If you have moved to the UK and hold a foreign driving licence, you may be able to exchange it for a UK photocard driving licence without taking another driving test. However, the rules depend on which country issued your licence. This guide explains exactly what you can and cannot do — and what to do if your licence does not qualify for direct exchange.
Can you drive in the UK on a foreign licence?
When you first arrive in the UK, you can drive on your valid foreign licence. However, the length of time you can drive on it before needing a UK licence depends on your immigration status and the country that issued your licence.
- EU/EEA driving licence holders: you can drive on your EU licence in the UK indefinitely, as long as it remains valid. However, once it expires, you must get a UK licence.
- Designated country licence holders (see list below): you can drive for up to 12 months from when you became a UK resident, then you must exchange or apply for a UK licence.
- Other country licence holders: you can drive for up to 12 months from when you became a UK resident. After that, you must pass UK driving tests to get a UK licence.
- Note: "UK resident" means when you start living in the UK — not just when you visit. Your 12 months starts from the date you moved here.
Countries with direct exchange agreements (Designated Countries)
Holders of driving licences from the following countries can exchange directly for a UK licence without taking a theory or practical driving test:
- All EU and EEA countries (including Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Poland, Romania, etc.)
- Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, Zimbabwe
- Gibraltar, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland
- Andorra, Faroe Islands, Monaco
- Full updated list at gov.uk/exchange-foreign-driving-licence
- Important: the exchange must happen within 5 years of becoming a UK resident for most countries
💡 Tip
USA, India, Pakistan, Brazil, China, Nigeria, and most African and Middle Eastern countries are NOT on the designated exchange list. If your licence is from one of these countries, you will need to sit UK driving tests after 12 months of UK residency.
How to exchange your licence (Designated Countries)
- Step 1: Complete DVLA form D1 (apply for a driving licence) — available at any post office or downloadable from gov.uk
- Step 2: Attach the completed D1 form, your original foreign driving licence, a passport-style photo, and proof of identity (passport or BRP)
- Step 3: Pay the fee — £43 as of 2025
- Step 4: Send to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AB — by post only; DVLA does not accept in-person applications for this
- Step 5: DVLA will return your original foreign licence if it is an EU licence (keep it for driving in your home country). For non-EU licences, DVLA retains the original.
- Step 6: Receive your UK photocard licence — typically within 3 weeks
- Optional: apply online at gov.uk/exchange-foreign-driving-licence for faster processing
What if your country is not on the exchange list?
If your licence is from a non-designated country (such as India, USA, Pakistan, Nigeria, or Brazil), you cannot exchange it directly. You will need to obtain a UK driving licence by passing the UK driving tests. However, you can use your foreign licence as evidence of your driving experience when booking your test.
- Step 1: Apply for a UK provisional driving licence at gov.uk/apply-first-provisional-driving-licence (£34)
- Step 2: Book and pass the DVLA theory test (£23) — multiple choice questions and hazard perception video test
- Step 3: Book and pass the practical driving test (£62 on weekdays) with a DVSA-approved examiner
- Some approved driving instructors offer intensive courses for experienced drivers from non-designated countries
- Your foreign licence experience does count — you may be able to skip some lessons if you are already an experienced driver
- Theory test study material: official DVSA book "The Official DVSA Theory Test for Car Drivers" — available at most libraries
Driving in the UK on an international driving permit (IDP)
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a translation document that accompanies your national licence. In the UK, IDPs alone do not give you the right to drive — you still need a valid national licence from the issuing country, and the IDP just translates it. IDPs are most useful when driving in countries that do not recognise your national licence — they are not required in the UK.
💡 Tip
Car insurance in the UK is compulsory. When you get a UK licence, shop around on comparison sites (Compare the Market, GoCompare, MoneySuperMarket) as a new driver can face high premiums. Telematics (black box) policies that track your driving can significantly reduce costs for new UK drivers.