Additional information for all applicants and families:
Driving in the UK - don't forget - we drive on the LEFT!!!
European Community / European Economic Area
Licences issued in the European Community and three other countries in the European Economic Area make up two groups that are treated equally.
The full list is:
EU Countries:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Poland
- Portugal
- Republic of Cyprus
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- United Kingdom
EEA Countries
- All EU Countries
- Iceland
- Liechtenstein
- Norway
Visitors
If you hold a valid Community licence and you are visiting Great Britain, you can drive any vehicle for as long as your licence remains valid. The appropriate full entitlement for the vehicle you wish to drive must be shown on your licence.
Residents
If you have a valid Community licence, this will authorise you to drive in this country for the periods set out below. Alternatively, you can apply to exchange your licence for a British one at any time.
Provided your licence remains valid you may drive in GB -
Ordinary licence holders
Until aged 70 or for 3 years after becoming resident whichever is the longer period.
Vocational licence holders
Until aged 45 or for 5 years after becoming resident whichever is the longer period.
If you are aged over 45 (but under 65) until your 66th birthday or for 5 years after becoming resident whichever is the shorter period.
If you are aged 65 or over for 12 months after becoming resident
In order to continue driving after these periods, a British licence must be obtained.
Driving in the UK as a student:
- Students from a Community Country - students who hold Community licence may drive cars and motorcycles in GB for as long as their licence remains valid, or until age 70. Those who do not hold a licence must have been studying here for at least 6 months prior to taking a driving test or applying for a full licence.
- Students from a Non- Community Country - students who hold a non-Community licence or an International Driving Permit may drive here for up to 12 months.
Please don't hesitate to contact us with any queries
