Driving in the UK on an overseas licence

Find out which route applies to you, then get test-ready with a local instructor who has helped learners from across the world since 1987.

Take the official GOV.UK check Book an assessment lesson

Your first 12 months

Day oneYou become a UK resident Month 12Many overseas licences stop being valid for driving here Year 5Exchange window closes for some licences

Timings depend on the country that issued your licence. Always confirm on GOV.UK.

Please read: rules change, so check GOV.UK for your situation.This page is a general guide. Driving licence rules are set by the DVLA and the UK government and are updated from time to time. It is your responsibility to confirm that the information is correct and current for your circumstances, using the official GOV.UK pages linked below.

Step 1 · Check eligibility

Which route are you on?

It depends on the country that issued your licence and your residency status, not your nationality or student status.

Licence issued in

EU or EEA country

Exchange, no tests

Resident in Great Britain and under 67 when you became resident: you can drive on your EU licence until you are 70.
Aged 67 or over when you became resident: 3 years, then you must exchange.
You can choose to exchange for a GB licence at any time, without retaking a test.

Read the GOV.UK rules

Licence issued in

A “designated” country

Exchange, no driving test

Examples on GOV.UK include Australia, Canada and Japan.
Drive for 12 months, then exchange. You can exchange up to 5 years after becoming resident.
Past 5 years, you would need a provisional licence and both UK tests.

Check the exchange rules

Licence issued in

Any other country

UK theory and practical tests

Residents can drive on a full, valid licence for 12 months from when they became resident. Visitors: 12 months from last entering Great Britain.
After that you need a GB provisional licence, then pass the theory and practical tests.
You follow the same stages as any UK learner. We help with the lessons.

See what applies to you

Official GOV.UK toolNot sure which route applies? Answer a few questions on GOV.UK.The government's “Driving in Great Britain on a non-GB licence” checker gives the current rules for your licence and situation. Motorbike licences follow different rules.

Start the GOV.UK check

Step 2 · Decide your next step

Where do you go from here?

Most people end up in one of two places. Choose the one that matches what GOV.UK told you.

If GOV.UK says you can exchange

Apply to swap your licence

No driving test is needed for eligible licences. You apply directly to the DVLA, not through us.

Go to GOV.UK: exchange a licence

If you need to take the UK tests

Learn with Drivetime

Get lessons, practise UK roads and prepare for your theory and practical tests with a local instructor.

Book lessons with Drivetime

Step 3 · If you need the UK tests

Your route to a full UK licence

Five stages, the same as every UK learner. Fees are paid to the DVLA and DVSA. See GOV.UK for current prices.

STEP 1Eligibility

Confirm your route and residency status on GOV.UK.

STEP 2Provisional licence

Apply to the DVLA for your GB provisional licence. GOV.UK

STEP 3Theory test

Book and pass the UK theory test. GOV.UK

STEP 4Lessons with us

Dual-controlled cars and a patient local instructor.

STEP 5Practical test

Take the practical test, then collect your full UK licence. GOV.UK

Eyesight standardRead a number plate from 20 metres. It is checked at the start of your practical test.

Residency evidenceTo apply for a provisional licence you need permission to live in Great Britain for at least 185 days. You may need to show it, such as a visa.

Plan the timelineBook theory and practical early. Waiting times vary by area.

Step 4 · Learn with Drivetime