Wondering, ‘can I drive in the UK with a Spanish licence’? Or French, Polish or Italian?
Driving with an EU (European Union) driving licence in the UK can be daunting - Equally so if driving in the UK on an international licence.
We’re here to help clear up any confusion you may have about driving in the UK with an EU licence (or any other overseas driving licence).
Driving in the UK with an EU licence
If you have an EU driving licence and plan to stay in the UK for more than 12 months, you may find the rules governing your entitlement to drive somewhat complex.
Additional requirements need to be understood if you have to obtain motor insurance.
Read our guide to driving in the UK with an EU driving licence, or other non-UK licence, including details as to when you can drive in the UK and how to apply for a UK licence – to make sure you stay within the law.
I already have a licence - am I allowed to drive in the UK?
Any person with a valid driving licence issued in their country of origin is permitted to drive in the UK with an international licence for at least 12 months.
This includes driving in the UK with a European driving licence.
How long can I use my international driving licence in the UK?
After 12 months, you will need to exchange your international driving licence for a UK licence, or pass the DVSA’s UK driving test.
If you have an EU licence...
How about driving in the UK with an EU licence?
If driving in the UK with an EU licence, it is possible that you will be able to drive on the European driving licence for longer than a period of 12 months, depending on your age and when the EU licence is due to expire.
Bear in mind to drive a car legally in the UK you must be at least 17 years old – and at least 21 years old to drive a lorry or a bus.
EU driving licence in UK: Can I drive in the UK if I have a European Union (EU)/European Economic Area (EEA) licence?
It is possible to drive in the UK with an EU licence.
Holders of an EEC full driving licence issued in EU/EEA nations can drive in the United Kingdom until the document expires.
You won’t need to retake your test or exchange your European driving licence documents.
Is there a point when I will no longer be able to drive in the UK with my EU licence?
Driving a car, small van or motorbike in the UK with an EU licence is no longer permitted once you turn 70, as your driving licence will expire.
In the UK, once you reach 70, you must renew your driving licence every 3 years.
Irrespective of your age, your EU driving licence will also no longer be valid in the UK three years after you become a UK resident as your licence will expire.
Driving in the UK after Brexit: Is my EU driving licence still valid in UK since Brexit?
Following the Brexit decision, many EU drivers living in the UK wondered "will my EU driving licence be valid in the UK after Brexit?"
The rules for driving in the UK on an EU licence have not changed since the Brexit transition period ended at the start of 2021.
Driving in the UK with an EU licence: Do I require an IDP?
Drivers with an EU licence do not need an IDP to continue driving in the UK following Brexit.
If driving with an EU licence in the UK, you must however, ensure that you have suitable motor insurance cover in place.
I exchanged my non-EU licence for an EU licence – Is my licence valid in the UK?
If you exchanged your non-EU licence for an EU licence, you're permitted to drive on the European driving licence in the UK for a year, before you will need to take and pass the DVSA driving test.
If you do not take the test, you will not be allowed to drive in the UK any longer.
If you have a non-EU international licence...
I have an exchangeable international driving licence, is my licence valid for driving in the UK?
You're allowed to drive in the United Kingdom for a year if your international driving licence was issued in Jersey, Guernsey, Isle of Man or a ‘designated country’.
What's a designated country?
Designated countries are those whose driving test standards are considered comparable to those of the UK.
What are the designated countries?
‘Designated countries or territories’ are: 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 North Macedonia, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, Taiwan, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates and Zimbabwe.
I have a driving licence from a designated country, how long can I drive in the UK on my licence?
You can drive in the UK for a period of 12 months if you hold a licence issued by a designated country.
Once the 12-month period has elapsed, you can exchange your international driving licence for a UK licence without having to sit the DVSA test. However, you must do this within five years of obtaining UK residency.
I have a non-exchangeable international driving licence, is my licence valid for driving in the UK?
Even if your licence was issued in a non-EU/EEC/designated nation, you are nevertheless permitted to drive any type of small vehicle (for example cars or motorcycles) on your international driving licence in the UK for one year.
How long can I use my international driving licence in the UK?
You can use your international driving licence in the UK for one year.
You will need to apply for a provisional UK licence, then sit and pass the DVSA driving test in order to continue driving after the 12-month period ends.
This is because you are no longer permitted to drive on UK roads until you pass your test and a valid GB driving licence has been issued.
Lessons are not mandatory, but could be useful in ensuring you pass first time.
Find out how much does it cost to learn to drive in the UK? and click here to find our best tips for passing your practical driving test.
Can I use my Nigerian drivers licence in the UK?
As with all other non-EU/EEC/designated nations, it is possible to drive on a Nigerian driver's licence in the UK for up to one year.
To continue driving in the UK after these 12 months, you would need to apply for a UK provisional driving licence.
You will also need to take and pass the UK theory test and practical driving test.
What if I have an international driving permit...
You do not need an international driving permit to drive in the United Kingdom,.
However if your original licence does not feature an English translation you may find an international driving permit in the UK useful in proving to the authorities that your licence is valid.
It’s worth noting that an international driving permit issued in the UK isn't valid for use in the UK.
What if I only have a non-UK provisional licence?
In this situation, you must apply for a provisional UK licence to drive in the UK.
You can then take the test after six months.
Breakdown cover
Do I need breakdown cover to drive in the UK?
It is not a legal requirement to have breakdown cover for your vehicle in the UK. However, it is advisable to cover your vehicle in the event of a breakdown.
Benefits of having breakdown cover while driving in the UK with EU licence
Having breakdown cover in place offers you peace of mind that someone will be on call should the unfortunate happen, whilst driving in the UK with an EU licence.
Having cover in place could also save you money in the event of a breakdown.
Find out more about the benefits of breakdown cover
I have imported my vehicle into the UK: Is it possible to arrange breakdown cover for this vehicle?
If your vehicle was originally registered overseas, it is possible to arrange breakdown cover for the vehicle on the basis that the vehicle has been correctly imported into the UK.
The vehicle must be registered to and ordinarily kept at an address within the UK, and must be located within the UK when cover is purchased and commences.
Not yet arranged to import your vehicle in to the UK?
Find out the rules and costs for importing a vehicle into the UK.
Car insurance
What about motor insurance?
Whether you are staying in the UK long-term or just for a few days, you are required by law to have car insurance.
A hire car will include insurance cover in the fee.
The three types of UK car cover are:
- Third party (only covers damage to other vehicles and property – not your own)
- Third party, fire and theft
- Comprehensive
Start Rescue customer's can benefit from special discounted rates on car insurance from Cornmarket Insurance Services Ltd. - Find out more.
What if I bring my own car to the UK and it has been insured overseas?
You should automatically have third party cover.
Check with your insurer to make sure.
Is it expensive to get UK motor cover with a non-UK licence?
If you do need to obtain UK car insurance and you have a non-UK licence, you may well find it extremely costly to take out cover.
Many cover providers ignore any no claims bonuses accrued overseas, even if you have driven for many years in your own country without any incidents.
When should I exchange my international driving licence for a UK driving licence?
It’s a good idea to exchange your licence for a UK licence as soon as is permissible.
For those with a non-exchangeable international licence, you will eventually need to take the UK’s DVSA driving test.
This can be done once you've lived in the UK for six months.
As long as you are under 70 years of age, driving in the UK with an EU licence is permissible until your current EU driving licence expires.
Driving in the UK on a Hong Kong licence: what are the rules?
As mentioned above, Hong Kong is regarded as a ‘designated country’ by the UK.
Those with a Hong Kong licence are permitted to drive in the UK for 12 months. They can then switch to a UK licence without having to pass the DVSA test. However this must be done within 5 years.
How do I exchange my foreign driving licence for a UK one?
You will require a D1 application form from the DVLA in order to exchange your EEC licence or international driving licence for a UK driving licence.
You can order the D1 application from online from the DVLA. Alternatively, D1 forms are available from most Post Offices.
You will then need to send the D1 application with the required documents (including your original driving licence) to the address on the form.
Your new UK driving licence should arrive within three weeks.
Driving in Northern Ireland with an international or European Union licence.
Northern Ireland recognises EU and international driving licences, allowing visitors to drive without the need for additional permits for up to 12 months.However, if you become a resident in Northern Ireland, you must exchange your EU licence for a Northern Ireland driving licence within this period.
Some of the main differences when driving in Northern Ireland has specific speed limits on some rural roads that differ from those in other parts of the UK.Another difference is the enforcement of parking regulations. Northern Ireland has stricter controls and penalties for illegal parking, especially in urban areas.
Furthermore, while the UK has stringent laws on mobile phone usage while driving, Northern Ireland imposes particularly severe penalties for violations.Lastly, traffic sign designs and certain road markings can vary slightly, so it's important to familiarize yourself with these if driving in Northern Ireland.
New to driving in the UK?
If you’re new to driving in the UK, you may not be familiar with UK driving laws or road layouts.
For some useful advice on staying safe on the roads, why not take a look at our articles on motorway driving and pedestrian road crossings
If you’re unfortunate enough to be involved in a collision, find out what you should do in the event of an accident.
And being familiar with the UK driving laws could help you to avoid punishments for careless driving or fines for other driving offences.
