This document provides a general guide to the main principles governing driving in the UK for those without a UK-issued driving licence.

Since this is a complex area, fleets should also seek other advice if there is any uncertainty over driving entitlement for employees and anyone else who may drive a company-controlled car or van; or who may drive another vehicle on employer’s business.

In summary:

  • If you are a holder of a full driving licence issued within the EU/EEA then you are authorised to drive in the UK until aged 70 or for 3 years, whichever is longer.
  • If you are the holder of a licence issued in Canada, Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, Switzerland, South Africa, New Zealand and a number of other countries you must exchange your licence for a UK one within 1 year.
  • If you are the holder of a driving licence issued in the US or other countries you must apply for a UK ‘provisional’ licence and pass a driving test within 1 year.


All of these requirements apply once you take up “Resident” status instead of “Visitor”. 

The following text is the response from DVLA when asked for a clear definition of “Visitor” and “Resident” status with respect to drivers relocating to the UK.

You may drive on the strength of a valid American licence for 12 months from the last date of entry if here as a visitor or 12 months from date of residency if here as a resident.

Neither visitor nor resident is defined in driver licensing legislation and it is for the individual to determine his/her status by seeking their own legal advice if necessary.

Normal residence is taken to mean the place where someone usually lives, that is for at least 185 days in each calendar year, because of personal or occupationalties, or, in the case of a person with no occupational ties, because of personal ties which show close links between that person and the place where he/she is living.

The ultimate decision is down to the individual concerned and he/she must be prepared to justify his/her status if challenged.

Below is the email address of the department within the DVLA that can provide answers to specific questions about driver licences. The response is very good and is a lot less frustrating than listening to an automated call routing system and still not getting an answer. Email to drivers.dvla@gtnet.gov.uk

Queries about vehicle registration issues can be mailed to vehicles.dvla@gtnet.gov.uk

Source: ACFO