Foreign driving licences in the United Kingdom (2026)

Last reviewed: 9 October 2026

In short: Visitors may drive on a non-UK licence without an International Driving Permit. A new resident with a non-European Community licence may drive on it for 12 months.

RuleWhat applies
Licence from another EU/EEA state valid for a visitorUsing a foreign driving licenceYes [1]
EU/EEA licence after becoming a residentUsing a foreign driving licence⚠ Not yet verified
Licence from outside the EU/EEA for a visitorUsing a foreign driving licence; Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales)A person resident outside the UK who is temporarily in Great Britain may drive on a Convention driving permit or a domestic driving permit issued outside the UK for 12 months from the date of last entry into the UK. [2]
Licence from outside the EU/EEA after becoming a residentUsing a foreign driving licence; Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales)May drive on the licence for a maximum of 12 months from the date of becoming resident. Before the 12 months end, the holder should pass a British driving test, or exchange the licence if it is from a country designated for exchange. [3]
International Driving Permit needed with an EU/EEA licenceUsing a foreign driving licenceNo [1]

Notes

  • The official guidance read (Highway Code, Annex 3) covers 'non-European Community' licences only. No official statement for EU/EEA licence holders who become residents could be read.
  • The legislation.gov.uk page for article 2 lists changes that have not yet been applied to the text shown.
  • The Highway Code refers to 'non-European Community' licences and to a licence 'designated' for exchange.

Sources

  1. GOV.UK (Home Office): Visiting the UK as an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  2. legislation.gov.uk: The Motor Vehicles (International Circulation) Order 1975, article 2 (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  3. GOV.UK (Department for Transport): The Highway Code - Annex 3. Motor vehicle documentation and learner driver requirements (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.