How to Exchange Your Non-UK Driver’s License for a UK Licence

When I moved to the UK, one of the first challenges I faced was exchanging my foreign driver’s license for a British driving licence. I’ve been through the process myself, so in this guide I’ll share the most important things you need to know, step by step. This page will help you understand if you can exchange your non-UK licence, how to do it, and what to do if you aren’t eligible. I’ll also point you to official government resources for more details, and at the end you’ll find a handy tool to check your eligibility.

Can I Drive in the UK on My Non-UK Licence?

Yes — but only for a limited time depending on where your licence is from:

• EU/EEA licences: You can usually drive until age 70, or up to 3 years if you became a UK resident when older.

• Designated countries (like Australia, Canada, South Africa, Japan, etc.): Drive for up to 12 months, then you must exchange it — no need to retake your test, just apply.

• Other countries: You’re allowed to drive for 12 months. After that, you’ll need to apply for a UK provisional licence and take the theory + practical driving tests.

Pro Tip: That 12-month countdown can creep up on you fast! Mark your calendar so you don’t miss it.

Who Can Exchange Their Licence?

You’re eligible to exchange your licence if:

• You live in Great Britain (at least 185 days a year)

• Your licence is from an eligible country (EU or designated)

• It’s a full, valid licence (not a learner permit)

• You include an official English translation if your licence isn’t in English

• You're within the 5-year exchange window (if you're from a designated country)

Bonus Tip: Some countries don’t mark whether your test was done in a manual car. If you want a UK manual licence, you might need to show extra proof or risk getting an auto-only one.

How to Exchange Your Licence – Step-by-Step

Here’s how I exchanged mine — super smooth if you prep properly:

1. Fill in the D1 Form
Order it from the DVLA website or grab it from the Post Office.

2. Provide a passport-style photo
Follow UK photo rules. Write your name on the back of the photo.

3. Include your original licence
DVLA keeps it — make a copy for your own records.

4. Add proof of identity
Your passport or UK residence permit works well here.

5. Include any translations
Only needed if your licence isn’t in English or Welsh.

6. Pay the £43 fee
Use a cheque or postal order payable to “DVLA”.

7. Send everything to DVLA
Use tracked mail if possible. The address is listed in the D1 form.

You’ll usually get your UK licence in about 3 weeks.

What If You Can’t Exchange?

If your licence isn’t from an eligible country, don’t worry — it just means you’ll need to go the UK driving test route:

• Step 1: Apply for a UK provisional licence

• Step 2: Book and pass the Theory Test

• Step 3: Take the Practical Test

• Step 4: Celebrate — you’ve earned a full UK licence!

This route takes a bit longer and costs more, but it’s totally doable. Thousands of drivers go this way every year — just make sure to start well before your 12-month deadline runs out.

Not Sure If You’re Eligible?

I’ve built a free tool to help you figure out if you're eligible to exchange your non-UK licence — or if you’ll need to go through the UK driving test process.

It’s quick, simple, and gives you a clear answer based on your current licence and the country it was issued in. Just answer a few easy questions and you'll know your next step.

👉 Click here to check your eligibility

💡 Prefer the official government version? You can also use the GOV.UK checker here:
https://www.gov.uk/exchange-foreign-driving-licence

Final Step – Take Action Now

Before you fill out forms or book a test, make sure you know where you stand.

Use the tool above to check your status, gather your documents, and get ahead of the game. Whether you’re exchanging or starting from scratch, the UK driving journey is easier when you’re ready.

Useful Links

• Exchange a foreign driving licence – GOV.UK

• Apply for a provisional UK licence – GOV.UK