Home > Living in the UK

The UK has a well-established legal framework for recognising or converting foreign driving licences, but the specific requirements depend on your nationality, how long you plan to stay, and whether your country is listed under the UK's designated licence exchange agreements. Some drivers may be able to exchange their licence easily, while others will need to start from scratch with theory and practical tests. With rules differing for EU, EEA, and non-designated countries, it's vital to understand your obligations from the moment you arrive. This guide provides a step-by-step roadmap for staying compliant and getting on the road with confidence.

We'll explore the different driving rights for tourists, short-term residents, and long-term migrants, and how factors like visa status, insurance, vehicle registration, and local traffic laws affect your ability to legally drive. This comprehensive guide ensures that you are not only informed but also prepared to navigate the process of driving legally in the UK, without penalties, confusion, or unnecessary delays.

Driving in the UK with a foreign licence depends on your country of origin and your residency status. This section outlines the rules for visitors and new residents alike, helping you determine whether your current licence is valid and what action you need to take.

The UK recognises driving licences from different countries based on bilateral agreements and international standards. Some licences are valid for temporary use; others must be converted within a certain period. Understanding your status—visitor or resident—is the first step.

If you're visiting the UK short-term (less than 12 months), you're generally allowed to drive with a full, valid foreign licence. This applies to tourists, business travellers, students, and those on short stays.

To drive as a visitor:

• Your foreign licence must be full and valid.

• It must be in English or accompanied by an International Driving Permit (IDP) or certified translation.

• You must be at least 17 years old.

• You can only drive vehicles that are listed on your licence (generally cars up to 3.5 tonnes and up to 8 passenger seats).

• You must have valid car insurance in the UK.

Visitors from EU/EEA, Switzerland, and designated countries generally do not need an IDP. For others, the IDP (1949 or 1968 Convention) may be required.

When you become a resident (i.e. live in the UK for 185+ days in a 12-month period), your driving rights change. The UK allows residents to use a foreign licence for a limited time, depending on the country of issue.

Key Rules:

• EU/EEA/Swiss licences: Valid until age 70 or for 3 years after becoming a resident, whichever is longer.

• Designated countries: Valid for 12 months. Must exchange within 5 years (without a test).

• Non-designated countries: Valid for 12 months. Must apply for a provisional UK licence and pass theory and practical tests.

During the 12-month grace period, you must not let your licence expire. After that period, it is illegal to drive unless you have begun the UK licensing process.

The DVLA allows residents from certain countries to exchange their foreign licence for a UK licence without taking a test. As of 2025, designated countries include:

Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Hong Kong, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, Republic of Korea (South Korea), Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, Taiwan, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Zimbabwe.

Conditions:

• You must have been a UK resident for less than 5 years.

• You must exchange your licence within 12 months of becoming a resident.

• Your foreign licence must be valid and full (not provisional).

• Some licences may require official translations or confirmation (e.g. Japan, South Korea).

If you're eligible to exchange, the process is straightforward through the DVLA. Here’s what you need to do:

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Order and complete the D1 application form.

2. Gather the following documents:

   • Your current foreign driving licence.

   • A passport-style photograph.

   • Proof of identity (passport, BRP, etc.).

   • Payment (£43 fee).

3. Send the application to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BT.

Timelines:

• Most exchanges take 3 weeks.

• It may take longer if additional verification is needed (e.g. translation, document checks).

You cannot drive while your licence is being exchanged unless it remains valid and you are still within the 12-month usage window.

If your country is not designated, you cannot directly exchange your licence. Instead, you must:

1. Apply for a provisional UK licence.

2. Take and pass the UK driving theory test.

3. Book and pass the practical driving test.

During this process, you can only drive under the terms of a provisional licence:

• Must display L plates.

• Must be accompanied by a qualified driver (aged 21+, held licence 3+ years).

• Must have learner driver insurance.

If you pass the practical test in an automatic, your UK licence will be for automatic vehicles only, unless you pass again in a manual.

EU and EEA licence holders now face different rules compared to before Brexit:

• If you became a resident before 1 January 2021, you can drive until age 70 or for 3 years after becoming resident (if over 67).

• If you became a resident after 1 January 2021, your licence is valid for 12 months.

• After 12 months, you must exchange it. No driving test is required.

The exchange process is the same as for designated countries. The UK accepts most EU licences regardless of expiry status, but some may need renewal in the issuing country first.

US citizens cannot exchange their licence directly. After becoming a UK resident, you can drive for up to 12 months. To continue driving legally:

1. Apply for a provisional licence.

2. Pass the theory and practical driving tests.

3. Get a full UK licence.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not mandatory in the UK but may be helpful for identification purposes.

Ensure you understand the UK road rules—especially driving on the left, roundabout etiquette, and speed limits in miles per hour.

Driving without insurance is illegal in the UK. Even with a valid foreign licence, you must:

• Have at least third-party insurance.

• Ensure the car has valid road tax and MOT (if over 3 years old).

• Be aware that insurance for foreign licence holders may be more expensive.

Some insurers may not cover drivers with non-UK licences or may impose higher premiums. Always check your policy details.

If you continue to drive after your 12-month window (or relevant deadline) without converting:

• You are committing an offence.

• Your insurance may be invalid.

• You risk fines, penalty points, vehicle seizure, or prosecution.

In serious cases, especially following an accident, this could result in court action or impact your immigration status.

Start early: Apply to exchange or start testing process within the first month of residency.

• Use official channels: Only use GOV.UK and DVLA-approved services.

• Take lessons: Even experienced drivers benefit from a few sessions with a UK instructor.

• Understand signage: UK road signs and markings can differ significantly from other countries.

• DVLA Licence Exchange Guidance

• Driving in Great Britain on a non-GB licence

• Apply for a UK provisional licence

• Book UK driving tests

Can I drive with an expired foreign licence?
No. It must be valid and full at the time of application or driving.

Do I need an IDP in the UK?
Not if your licence is in English or from an approved country. Some countries require one for use outside the UK.

Can I drive a manual car with an automatic licence?
No. You can only drive the type of vehicle your test covered unless you pass a test in a manual vehicle.

Is there a grace period after my 12 months expire?
No. Once the 12 months have passed, you must stop driving unless you hold a UK licence.

Can I exchange a licence that has expired?
In most cases, no—unless it's an EU licence that expired while you were a UK resident, subject to additional documentation.

Successfully navigating the UK’s driving licence conversion process is a key step in settling into life here—whether you’re an expat, a student, or an international professional. By understanding the specific rules that apply to your country, acting within the permitted timeframes, and meeting all legal and insurance requirements, you can avoid fines, delays, and unnecessary stress. This guide equips you with everything you need to take confident action—whether you're exchanging your foreign licence or preparing for the UK driving test. Stay informed, stay compliant, and enjoy the freedom of driving in the UK with peace of mind.