Did you know you might be able to exchange your licence for a UK one?
- Richard Mezza
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read

Its a possibility if you are originally from a whole host of countries. We have taken the following information directly from the DVSA advice which is readily available online but not something many people would be aware of.
You can directly exchange a driving licence issued in any European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA) country, Switzerland, or a UK "designated country" for a British driving licence without taking a driving test.EU & EEA Countries
If you hold a full, valid driving licence from an EU or EEA country, you can drive in the UK on your original licence until it expires (or until you reach age 70).
You can also exchange it for a UK licence at any time if you choose.
EU Countries:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden.
EEA Countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway.
Designated Countries & Territories:
If your licence was issued by a designated country or territory, you can exchange it for a UK licence without taking a theory or practical test.
You must have resided in the UK for at least 185 days to apply.
Australia
Andorra
Barbados
British Virgin Islands
Canada
Cayman Islands
Falkland Islands
Faroe Islands
Gibraltar
Hong Kong
Japan
Monaco (Principality of)
New Zealand
Republic of Korea
Republic of North Macedonia
Singapore
South Africa
Switzerland
Taiwan
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
Zimbabwe
Note: Crown Dependencies (Guernsey, Jersey, and the Isle of Man) also have licence exchange agreements with the UK.
All that being said though we woukd always recommend anyone coming with an International Driving Licence, please take some professional instruction before hitting the road. What you will learn will very much surprise and educate you and will always take something away that could save your life.



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