Whether you're moving to the UK or just visiting, it's important to understand the rules for driving on an international licence in the UK. We’ve answered the key questions to help you drive with confidence and help you get on the road.
Can I drive with my international licence if I’m just visiting?
Driving in the UK on your foreign driving licence depends on two things:
- The length of your stay
- The country where your licence was issued
Most visitors can drive in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) on a valid foreign licence for up to 12 months from the date they last entered the country.
Rules in Northern Ireland are different – check the latest guidance on the government website.
How long can I drive in the UK on a foreign license?
If you have a license from another country, you can drive in the UK for up to 12 months after moving here. After 12 months, if you plan to stay in the UK you will need to get a UK driving license.
However, there are exceptions to this rule. For example, if you’re from the EEA or EU. Then you can keep driving in the UK using your EEA or EU driving license in the UK until you’re 70 years old. No driving test required.
I'm moving to the UK and becoming a resident. What do I need to do?
When you move to the UK, the driving rules depend on where your licence was issued.
- Was your licence issued in Northern Ireland?
Great news! Northern Irish licence holders can use their driving licence anywhere in the UK, as long as it remains valid 🎉
- Are you a European Economic Area passport holder?
Brexit hasn't changed too much when it comes to driving in the UK with a European licence.
If you’re moving to the UK with a valid licence issued in the European Economic Area then lucky you! You don't need to take British driving test 💪 You can drive on your international licence until you reach 70 years old. If you were 67 or older when you became a resident, you can drive on your EU licence for 3 years after that point. If you want to keep driving once you turn 70, simply exchange your European licence for a British one.
The European Economic Area comprises all members of the European Union, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.
- Was your licence issued outside of the European Economic Area?
You'll still be able to drive with your full valid licence for up to 12 months after you became a UK resident.
If your licence was issues in a 'designated country', you'll have the choice to exchange your foreign licence for a British one without taking a new driving test. That's because 'designated countries' have agreements with the United Kingdom for their citizens to drive in the UK without taking a new test. Licence holders from those countries have 5 years from when they became residents to exchange their foreign licence for a British one. But, it's important to remember that the foreign licence will only be valid for the first 12 months.
Designated countries are: Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Falkland Islands, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Hong Kong, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland and Zimbabwe.
Those who got their driving licence from countries outside of the designated countries list and the European Economic Area can drive with their foreign licence for up to 12 months from the day they became UK residents. After this period, they will need to pass a British driving test. To do so, the first step is to apply for a provisional British licence on the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency website here.
How do I exchange my driving license for a UK one?
You need to make sure you’re a UK resident before you apply for your UK license.
A UK resident is someone who has a UK address and is living here permanently (or intends to live here permanently). This means at least 183 days a year.
If you’re a UK resident, you can swap your current license for a UK one by following these easy steps:
- Check what forms you need to fill in using the government’s online tool.
- Order the DVLA application forms.
- Send off the forms with all the relevant documents.
- Pay the fee.
Do I need car insurance if I have an international licence?
Yes, you do! Car insurance is a legal requirement in the UK.
Having a UK licence means you could get slightly cheaper insurance than if you hold a licence issued in the EU or further afield, so it's worth looking into getting a UK licence.
Still unsure about your licence? We can help
If you’re not sure what to do with your foreign licence, you can quickly check your options using the DVLA’s interactive tool. It’ll tell you whether you need to exchange your licence for a UK one or if you can keep driving on your existing licence.
At Marshmallow, we make car insurance simpler and more affordable for those new to the UK. We accept international licences and we recognise no claims discount earned outside the UK. Get a quote today to see what you could save.
