If you moved to the UK with a valid driving licence from another country, you may be able to swap it for a full UK licence without taking the theory or practical test. This depends entirely on which country issued your licence. Here is everything you need to know.
How long can I drive on my foreign licence?
If you are visiting the UK temporarily, you can drive on a valid foreign licence indefinitely. If you become a UK resident (i.e. you are living and working here), the rules change. Residents from most countries can drive on their foreign licence for 12 months from when they become resident, after which they must either exchange it or pass UK driving tests.
Countries whose licences can be exchanged (no test required)
The DVLA maintains a list of "designated countries and territories" whose licences can be exchanged directly for a UK licence. As of 2026, this includes all EU/EEA countries plus:
- Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, Zimbabwe
- Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong
- Andorra, Monaco, Switzerland
- Islands: Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Isle of Man, Jersey
- Note: the full and updated list is at gov.uk/exchange-foreign-driving-licence — check there as the list changes
How to exchange your licence — step by step
- Step 1: Check your country is on the designated list at gov.uk/exchange-foreign-driving-licence
- Step 2: Download and complete form D1 (Application for a driving licence) from gov.uk/government/publications/d1-application-for-a-driving-licence
- Step 3: Prepare your documents: your original foreign driving licence, valid passport, a passport-style photo, and proof of UK address
- Step 4: Pay the £43 licence fee (car licence) by cheque or postal order
- Step 5: Send everything to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BN
- Step 6: DVLA will keep your foreign licence and issue a UK licence — allow 2–4 weeks
💡 Tip
You can drive while your exchange application is being processed, as long as your foreign licence is still valid and you have your application reference. Do not send your only copy of anything — keep photocopies.
What if my country is NOT on the designated list?
If your country is not on the list (for example India, Nigeria, Philippines, Pakistan), you cannot exchange your licence directly. You must take the full UK driving test process: theory test (£23), hazard perception test (included with theory), and practical driving test (£62 weekday / £75 evening or weekend). Your foreign licence counts as experience but not as a qualification.
Can I get a provisional licence while I wait to pass my test?
Yes. Apply for a UK provisional licence at gov.uk/apply-first-provisional-driving-licence (£34 online). This allows you to drive with a qualified driver in a dual-control vehicle while you prepare for your test. You cannot drive alone on a provisional licence.
What about driving licence points and no-claims history from abroad?
The UK does not carry over penalty points from foreign licences. When you exchange, you start with a clean UK licence. However, your years of driving experience still count — it affects your car insurance premiums, and some insurers will accept a letter of driving history from your previous country to build a no-claims discount.
Check if your country qualifies and apply on GOV.UK
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