there's actually a point.

The pretty license without (<= 25kw) is tempting me. I'm just annoyed they don't have a specific form for this, that lets you do it for free.

They will know mate, you don't need to change it until you move house or change name etc.

Yep send your licence off to them as a change of address ie to a mates or family members house. When your upto date licence arrives there send it back again changing it to your normal address again. I know a few that have done that and it does work. Saves you best part of £19

Actually brilliant, thanks

I thought it was free to upgrade to the photo style licence?

Nope, t'is only free if you change your name via Deed Poll (which costs £60) or move house (which costs an arm & a leg from every member of your immediate family). Failing that, adding a new category is gratis as well (since you've already forked out for the test).

Upgrading your licence, they charge you £19 just so the police can laugh at your picture!

Yep, they know - I asked the DVLA about this a while back and they said:

"Once the two year qualifying period has elapsed, you may ride any size
motorcycle. It is not necessary to have the restriction 25kw, removed from
your licence.

However, if you wish to have the restriction removed then please complete a
D1 application form, (available from the Post Office), applying for an
exchange licence and return it to the Agency with your licence and the fee
of £19.00. Please include a covering letter stating that you wish to have
the two year motorcycle restriction removed."