If you move to Great Britain, you can usually drive on your existing overseas licence for up to 12 months from the date you become resident. After that, whether you can exchange your licence for a British one or must take a UK driving test depends on the country that issued it. This guide explains the rules for England, Wales and Scotland. Northern Ireland has a separate process. It is general information, not legal advice, so check the current rules on GOV.UK before you act.
How long can you drive on a foreign licence?
For cars and motorcycles, a full and valid non-GB licence lets you drive in Great Britain for up to 12 months after you become a resident. During this window you do not need to do anything. The key question is what you do before that year runs out.
Three situations, three outcomes
Your next step depends on where your licence is from. There are three broad groups.
| Your licence is from | What you can do | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| The EU or EEA | Drive on your licence, or exchange it without a test | Usually until age 70 or 3 years after residency if you are older |
| A “designated country” | Exchange for a GB licence without taking a test | Within 5 years of becoming resident (drive on the original for the first 12 months) |
| Any other country | Drive for 12 months, then get a provisional licence and pass the UK theory and practical tests | 12 months |
What is a “designated country”?
A designated country is one the UK has a licence-exchange agreement with, because its driving standards are recognised as equivalent. Drivers from these countries can swap their licence for a GB one without sitting a test, as long as they passed their original test in that country. The list includes Australia, Barbados, Canada, the Falkland Islands, Faroe Islands, Hong Kong, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea (South Korea), Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, and Zimbabwe, among others. The list changes over time, so confirm your country on the GOV.UK exchange a foreign driving licence page.
How to exchange your licence
If your country qualifies, you exchange your licence by post using the DVLA form D1, sending your current licence and the fee. At the time of writing the fee to exchange a designated foreign licence is £43 when there is no previous GB licence held. Once processed, DVLA issues your GB photocard licence and returns or retains the old one depending on the country.
If you are not from a designated country
If your licence is not exchangeable, drive on it for your first 12 months, then apply for a UK provisional licence, and pass the theory test followed by the practical test. Many newcomers book lessons to learn UK-specific rules of the road before the practical test.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive in the UK straight after arriving?
Yes. A full, valid licence from your home country lets you drive cars and motorcycles in Great Britain for up to 12 months from when you become a resident.
How much does it cost to exchange a foreign licence?
The DVLA postal fee to exchange an eligible foreign licence is £43 where no previous GB licence was held. Check the current figure on GOV.UK before you send anything.
What happens if I do nothing after 12 months?
If your licence is not from an EU, EEA or designated country and you keep driving after 12 months without a GB licence, you are no longer legally entitled to drive. You would need a provisional licence and to pass the UK tests.
Is Northern Ireland the same?
No. Northern Ireland has its own driving licence exchange process. This guide covers England, Wales and Scotland only.
Sorting your licence is one of several tasks when you arrive. See our first 30 days settling-in guide for the full checklist. For official rules, start at driving in Great Britain on a non-GB licence.
