UK Driving Licence: How to Get Yours as a New Resident

Can You Drive in the UK with a Foreign Licence?

Yes, temporarily. If you have a valid driving licence from another country, you can drive in the UK for up to 12 months from the date you became resident.

After 12 months, you'll need to exchange your licence or take the UK driving test.

Exchanging Your Foreign Licence

You can exchange your foreign licence for a UK one without taking a test if your licence is from:

• EU/EEA countries
• Switzerland
• Certain designated countries (e.g., Australia, Canada, Japan, South Africa, USA)

Check the full list on gov.uk.

How to Exchange

1. Apply online on gov.uk
2. Pay the fee (£43 for a photocard licence)
3. Provide your foreign licence
4. Provide proof of identity
5. Provide proof of UK address

Taking the UK Driving Test

If your licence is not from a designated country, you'll need to take the UK driving test:

1. Theory test — multiple choice questions on the Highway Code
2. Practical driving test — driving on public roads

The theory test costs about £23 and the practical test costs about £62-75 (weekdays/weekends).

Provisional Licence

You'll need a provisional driving licence before you can take lessons or the test:

• Apply online on gov.uk
• Cost: £34
• You must be at least 17 years old (or 16 for mopeds)

Theory Test

• 50 multiple choice questions
• Pass mark: 43 out of 50
• Hazard perception section

Practical Test

• Driving for about 40 minutes
• Includes independent driving
• One serious or dangerous fault = fail

Car Insurance for New Residents

Once you have your UK driving licence, you need car insurance before you can drive. Third-party insurance is the legal minimum in the UK. If you are a new resident with no UK driving history, expect to pay more — but shopping around saves hundreds.

• Compare car insurance — Compare the Market, GoCompare and MoneySuperMarket compare dozens of providers in minutes.
• Learner driver insurance — if you are still learning, short-term learner policies from Co-op or Marmalade let you practice in a friend or family car without affecting their no-claims discount.
• Black box / telematics — a good option for new drivers. The insurer fits a small device (or app) that monitors your driving; safe driving earns lower renewals.

Cost Summary

For more about living in the UK, see our living in the UK guides.