How To Exchange Your Foreign Driving Licence

If you're looking to exchange your foreign driving licence for a UK driving licence, you might find the range of rules and regulations a bit overwhelming. The process can vary depending on where your original licence was issued and whether you’re officially a resident of Great Britain. However, if you meet the criteria, you might be able to exchange your foreign licence immediately—meaning no additional tests are required!

In this guide, we’ll explore whether you’re eligible to exchange your foreign driving licence for a UK one and what the actual exchange process involves. We’ll also provide useful advice for foreign licence holders looking to drive in the UK. Let’s dive in!

Can I exchange my foreign driving licence for a UK driving licence?

First, before we get into the specifics of the licence exchange process, we need to determine whether you're eligible. Your eligibility depends on one question: are you a resident of Great Britain? According to GOV.UK, you are considered a resident if you have a permanent address in Great Britain where you have lived for at least 185 days. If you are a resident, you can proceed with our guide and learn how to exchange your licence below.

Not classed as a resident of Great Britain? You won’t be able to exchange your foreign driving licence. However, don’t give up on the idea of driving here just yet! You may still be able to drive in the UK for up to a year on your foreign licence.

Next, we’ll explore how the rules for exchanging your foreign driving licence differ depending on where it was issued.

Eligibility for exchanging to a UK driving licence

You can check your eligibility to exchange your foreign licence for a UK driving licence on GOV.UK. By answering a few questions, you’ll know whether you can exchange your foreign licence.

Countries in the EU or EEA

If your licence was issued by a country in the EU or EEA, you are allowed to drive in the UK on your original licence until you turn 70, or until your licence expires. If you're aged 68 or older when you become a resident in Great Britain, you will be able to drive for 3 years. After that, you will need to exchange your licence.

Although you can continue driving in Great Britain on your original licence, you can choose to exchange it for a UK one at any time.

If your EU/EFTA licence was exchanged for one from a non-EU country, you’ll only be able to use it for 12 months.

Designated countries

The UK has agreements with a number of 'designated countries'. If you hold a driving licence from one of these countries, you’ll be able to exchange it for a UK driving licence without needing to take any further tests.

Designated countries include 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.

If you hold a licence from one of these countries, you can drive in Great Britain for up to 12 months. After that, you must exchange your licence. You have 5 years from the day you become a resident to exchange your licence, provided it is still valid.

Residents of Northern Ireland

If you’re a resident of Northern Ireland, the process is simple—if your licence was issued on or after 1 January 1976, you can exchange it with no cost involved!

Residents of Jersey, Guernsey, or the Isle of Man

If you're a resident of Jersey, Guernsey, or the Isle of Man, you can exchange your licence if it was issued on or after 1 April 1991. However, unlike residents of Northern Ireland, you’ll need to pay the standard exchange fee and provide a medical report (D4) from a doctor.

All other countries

If your foreign licence wasn’t issued by any of the countries listed above, you won’t be able to exchange it for a UK one. However, you’re still allowed to drive in the UK for up to 12 months on your foreign licence. According to the DVLA, you can drive vehicles weighing up to 3.5 tonnes with up to eight passenger seats, provided your licence remains valid within this 12-month period. After this time, you will need to pass both a theory and practical driving test to obtain a UK licence.

Need to book a theory and practical test? Get Leo Driving School to fast-track them for you. We even offer intensive courses to help you brush up on any bad habits you may have picked up!

Vocational licence holders

If you're exchanging a vocational licence for a UK driving licence, you’ll need to complete an application for a lorry or bus (D2). If your vocational licence was issued in an EC/EEA country, you’ll also need to provide a D4 form if you’re 45 or older.

Please note, when you exchange your foreign licence for a UK driving licence, the foreign licence will not be returned to you. By sending it off, you're willingly surrendering it to the DVLA.

Additional rules for exchanging your foreign driving licence

Although the process for exchanging your foreign driving licence seems straightforward, there are a few additional rules that could complicate things slightly.

  • If you're from a designated country, your licence must be valid at the time the DVLA receives it. However, if you’re from any EU/EEA country, you can exchange your licence even if it has expired.
  • Canadian licence holders must provide evidence that they passed their driving test in a manual car, as Canadian licences don’t indicate whether the test was passed in manual or automatic transmission.
  • New Zealand licence holders must also provide proof that they passed in a manual car if they wish to drive a manual car in the UK.
  • Japanese licence holders need to send their licence along with an official translation. This can be obtained from the Consulate General of Japan in London or Edinburgh.
  • South Korean licence holders must also provide a certified translation from the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in London.
  • South African licence holders cannot exchange their licence if it’s in the old 'book of life' format instead of the newer credit card-style licence.

How to exchange your foreign driving licence for a UK driving licence

Now that you know you’re eligible to exchange your foreign driving licence for a UK one, here's what you need to do.

Head to GOV.UK and request your application pack. This will be sent to your UK address. Most applicants will need to complete form D1, but some may require additional forms, such as D4 for residents of Jersey, Guernsey, or the Isle of Man.

Once you have your application pack, complete the following:

  • A completed D1 application form (and any other required forms)
  • Your passport, travel document, or national identity card
  • A passport-sized colour photograph
  • Your current driver's licence (remember, this will not be returned)
  • A certified translation of your licence (if you're from Japan or South Korea)
  • A £43 fee, payable by cheque or postal order

Send your completed application to:
DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BT

Once the DVLA processes your application, your UK driving licence will be sent to you within about three weeks. The DVLA will send your original foreign licence to the issuing authorities.

If your foreign licence only covers automatic transmission, your UK driving licence will reflect this. To drive a manual car, you'll need to take an additional test.

Additional advice for foreign licence holders looking to drive in the UK

  • Familiarise yourself with the Highway Code: It’s important to understand the rules of the road in the UK. Read through the Highway Code to ensure you’re aware of the legal requirements.
  • Understand your UK driving licence codes: When you receive your UK driving licence, check the reverse side to understand what vehicles you're allowed to drive and what restrictions apply.
  • Sort out your car insurance: It’s illegal to drive without insurance in the UK. Ensure your vehicle is properly insured before driving.
  • Take a refresher course: If you’re unsure about driving in the UK, a refresher course can help you regain confidence. Leo Driving School offers courses to help you feel ready on the roads.

FAQs

  1. How do I find out if I’m eligible to exchange my foreign driving licence?
    Use GOV.UK’s licence exchange entitlement tool to check if you can exchange your foreign licence.
  2. Does the 12-month period restart if I leave the UK and come back?
    Yes, if you’re a visitor. However, if you’ve become a resident, the 12-month period does not restart.
  3. Will I be able to drive a manual car if my original licence is for automatic transmission?
    No, unless you pass an additional test for manual cars.
  4. How long will it take for the DVLA to send me my UK driving licence?
    It will take around three weeks, although it may take longer if additional checks are needed.
  5. What are the minimum age requirements for driving in the UK?
    You must be at least 17 to drive a car or motorcycle, and at least 21 to drive a lorry or bus.
  6. I need to take a driving test. How do I book one?
    Head to GOV.UK to book your test, or book a fast-track test with Leo Driving School.
  7. Can I import my vehicle to the UK?
    Yes, but you'll need to follow specific steps including notifying HMRC, paying VAT, and registering the vehicle.
  8. Do I need insurance if I'm only in the UK for a short time?
    Yes, it’s illegal to drive without insurance in the UK, so make sure your car is covered.