Key takeaways
- Many visitors and new residents can drive on their foreign licence for up to 12 months.
- Licences from some 'designated' countries can be exchanged for a GB licence.
- Otherwise you'll need a provisional licence and to pass the UK theory and practical tests.
- Rules depend on where your licence is from — always check GOV.UK.
The 12-month rule
If you become resident in Great Britain with a full licence from many non-EU countries, you can usually drive small vehicles for up to 12 months from when you became resident.
Exchanging your licence
If your licence is from a designated country (the list includes places such as Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa), you may be able to exchange it for a GB licence without taking a test. Rules on automatic and manual entitlement can differ.
If you can't exchange
You'll need to apply for a provisional licence and pass the theory and practical tests before your 12 months run out.
EU and EEA licences
Different rules apply to licences from EU and EEA countries. Check GOV.UK for your situation.
How SQ helps
Experienced drivers often need far fewer lessons — the focus is UK road rules, roundabouts and test technique. Try our lesson calculator and choose "Drove abroad".
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive in the UK on my foreign licence?
Do I need lessons if I've driven abroad?
Sources
This guide is general information, checked against the official sources above on 9 October 2026. Rules and figures can change — always check GOV.UK before booking or travelling.