15/01/25
The UK permits driving with certain foreign licences, but the rules vary depending on the country of issuance, the driver’s residency status, and the duration of stay in the UK.
How long can I drive in the UK with a foreign licence?
The duration for which you can drive in the UK with a foreign licence depends on your country of origin:
- European Union (EU) and EEA
If your licence is from an EU/EEA country, you can drive in the UK until you are 70 years old, or for three years after becoming a UK resident, whichever is longer.
- Designated Countries
(Andorra, Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Hong Kong, Isle of Man, Japan, Jersey, Monaco, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, Taiwan, and Zimbabwe)
If your licence is from a designated country above, you can drive in the UK for up to 12 months from your date of arrival. After this period, you will need to exchange your licence for a UK one if you wish to continue driving legally.
- Other Countries
If your licence is from a non-designated country, you can drive in the UK for up to 12 months after arrival. To continue driving after this period, you will need to pass both the UK theory and practical driving tests to obtain a UK driving licence.
Can I drive with a foreign provisional licence?
A foreign provisional licence or learner’s permit is not recognised for driving in the UK. Unlike full foreign licences, this rule applies regardless of the country of issue, as the UK requires drivers with provisional licences to have a UK-accredited supervisor and follow specific learner requirements, which do not extend to international provisional licences.
Can I use an International Driving Permit (IDP)?
An IDP serves as a supplement to your foreign driving licence and is sometimes required for foreign drivers to operate vehicles in the UK. If your licence is from a country that does not issue licences in English, having an IDP may make it easier for UK authorities to recognise your driving credentials. However, an IDP is not a replacement for a valid foreign licence and does not extend the validity period during which you can drive in the UK. It is essential to ensure that both your IDP and foreign licence remain valid while driving in the UK.
How do I exchange my foreign licence for a UK licence?
If you are eligible and wish to exchange your foreign licence for a UK one, the process involves applying through the Driver and Vehicle Licencing Agency (DVLA). You will need to complete the relevant forms, submit identification documents, and pay a fee. The exchange can typically be done without the need for a driving test if your licence is from an EU/EEA country or a designated country. However, holders of licences from other countries will need to pass the UK driving tests.
What happens if I break foreign licence violations in the UK?
If you are caught driving without a valid foreign licence or in violation of UK foreign licence regulations — for example, if you have been in the UK longer than the allowed period to drive on your foreign licence — you will be committing an offence of driving without a valid licence. This could also affect your insurance and the vehicle you are driving, as you would not be covered under the terms of your insurance if you are not driving in accordance with the legal requirements for your licence. Additionally, you may face prosecution. Penalties for this offence can include fines, penalty points, disqualification from driving, and potentially even an impact on your immigration status.
What happens if I get penalty points for an offence when driving on a foreign licence?
The DVLA maintains a record of your points on a “ghost licence” record for foreign licence holders. This virtual record tracks any penalty points or endorsements accrued while driving in the UK even without a physical UK licence. As is the case with UK licences, accruing 12 or more points within three years on a foreign licence may result in disqualification from driving in the UK (but not necessarily in their home country). Even if you leave and re-enter the UK within this time period, the points would still remain.
What happens if I am involved in an accident?
The same rules apply to foreign drivers as they do to any other driver on UK roads. You must stop, provide your details, and exchange insurance information with the other parties involved. Failing to stop after an accident is an offence, and you could face penalty points and a fine. It is also crucial to ensure that your foreign licence and insurance cover driving in the UK to avoid potential criminal and civil legal issues.
How Roe Lawyers can help
The rules around driving with a foreign licence are not straightforward. Driving offences are recordable, meaning that if you are convicted, the offence will appear on your criminal record, impact your insurance premiums, and may show up on a DBS check. It is important to understand the specific regulations that apply to your situation. If you encounter any issues or face prosecution, we can advise you on your circumstances and help mitigate any penalties or other legal complications.
For further guidance or support regarding driving regulations in the UK, contact us.