Essential Guide to Obtaining Your UK Driver's License as a Migrant

Can You Use or Exchange Your Foreign Licence in the UK?

Before diving into the UK licence process, check if you can drive with your current licence or exchange it. The UK has different rules depending on where your licence was issued, and knowing your eligibility could save you time and money.

✅ EU/EEA Licence Holders

If you have a driving licence from the EU or EEA, you’re in luck. You can legally drive in the UK until your licence expires, or until you turn 70—whichever comes first. If you become a UK resident at age 67 or older, you can use your licence for up to 3 years. You’re not required to exchange it immediately, but doing so might help with insurance rates or if you're applying for driving jobs.

👉 Check the rules for EU/EEA licences on GOV.UK

🌍 Designated Countries

Countries like Australia, Canada, Japan, South Africa, UAE, and Zimbabwe are on the UK's designated list. If your licence is from one of these, you can drive in the UK for 12 months as a resident. After that, you must exchange it for a UK licence. The good news? You won’t need to take the theory or practical test. Just send in your documents and payment, and voilà—you’re UK road legal.

👉 See the list of designated countries

❌ Other Countries

If your country isn't on the designated list, you’ll need to go through the full process: apply for a provisional licence, pass a theory test, and then take the practical driving test. You can use your foreign licence for 12 months, but after that it becomes invalid for UK roads. Don’t wait too long to start the process!

Getting a UK Provisional Licence

If you're not eligible to exchange your licence, your first step is applying for a provisional licence. Think of this as your learner’s permit—it gives you the green light to start practicing and booking your tests.

Who Can Apply:

• You must be at least 15 years and 9 months old.

• You need to be able to read a number plate from 20 metres away.

• You’ll need an identity document (e.g. passport) and UK address history for the past 3 years.

• A payment of £34 (online) or £43 (by post).

👉 Apply for a provisional driving licence

Once you receive your provisional licence, you’re allowed to start driving—but only with L plates, and only under supervision from someone who’s 21 or older and has held a full licence for at least 3 years.

👉 Order the D1 licence application form

Prepare for the UK Theory Test

The UK theory test might sound easy, but don’t underestimate it—it includes some tricky questions and a hazard perception video test that catches many off guard.

What’s Included:

• Multiple-choice questions: 50 questions, covering the Highway Code, road signs, and UK driving laws.

• Hazard perception: You’ll watch 14 video clips and click when you see developing hazards.

Study Tips:

• Download the DVSA’s official theory test app.

• Use online platforms like Driving Test Success or Theory 4-in-1.

• Read the Highway Code thoroughly.

• Practice daily—even experienced drivers benefit from refreshers.

👉 Book your theory test

Take the Practical Driving Test

Once you’ve passed your theory test, it’s time to hit the road. The UK practical driving test isn’t just a formality—it’s designed to assess your real-world driving skills and your ability to stay safe and alert.

What to Expect:

• An eyesight check

• ‘Show me, tell me’ vehicle safety questions

• About 40 minutes of driving

• One reversing manoeuvre

• 20 minutes of independent driving using road signs or a sat nav

You’re allowed up to 15 minor faults, but 0 major faults. So it’s all about staying consistent and confident.

👉 Book your driving test

Understanding Car Insurance and Road Tax

In the UK, you cannot legally drive a car without insurance. Road tax is also required, and skipping either one can land you in serious trouble.

Types of Insurance:

• Third-party only: Legal minimum—covers others, not your own car.

• Third-party fire & theft: Adds protection against fire and theft.

• Comprehensive: Covers your car and others in an accident.

What Affects the Price:

• Your age and experience

• Where you live

• Car make/model

• Type of licence (UK vs foreign)

Use comparison sites to find deals:

• Compare the Market

• MoneySuperMarket

• Confused.com

👉 Check if a vehicle is taxed 👉 Tax your vehicle online

Buying a Car in the UK

So you’re ready to get your own car? Great! But before you rev that engine, let’s walk through the buying process.

Steps to Buy:

1. Decide new vs used. Used cars are cheaper and easier for newcomers.

2. Browse listings: AutoTrader, Gumtree, Facebook Marketplace

3. Check the car’s MOT status and service history.

4. Ensure the seller gives you the V5C logbook.

5. Get insurance and tax the car before driving away.

👉 Check MOT history

Driving Jobs for Migrants (Just a Teaser 😉)

Once you’ve got your full UK driving licence, you unlock the chance to earn a living on the road.

Job Types:

• Uber/Taxi driver: Requires private hire licence and background check.

• Delivery driver: Work with Amazon, DPD, or food apps like Deliveroo.

• HGV driver: Additional training and Category C licence required.

These jobs can be flexible, well-paying, and a good way to learn UK geography fast.

👉 Want to know more? Read our guide to driving jobs for migrants in the UK

Final Thoughts: You Got This!

Driving in the UK can unlock freedom, convenience, and even new job opportunities. Whether you’re starting from scratch or exchanging an existing licence, this guide helps steer you in the right direction.

Be patient, follow the steps, and keep your eyes on the road (and the DVLA website). And don’t forget—if you want deeper dives into any topic, we’ve got more blog posts just for you:

• Driving jobs for migrants in the UK

• How to pass your theory test first time

• Tips to get cheap car insurance in the UK

See you out there—happy driving! 🚦