Key points
- Some licences can be exchanged — check GOV.UK for your country.
- Others: up to 12 months, then pass the UK tests.
- Experienced drivers fail on habits, not skill.
- Start with a 1-hour assessment.
Drove for years in Pakistan, India, Nigeria, Iraq, Poland or anywhere else, and now live in Manchester? Whether you can swap your licence or need to pass the UK test depends on where your licence is from — and either way, a few lessons on UK roads make a big difference.
Can you exchange your licence, or do you need the UK test?
- Licences from “designated countries” and the EU/EEA can usually be exchanged for a UK licence — check the list on GOV.UK.
- Other countries: you can generally drive on your licence for up to 12 months after becoming resident. After that you need a provisional licence and must pass the theory and practical tests.
- Full details in our guide: exchanging a foreign licence in the UK.
Rules change — always check GOV.UK for your country before you rely on your licence.
What experienced drivers usually need to change
- Mirror–signal–manoeuvre, done visibly every time.
- Roundabouts — UK lane discipline and signalling on multi-lane roundabouts like Kingsway and Princess Parkway.
- Speed limits and signs in miles per hour, and 20 mph zones across Manchester.
- Pedestrian crossings, bus lanes and trams.
- Test-style driving — the examiner marks habits that were fine where you learned.
Most experienced drivers need far fewer lessons than a beginner — often a handful of 2-hour lessons and a mock test. We'll tell you honestly after the first lesson.
Prices
£35/hr (2 hours or more), £40 for a single assessment hour. Manual or automatic.
DriveSQ Student Portal
Every SQ Driving School learner gets the DriveSQ Student Portal free — so you always know where you stand, not just how many hours you've had.
- 23 driving skills tracked after every lesson
- Theory library and 50-question mock tests
- Test-readiness checklist and instructor messaging
Why SQ Driving School?
SQ Driving School is owned and managed by DriveSQ — the Greater Manchester driving school behind the Student and Instructor Portals.
- Manual & automatic, same price: £35/hr
- 10 hours £350 — £320 for NHS staff, students and M16/M18/M19
- Door-to-door pick-up across Greater Manchester
Frequently asked questions
I have a foreign licence — do I need lessons?
How many lessons will an experienced driver need?
Can I drive in the UK on my foreign licence?
Can you help with the theory test?
Sources
- GOV.UK — Driving in Great Britain on a non-GB licence
- GOV.UK — Exchange a foreign driving licence
- GOV.UK — Theory test: cars
Published by SQ Driving School, a brand owned and managed by DriveSQ. Checked on 16 October 2026. Rules, fees and test centres change — always confirm on GOV.UK before you book.