20 Jan 2025
Getting a driving license in the UK as an expat is not easy. However, following the right procedure is not as difficult as you think, and you will not be overwhelmed. Whether transitioning from an international driving license in the UK or applying for a UK license for the first time, this guide will help you navigate the essential steps.
So, if you are moving abroad to the UK, you must understand the legalities, like buying a car and getting a driving license; the same is true for understanding how to send money to your home country.
If you are an expat, you can drive with your foreign license for up to 12 months. After that, you must give it away, exchange it, or ask for another license.
If you hold a European driving license in the UK or any other foreign license from a country with a reciprocal agreement, you can exchange your existing license for a UK one without taking a driving test. If your country doesn’t have reciprocity with the UK, you’ll have to go through the whole application procedure for the UK driving license.
The first step toward obtaining a UK driving license is to apply for a provisional license through the DVLA international driving license system. Whatever your reason for needing to do so, this provisional license is required for both learners and those hoping to complete the full UK license.
You must present your recent address, current proof of identity, and a passport-sized photo when applying. The application fee is £34 online or £43 by post, and you should get your license in one to three weeks.
If you have applied for your provisional license, you must take and pass the theory and practical driving tests. The theory test consists of questions about the UK Highway Code and the hazard perception test.
It costs £23 to take, and you need to book online. Expats may find studying the DVLA international driving guidelines helpful in ensuring they are well-prepared for the test.
Especially if you are an expat who regularly makes a money transfer back home and is new to UK driving laws and conditions, you are highly advised to receive professional driving lessons.
It’s also different from the US. In the UK, driving on the left side of the road, for example, can be difficult for newcomers to follow. First, depending on your location, you will pay around £30 to £50 for an hour’s driving lesson.
But, if you want to hasten the approval process of getting your license, you can enroll in intensive courses or 'crash courses.' These courses are often ideal for those transitioning from an IDP license UK or international driver's permit.
You can book the practical driving test after completing the theory test. The cost of the practical test is £62 for weekday appointments.
During this test, you’ll be judged on how well you drive on the road, follow road signs, and complete specific driving maneuvers. Once you pass, you’ll get your full UK driving license; that provisional license will no longer be valid.
An international driving permit (IDP) is a good option if you will be temporarily in the UK. This one-year permit allows you to drive legally alongside your foreign driving license. You can obtain an IDP Post Office for £5.50. An international driver's permit is ideal for those without a full UK driving license.
It’s often used by expats wondering how to obtain an international driver's license, to ensure they remain legally licensed while navigating UK roads.
For expats who hold a European license in the UK, you can drive using their existing European license until you reach the age of 70. If your driving license is foreign but only allows you to drive automatic cars, you must pass a manual test before driving a manual car in the UK.
Throughout this journey, you might also handle other responsibilities, such as making an online money transfer to loved ones or managing financial matters. Many expats from countries that drive on the right side of the road may require extra lessons to adjust to driving on the left, making driving rules at the international level an essential aspect to consider.
By following the steps in this guide, you'll be well on your way to obtaining a UK driving license and confidently navigating the roads. Whether you're applying for a British IDP, an international license, or learning to drive in the UK, staying informed throughout the process is essential.
Whether you're applying for IDP, exchanging your European driving license in the UK, or using an overseas driving permit, it's essential to understand the legal driving process in the UK.
During this journey, you may also manage other things, such as to send money online to loved ones or your finances. This article has walked you through a step-by-step to guide you in getting the UK driving license you’ve always wanted and, finally, managing the roads more confidently.
If you are from a country with a reciprocal agreement with the UK, you do not have to take the test to exchange your foreign license. Otherwise, you will have to take both theory and practical tests.
A foreign license is not a valid license to drive in the UK, but it does entitle you to use it until you receive an IDP. It’s valid for up to one year; you must use it with your home country’s license.
As long as you have a European driving license in the UK, you can drive legally in the UK until you are 70 years old without having to exchange your license.
If you have passed your driving theory and practical driving tests, your full UK driver's license usually arrives in about three weeks.
If your home country’s license isn’t able to be exchanged, you will have to go through the whole process, which means you apply for a provisional license, take the theory test, and complete your practical driving test.
