Which driving licences are valid in the UK?

Are you visiting the UK or planning to move here? Are you wondering whether your licence or insurance will be valid? Get the answers in our guide.

If you want to drive a bus or lorry, however, it's important to check the rules carefully. There are restrictions on driving these vehicles based on where you passed your test. These restrictions apply no matter the length of your visit.

Let's break it down.

If you passed in Jersey, Guernsey, the Isle of Man or any non-EU or non-EEA country

• You may drive any type of small vehicle (cars and motorcycles, for instance) listed on your full and valid licence.
• If you've got a bus or lorry licence, you can only drive buses or lorries in Great Britain if you've driven the vehicle into Britain yourself. Where the vehicle is registered is not relevant.

If you passed in Great Britain, Northern Ireland or any EU or EEA country

• You may drive any type of vehicle listed on your full and valid licence. 

The EU countries are:

• Austria
• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• The Republic of Cyprus
• The Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Ireland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• The Netherlands
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden

The EEC countries are:

• Iceland
• Liechtenstein
• Norway

Insurance 

If your vehicle is insured in the EU, Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Serbia or Switzerland, you need to carry a green card or another form of proof of insurance.

This proof must include:

• The name of the insurer
• Your registration plate or VIN (vehicle identification number)
• The dates of insurance cover

If your vehicle is insured in a country outside of those mentioned above, you must:

• Carry a green card – if your country is one of the 47 countries within the green card system
• Or insure your vehicle in the UK with a UK provider

Please note that green cards from Belarus or Russia are not accepted in Britain. 

Longer visits to the UK (over 12 months)

As we've seen, it's fairly easy to use your foreign driving licence on UK roads if you plan to drive a car and are visiting for less than 12 months.

Things get more complicated after this time frame. So, if you're planning a longer trip or thinking of resettling in Britain, read on to find out how to cover yourself whilst cruising the UK's roads.

There are different rules depending on where your licence is issued. Let's break it down. 

If you have an EU or EEC driving licence

• You can drive a car or motorcycle on UK roads up to the age of 70 if your licence was issued in an EU or EEC country.
• When your licence expires, you can exchange it for a GB licence without the need to retake your test. 

If you passed your test in Gibraltar, Jersey, Guernsey, the Isle of Man or a "designated country or territory"

• You are not required to retake your test but you must exchange your current licence for a British one after 12 months.
• However, if you don't do this within five years of becoming a resident, you'll need to retake both your theory and practical tests again.

The "designated countries or territories" are:

• Andorra
• Australia
• Barbados
• The British Virgin Islands
• Canada
• The Cayman Islands
• The Falkland Islands
• The Faroe Islands
• Gibraltar
• Hong Kong
• Japan
• Monaco
• New Zealand
• The Republic of Korea
• The Republic of North Macedonia
• Singapore
• South Africa
• Switzerland
• Taiwan
• Ukraine
• The United Arab Emirates
• Zimbabwe

If you passed your test in any other country (outside of Great Britain or those listed above)

If your licence was issued in any other country not listed above, we're afraid it's rather more difficult to gain the right to drive in the UK permanently.

After 12 months, your licence becomes invalid, whether you're a visitor, resident or international student. You'll need to go through the process of obtaining a valid GB licence, which includes obtaining a provisional licence and taking (and passing!) both the theory and practical tests. 

Ready to hit the road?

Now you've got all the information you need about using your non-GB driving licence in the UK, you can start planning that trip of a lifetime.

Renting a vehicle can be a reliable, enjoyable and safe way to road-trip around the UK. And here at MVH Rental, we know car hire like the backs of our hands.

Flying in to Newcastle International Airport? Planning to visit North East England? Make us your first choice for cheap car rentals in Newcastle, Gateshead or Northumberland.

Start by browsing our fleet of vehicles – or get in touch to speak to our friendly team.