Driving in the UK on a foreign licence

How long your licence is valid

These rules are for Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales). Northern Ireland has its own licensing agency – see further down.

• Once you are resident in Great Britain, you can drive cars and motorcycles on your full, valid licence from another country for 12 months from the date you became resident. Source
• Answer the GOV.UK checker for your own country and licence – it gives the exact result for your case. Source

Exchange without a test

• Licences from these designated countries and territories can be exchanged for a GB licence: Andorra, Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Hong Kong, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Republic of North Macedonia, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, Taiwan, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates and Zimbabwe. Source
• With a licence from a designated country you can exchange it up to 5 years after becoming resident. Source
• You exchange by post with the DVLA. Source

If your country is not on the list

• After the first 12 months you need a provisional GB licence, and you must pass the theory test and the practical driving test before you can drive on your own. Source

Official fees

Northern Ireland

• In Northern Ireland, licences are issued by the DVA, not the DVLA, and the rules are set out on nidirect. An international driving permit can't be exchanged for a licence there. Source

International driving permit

• An international driving permit is not a driving licence and can't be exchanged for one (nidirect guidance for Northern Ireland). Source
• Tip If you want an international driving permit, ask about it in the country that issued your licence before you leave.

Other countries