Driving In The UK From Other Countries

If you have a full driving licence from another country, there is a chance that you will be able to swap your licence for a full UK driving licence. There is a interactive driving licence tool which helps you find out what your options are.

Away from the legal side of things, driving in a different country can present problems. So even if you don't need to take a driving test, a few sessions with a driving instructor could answer any questions you may have, and to make you more familiar with the UK rules and also the area in which you live.

In general, drivers from the EEC, the EC and other designated countries may be able to swap their driving licence by applying for a UK licence using a D1 form and paying the appropriate fee. Depending on the country you come from, there might be time limits or other conditions for you to do so. A full list can be found at the end of the page

If you have come from a country that is not one of the designated ones listed below, you are allowed to drive in the UK for 12 months only so long as you have a full driving licence from your home country. The time starts from when you first enter the UK. The 12 months does not restart if you leave and return again. After this time is up, you must apply for a UK provisional driving licence and pass the theory and driving tests before you are allowed to drive again.

Here is a full list of countries from which you might be able to change your full driving licence for a UK one:

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Republic of Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Portugal, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Falkland Islands, Faroe Islands, Hong Kong, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, Zimbabwe, Gibraltar, Isle Of Man, Jersey and Guernsey