When you move to the UK, your driving licence conversion UK, the official process of exchanging a foreign driver’s licence for a British one. Also known as UK licence exchange, it’s not automatic—even if you’ve been driving for decades. The rules depend on where you’re from, how long you’ve been in the country, and whether your licence is from a designated country. Many people assume their foreign licence works forever in the UK, but that’s not true. Most non-EU licences expire after 12 months, and you’ll need to act before then to keep driving legally.
If you’re from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein, you can usually drive on your original licence until you turn 70—or until it expires, whichever comes first. But if you’re from the US, Canada, Australia, or most other countries, you only get 12 months from the date you became a UK resident. After that, you must apply for a UK licence. The DVLA, the UK government body that issues and manages driving licences. Also known as Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, it handles all conversions, tests, and renewals. You can’t just walk in and swap it. You’ll need to fill out a D1 application form, send in your current licence, a passport-sized photo, proof of address, and pay the fee. No test is required if your country is on the approved list, but if it’s not, you’ll have to take both the theory and practical driving tests—just like a new driver.
People often get stuck on proof of address. You can’t use a hotel receipt or a temporary rental agreement. The DVLA needs official documents like a bank statement, utility bill, or tenancy agreement in your name, dated within the last three months. If you’re staying with friends, you’ll need a letter from the homeowner plus their utility bill. It sounds simple, but missing one document can delay your application by weeks. And don’t wait until your 12 months are up. The DVLA recommends applying at least 2 months before your current licence expires. Some countries, like Japan and South Korea, require additional paperwork like a certified translation or an international driving permit, even if you’re not legally required to have one.
There’s also the issue of licence categories. If you have a motorcycle licence from the Philippines or a heavy truck licence from the UAE, those won’t automatically transfer. You might need to take additional tests to drive larger vehicles in the UK. And if you’ve had your licence suspended or revoked in your home country, the DVLA will check that too—your past record follows you.
What you’ll find below are real, practical guides from people who’ve been through this process. Whether you’re from India, Brazil, or Canada, you’ll see exactly what documents they sent, how long it took, what questions the DVLA asked, and how they avoided the common mistakes that cost people time and money. No fluff. No theory. Just what actually works when you’re trying to get behind the wheel legally in the UK.
Learn the exact rules for driving in London with a foreign licence in 2025. Know which countries you can exchange with, what happens after 12 months, and how to avoid fines or legal trouble.