Which Driving Licences Are Valid In UK?

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Do you intend to relocate to the UK or are you just visiting? Are you unsure about the validity of your insurance or licence? See our guide for the answers.

Do you intend to travel to or immigrate to the UK?

It is advisable to familiarise yourself with the peculiarities of driving in Britain if you intend to use the road.

We do drive to the left, yes. Yes, our roadways are extremely congested and narrow. And let’s not even talk about roundabouts.

To be honest, this is only the beginning. You should also be aware of some legal requirements, such as those pertaining to your insurance and driver’s license.

Will the UK accept your licence? Will your driving test need to be retaken? What about insurance? Why is a piece of paper or ID card such a big deal?

We’ve got you covered, so don’t worry. Everything you need to know about driving on UK roads with a non-GB driving licence is covered in this helpful guide.

Short visits to the UK (up to a year)

The duration of your stay is the primary determinant of your driving license’s validity in the UK.

It’s fairly easy to go on the road if you’re in the UK for a short period of time, like a vacation. You have up to 12 months from the date of your entry into the country to drive an automobile using a driver’s license from any other country.

If you’re moving here or taking a longer trip, things become more complicated. These situations will be discussed later.

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If you’re not a driver,

The kind of vehicle you plan to use is the other factor to take into account.

All of the aforementioned is applicable if you are operating a motorbike or automobile. Enjoy your journey!

However, it’s crucial to carefully review the regulations if you wish to operate a bus or a truck. Depending on where you took your test, you are not allowed to drive these cars. Regardless of how long you stay, these limitations are in effect.

Let’s dissect it.

If you travelled through the Isle of Man, Jersey, Guernsey, or any other non-EU or non-EEA nation

  • You are allowed to drive any kind of small vehicle that is stated on your complete and valid licence, such as cars and motorbikes.
  • If you have a bus or truck licence, you can only operate one in Great Britain if you have personally driven the vehicle there. It doesn’t matter where the car is registered.

If you travelled through the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, or any other EU or EEA nation

  • Any kind of vehicle specified on your complete and current licence may be driven by you.

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

You must carry a green card or another type of proof of insurance if your car is insured in the EU, Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Serbia, or Switzerland.

This evidence has to contain:

  • The insurer’s name
  • Your VIN (vehicle identification number) or registration plate
  • The dates of coverage for insurance

If your car is insured in a nation other than those listed above, you have to:

  • If your nation is one of the 47 that are part of the green card system, you should carry a green card.
  • Or get auto insurance in the UK from a UK company.

Please be aware that Russia and Belarus do not accept green cards in the United Kingdom.

Longer visits to the UK (more than a year)

As we’ve shown, if you intend to drive a car and are only in the UK for a few months, using your foreign driver’s license is not too difficult.

After this period of time, things become more complicated. Read on to learn how to protect yourself when driving on UK roads whether you’re considering a longer journey or moving to the country.

Depending on where your licence was issued, there are various regulations. Let’s dissect it.

If you possess a driving licence from the EU or EEC

  • If your licence was obtained in an EU or EEC nation, you are permitted to drive a car or motorbike on UK roads until you are 70 years old.
  • You can switch your licence for a GB licence when it expires without having to retake the exam.

Passing your exam in the Isle of Man, Jersey, Guernsey, Gibraltar, or another “designated country or territory”

  • After a year, you must swap your present licence for a British one, but you are not obliged to retake the test.
  • You will have to retake your theory and practical exams, though, if you don’t complete this within five years after being a resident.

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, in a nation other than Great Britain or those mentioned above, you passed your test,

We regret to inform you that obtaining the privilege to drive permanently in the UK is more difficult if your licence was obtained in a nation not on the above list.

Whether you are a resident, visitor, or international student, your licence expires after a year. To get a valid GB licence, you must complete the necessary steps, which include getting a provisional licence and passing the theory and practical exams.

Are you prepared to drive?

Now that you have all the information you require to drive in the UK with a non-GB licence, you can begin organising that once-in-a-lifetime vacation.

Hiring a minibus can be a dependable, entertaining, and secure way to travel the UK by car. Additionally, we at Minibus Hire Kent are extremely knowledgeable about minibus hire.

Arriving at Gatwick Airport by plane? Are you going to the UK? Make us your first pick if you’re looking to book a cheap minibus in Ashford, Luton, & Kent.

Start by looking through our inventory of cars, or contact us to talk to a member of our welcoming staff.