Exchange UK Driving Licence: What You Need to Know

When you move to the UK, you might be wondering if you can keep your foreign driving licence, a driver’s license issued by a country outside the UK that may be valid for temporary use. Also known as international driving permit, it lets you drive legally for up to 12 months—but after that, you’ll likely need to exchange your UK driving licence for a British one. This isn’t automatic. It depends on where you’re from, how long you’ve been here, and what type of licence you hold.

If you’re from an EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland, you can usually drive on your original licence until you turn 70—or until it expires, whichever comes first. After that, you must exchange it for a UK licence. For drivers from countries like Australia, Canada, Japan, or the US, you can drive for 12 months from the date you became a resident, then you must apply to exchange. But here’s the catch: not all countries have reciprocal agreements. If you’re from India, South Africa, or Brazil, for example, you can’t just swap your licence—you’ll need to take the UK driving test.

What you need to exchange? A valid foreign licence, proof of UK residency (like a utility bill or rental agreement), your passport, and a completed D1 application form. You’ll also need to pay the £43 fee and send your original licence to the DVLA. If your licence isn’t in English or Welsh, you’ll need a certified translation. And yes, your eyesight still has to meet UK standards—even if your home country didn’t check it.

Don’t assume your licence will transfer easily. Some people think having an international driving permit means they can skip the process. It doesn’t. That permit is just a translation tool. The real key is your home country’s agreement with the UK. And if you’ve been driving in the UK for more than a year without exchanging, you’re breaking the law—even if you’ve never had an accident.

What about provisional licences? If you’re from a non-designated country and need to take the test, you’ll first need to apply for a UK provisional licence. Then book your theory test and practical test. The whole process can take months. But once you pass, your UK licence is valid for life—no need to renew unless you’re over 70.

You’ll also find that some people try to use their foreign licence to get cheaper insurance. That’s risky. Insurers check your driving history, and if they find you’ve been driving illegally, they can cancel your policy or refuse to pay out. It’s not worth the gamble.

There are no shortcuts. No hidden tricks. The rules are clear, but they’re scattered across government sites, forums, and third-party blogs. That’s why we’ve gathered the real, updated info—what works, what doesn’t, and what trips people up every time. Below, you’ll find honest guides from people who’ve done it, mistakes they made, and how to avoid them. No fluff. No confusion. Just what you need to drive legally in the UK.