Foreign Licences and UK Driving Regulations

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This information was correct at 2nd March 2009. Information given is not intended as advice and drivers are urged to check independently whether they are eligible to drive in the UK. A source you might find useful is the DirectGov advice.

Many drivers in the UK want to use their foreign licences but are simply unaware of the rules they govern the circumstances under which they can legally drive.

This article is intended to give a snapshot of the regulations effecting drivers from a variety of backgrounds who would like to use their licences for UK driving.

Drivers from the EU visiting the UK

If a driver holds an EU community licence then they can drive a vehicle in the UK as long as the vehicle is covered under the terms of that licence. Drivers must still be over 17 to drive a car / motorbike and all other usual UK age restrictions apply.

EU Drivers residing in the UK

As above an EU licence does entitle you to drive in the UK for a limited period. You can drive until you reach the age of seventy or until you have lived in the UK for three years After this period of time has lapsed, you must get a UK licence.

Non EU licence holders

If you are in the UK as a visitor or resident (including as a student) but hold an international licence or driving licence from a non EU country then you can drive the vehicles you are permitted to, under your existing licence, for twelve months.

Within this first year, you need to register for a provisional UK licence and pass your driving test, if you want to continue driving after being resident for a year. However, if you do register as a learner driver, you do not need to display ‘L’ plates during this first year and you are permitted to drive on motorways.

Once the year is up, if you have not taken a test then you are not entitled to drive and the usual regulations that apply to provisional drivers, apply to you.

Some licences can be swapped for a UK licence, you can check this with the DVLA. Typically, this applies to the following countries:

Australia
Barbados
British Virgin Islands
Canada
Falkland Islands
Gibraltar
Hong Kong
Japan
Monaco
New Zealand
Switzerland

Driving without a valid licence in the UK is a serious offence and can cause you to be banned from driving, as well as incurring penalty points and significant fines.

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