Licences and Ratings are NOT the same thing.
From LASORS E1.5:
The requirements to renew an IR(A) are based on the
period of time elapsed since the rating expired i.e.
calculated from the date of expiry of the most recent
IR(A) proficiency check entered in the licence.
However, where IR privileges have been exercised in
another category of aircraft (i.e. UK/JAR IR(H)) or
under the privileges of an ICAO licence (Aeroplanes
and Helicopters) or under a UK military IR qualification
(fixed-wing or rotary), the renewal requirements will be
based on the expiry date of that IR.
To renew an IR(A) that has expired by less than
5 years, applicants must complete Section 3b of
Appendix 3 to JAR-FCL 1.240 including the flight
preparation as a Skill Test with an authorised
examiner.
To renew an IR(A) that has expired by more than
5 years but less and 7 years, applicants must:
For single-pilot aircraft complete Section 3b of
Appendix 3 to JAR-FCL 1.240 including the flight
preparation as a Skill Test in an aeroplane with a
UK CAA Staff Flight Examiner. For multi-pilot
aircraft pass a type rating skill test with or
observed by a UK CAA Flight Operations
Training Inspector.
To renew an IR(A) that has expired by more than
7 years, applicants must:
For single-pilot
aircraft pass an IR(A) skill test in an aeroplane
with a UK CAA Staff Flight Examiner. For
multi-pilot aircraft pass a type rating skill test
with or observed by a UK CAA Flight Operations
Training Inspector. Applicants will also be
required to retake the IR(A) theoretical
knowledge examinations.