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Travel Essentials

Driving and Autos: Driving and Driver's License

An International Driving Permit is valid in more than 150 countries.

Drivers operate their vehicles on the left-hand side of roads in the United Kingdom (UK).

Requirements for Locals

Driver’s licenses are issued by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). Many services are available online at the DVLA’s website: www.gov.uk/browse/driving. Note that requirements are different for a motorcycle license and procedures are different for obtaining a driver’s license in Northern Ireland.

Written Test and Road Test

You must pass a written theory exam and practical driving (road) test to apply for a provisional license.

Residence

You must be a resident of the UK to obtain a driver’s license.

Age

You must be at least 17 years of age to apply for a provisional driver's license.

Identification

You must present an original valid identification document (several types of identification, including a passport, are accepted).

Fee

There is a fee to apply for a provisional license.

Other Requirements

You must pass an vision test to apply for a provisional license.

Requirements for Foreigners

Driving Using a Foreign License

As a foreigner, you can legally drive in the UK using your driver’s license issued by your home country for 12 months from the date you last entered the UK. If your US driver’s license expires while you are overseas, it must be renewed by the state that issued it.

Obtaining a Local License

If you plan to be in the UK for longer than 12 months, you will need a UK-issued license. Foreigners must follow the same requirements as the requirements for locals, listed above.

It is recommended that if you plan on being in the UK for more than 12 months, you apply for a British license as soon as possible because there is often quite a delay between applying for a provisional license and obtaining a full license. There is a fee for obtaining a British driver’s license.

Note that requirements are different for a motorcycle license and procedures are different for obtaining a driver’s license in Northern Ireland.

European Union Citizens

If you are a citizen of a European Union (EU) country, you are legally able to drive anywhere in the EU using the license issued by your home country, including the UK. Rules for issuing licenses as well as the physical form of the license have been harmonized among all EU countries.

International Driving Permit

If you do not plan on being in the UK for more than 12 months, you may want to consider getting an International Driving Permit (IDP).

An IDP includes your name, photo, and basic information in ten languages. When carried together with a foreign license, it can serve as local identification in addition to permitting you to drive. It is valid in over 150 countries. The IDP is only valid when carried in conjunction with a driver’s license issued by your home country. An IDP is valid for 12 months from the date of issue.

Australia

If you are an Australian citizen, you must have a valid Australian driver’s license to get an IDP. The local Australian Automobile Association (AAA) office issues IDPs: www.aaa.asn.au/touring/idp.htm.

Canada

To get an IDP in Canada, you must be at least 18 years old and have a valid Canadian provincial driver’s license. The Canadian Automobile Association issues IDPs: www.caa.ca/idp.

The United States

To obtain an IDP in the US, you must be over the age of 18 and have a valid US driver’s license. An IDP can be obtained from any Automobile Association of America (AAA) office or by mail if you are already overseas. For more information, visit the AAA website: www.aaa.com/vacation/idpf.html.