If you’ve recently moved to the UK from across the Channel, or simply will be spending more time here, one question you may ask yourself is: can I drive with my European licence? It is not uncommon for our clients to call us and ask whether their European driving licence allows them to drive in the UK, and whether they need to exchange their European driving licence for a UK driving licence.
To help you navigate the ins and outs of converting a foreign driving license, we have written a blog article that lists some of the essentials that you need to know when converting an overseas driving license to the UK. Learn and Drive UK want to give the new residents of the UK as much information as we can in one place, so it’s easier for newcomers to understand the rules and regulations in the UK. Let’s get started!
Can I Drive in the UK with an EU Driving Licence?
The news is, of course, you’re allowed to drive for a while using a European driving license as a UK resident. If you have an EU/EEA licenceYou can drive in the UK on your EU/EEA licence – you won’t need to exchange it unless it runs out, you’re disqualified, or you become a UK resident.
How long can I drive in the UK with a European Licence?
For EU/EEA citizens: You can drive on your European licence in Britain for up to three years after you become a resident. After three years, you have to switch to a UK license if you want to keep driving in the country legally.
For non-EU/EEA residents: If you’re not from the EU or EEA, the rules can differ. You are generally allowed to drive for 12 months with your foreign license before you need to replace it with a UK license.
If you’re staying longer or just can’t be arsed with the hassle, converting your European driving license to a UK one is relatively simple. Let’s explore the steps involved.
How to Exchange Your EU Driving Licence For a UK Driving Licence
The procedure to exchange your European driving licence for a UK one is easy, but there are some crucial steps that you need to take. Here’s a look at what the process involves:
Step 1: See If You’re Eligible
- You should check that your European driving license is exchangeable before beginning the conversion. Here are the essential details to qualify:
- You live in the UK: You need to be resident in the UK to be able to apply for a UK licence.
- Your European licence is up to date: Your European driver’s licence must be valid and in date.
- You’re an EU/EEA national: If you have an EU or EEA driving license, then you may be able to exchange your license for a U.K. one without having to sit a driving test (unless you’ve been disqualified or have a medical condition that impacts your ability to drive).
- Your license is not revoked or suspended: You don’t have any driving history issues that would prevent you from converting your license.
- If you qualify, you can proceed to the next stage of the conversion process.
Step 2: How to apply for an exchange of your license
- When you determine that your European driving licence is valid for exchange in Germany, you can proceed to opening your account. You’re able to change your European driving license to a UK license using the following steps:
- It does it: Fill out the DVLA Application Form: Apply to exchange a paper license. You have to collect the papers with you. The form is available to download or complete directly from the DVLA official website.
- Surrender Your Novelty European Driving License: You are required to surrender your novelty European License to the DVLA when applying.
- Show Evidence of Identity: In certain situations, the DVLA will ask you to offer proof of identity and request a utility bill or passport to demonstrate your UK address.
- Pay the Fee: There is a fee for your license to be converted before you may be eligible for the portal. You must pay the fee online or by cheque. There is a fee, the cost of which varies but is generally about £43.
Step 3: Wait for Your UK Driving License to Arrive
After you have completed your application and provided the necessary documentation, you will have to wait for the DVLA to process your application. Processing time typically is 2-3 weeks, but could be different from case to case.
You will receive your UK driving license by mail once your application is successful. You will get your European licence back, but it will no longer be valid in the UK.
What If My EU Driving Licence Isn’t From Inside the EU?
If you have a non-EU driving licence, replacing it with a UK licence may be handled differently. Depending on the situation here, they may have to pass a UK driving test (both theoretical and practical) in order to acquire a full UK driving licence.
But some non-EU countries have reciprocal agreements with the UK, so you could potentially swap your non-EU licence for a UK one without taking a driving test. You can see if your country has such an arrangement on the side of the DVLA website.
Read moreDo I Have to Take a Driving Test?
You can exchange an EU/EEA driving licence without passing your theory and driving test. But if your license is somehow suspect or your European license comes from a non-EU nation, you may need to take a practical driving test and a theory test.
Am I Able to Transfer a Provisional European License?
If you have a provisional EU driving license (learner’s permit), you won’t be able to exchange it for a full UK driving license. UK driving test. I want to get a full UK license. On the other hand, if you want to get a full UK license, then you should clear the UK driving test.
Conclusion
If you qualify, it is easy to exchange your European driving licence for a UK driving licence. If you do all these steps, you should be able to exchange your license and drive in the UK with no more hassle.
At Learn and Drive UK, we appreciate that when driving in a new country, it can be difficult, with local rules you are unfamiliar with. Whether you’re new to the UK or simply need help putting everything together, we’re here for you. Our experienced instructors are ready to give you driving lessons and help you through the important steps to transition into your new country.
To find out more or to book your lesson, simply visit WWW.LearnandDrive.UK, today!