Can I drive in the UK with a foreign driving licence?

You can drive in the UK with a valid foreign driving licence for 12 months from the date you became resident. After 12 months, you must either exchange your licence for a UK one (if your country has an exchange agreement) or pass the UK driving test.

Do I need an international driving permit in the UK?

If your driving licence is not in English, you are advised to carry an international driving permit (IDP) or a certified translation along with your foreign licence. An IDP alone is not sufficient; you still need your actual driving licence.

Can I exchange my foreign licence for a UK licence?

You can exchange your licence without taking a test if your licence was issued in a designated country (including EU/EEA countries, Australia, Canada, and others). If your country is not on the designated list, you must pass the UK theory and practical driving tests.

Does having ILR affect my driving licence situation?

ILR itself does not change the driving licence rules. The 12-month period to use your foreign licence starts from when you became UK resident, not from when you got ILR. If you have been in the UK for more than 12 months, you need a UK licence to drive legally.

International Driving Permit and UK Licences for Immigrants

You can drive in the UK with a valid foreign driving licence for 12 months from becoming resident. After that, you must exchange your licence (if from a designated country) or pass the UK driving test. The 12-month period applies regardless of your visa status. Having ILR does not change the driving licence rules.

The 12-Month Rule

When you become resident in the UK, you can drive on your foreign driving licence for 12 months. The 12-month period starts from the date you became resident, not from the date you entered the UK as a visitor.

After 12 months, you must have a UK driving licence to continue driving legally. The process for getting a UK licence depends on which country issued your current licence. See the GOV.UK foreign driving licences page for the full rules.

Exchanging Your Licence

If your licence was issued in a designated country, you can exchange it for a UK licence without taking a test. Designated countries include:

All EU and EEA countries
Australia, Canada, New Zealand
Japan, South Korea, Singapore
Several other countries with exchange agreements

Check the GOV.UK licence exchange page for the full list.

Taking the UK Driving Test

If your country is not on the designated list, you must pass the UK driving test:

Theory test: A multiple-choice and hazard perception test
Practical test: A driving test with an examiner

You can apply for a provisional UK licence immediately and start learning. Many experienced drivers from abroad pass the test relatively quickly, but do not underestimate the UK-specific rules and road layout.

For more on the driving test, see our UK driving test guide for immigrants.

Car Insurance

You must have valid car insurance to drive in the UK. See our car insurance for visa holders guide. Key points:

You can get insurance with a foreign licence during the 12-month period
Insurance may be more expensive without UK driving history
Some insurers will not cover drivers with certain foreign licences

Practical Tips

Start the licence exchange or test process well before the 12-month deadline
If your licence is not in English, carry a certified translation
Remember that the UK drives on the left
Familiarise yourself with UK road signs and speed limits
Check whether your existing car insurance from abroad covers UK driving

For more on settling into life in the UK, see our London vs other UK cities guide and our cost of living guide.