My wife was diagnosed with MS in 2006 she informed the DVLA who in turn contacted her Doctor for a medical report. They returned her licence to her but told her that it would only last for 3 years and they would then review her condition before renewing it.
However we forgot all about it and it expired in dec 2009, although the DVLA also failed to remind us of its expiry (they remind you of your road tax and photo renewal so I fail to see why they havnt done this).
She has now told them of this error and the nessecary forms are being comleted.
Is her car insurance valid despite technically having no licence, shes is currently not driving as she is out of work and I am using the car (I am a named driver)
The car is insured. As long as the payments are being met it will remain insured.
If you don't inform them that you are now the 'main' driver they might mess you about if you need to claim. For example...they might look into whether your insurance is cheaper with your wife as main driver.
The only way you can know for certain is to ask your insurer - there are so many funny little exclusions in policies that with the best will in the world no one except them can tell you with any certainty. The last thing you want is to have a serious accident and find out the hard way.
Have checked with insurer and the car is fully covered if I am driving it. Just annoyed with the DVLA they will remind you when they want your road tax paid and when they want you to pay for updated photo, but not when they have to check with your doctor and no money is involved in renewing your licence.