How long can you drive in the UK with a foreign driving licence, and how to exchange it?

As a tourist to a foreign country, you always wonder how to get around because your home driving licence might not be allowed in that country. Here in the UK, if your licence is from a “designated country,” you can use it for a maximum of 12 months from the time you became a resident, after which you must apply for a British licence. However, if your licence is from the European Economic Area, it can be used until the owner turns 70.

Last Update: 29/04/2024

Table of Contents

1. UK resident with an EU driving licence
2. UK resident with a driving licence not from the EU
3. Summary

UK resident with an EU driving licence

If you live in the UK for at least 185 days each calendar year, you are considered a resident, and if you are an EU licence-holder residing in the UK, you can continue to use it as long as it is valid. Such licences are also subject to the United Kingdom licence renewal requirements, meaning that your EU licence can be changed to a UK one within three years after becoming a legal citizen or until you turn 70 years old, whichever comes first.

UK resident with a driving licence not from the EU

Good news for non-residents or those drivers visiting from non-EU nations, you can drive in the UK for a maximum of one year before you are required to exchange your licence for a provisional UK licence. You are also required to sit and pass the DVSA driving test before you are allowed to continue driving. The process is usually dependent on the type of car you are driving.

Keep in mind that only UK nationals and foreigners with valid residency documents can apply for the UK driving permit.

Visit the official website to learn more.

Summary

The length of time you can drive in the UK with a foreign licence depends on whether your licence is from the EU, a designated country, or another country:

• EU – You can drive for up to three years on your EU licence. After three years, you’ll need to exchange it for a UK licence.
• Designated countries (including Andorra, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa, and many more) – You can drive for up to 12 months on your licence. After 12 months, you can exchange your licence for a UK one up to five years after becoming a resident without taking a new driving test.
• Other countries – You can drive for up to 12 months on your licence. After 12 months, you’ll need to apply for a UK provisional licence and pass the UK driving tests to continue driving.

Here’s some information on how to exchange your licence:

• You can check the official UK government website to see if you can drive in Great Britain with your non-GB licence https://www.gov.uk/driving-nongb-licence
• You can also find information on how to exchange your foreign licence for a UK licence on the DVLA website (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/driver-and-vehicle-licensing-agency

Learn more

• Everything You Need to Know About the UK Driving Licence
• Renew Your UK Driving Licence With Easy Steps (Cheaply)
• How to apply for your first provisional driving licence in the United Kingdom?
• How to replace a lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed driving licence in the UK?
• Getting a UK Full Driving Licence: Steps, Cost and Validity
• When do you need to exchange your UK paper driving licence for a photocard licence?
• A quick guide on driving licence categories and fees in the UK
• How to Change your Name, Address or Photo on Your UK Photocard Driving Licence?
• How to renew your UK driving licence if you’re 70 or over?
• How to renew a driving licence for the elderly?
• International driving permit