How to get a UK driving licence

If you’re fed up of squeezing onto crowded trains or waiting at bus stops in the rain, you might be tempted to get yourself a car. Having your own set of wheels can certainly be more convenient, but before you hit the road, make sure you have a UK driving licence.

Who needs a UK driving licence?

If you’re driving in the UK, you must have a driving licence. But, the rules on whether it has to be a UK licence or not depend on your residency status, and which country your licence was issued in.

Visiting the UK? You can drive with your foreign licence for up to 12 months, regardless of where it was issued.

If you’ve moved to the UK on a more permanent basis, the rules depend on which country you passed your test in.

Can you exchange a foreign driving licence?

If you become a UK resident, the rules on driving with a foreign licence depend on which country your licence was originally issued in.

Licences from EU/EEA and Switzerland

You can drive in the UK until your licence expires. If you’re aged 70 or older, you must exchange your licence for a UK one.

Designated countries

Citizens from some countries, including Australia, Canada, Hong Kong and South Africa, can exchange their licence for a UK one without taking a driving test, as long as it's within five years of becoming a UK resident. But, if your licence expires, you’ll have to renew it according to UK regulations, which might include needing to pass a test.

Everywhere else

You can drive for up to 12 months from the date you become a UK resident. After that, you must pass a UK driving test (theory and practical) to continue driving.

You can check if your driving licence can be exchanged for a UK licence on the UK Government website.

To exchange a foreign licence, you’ll need to complete a D1 application form - you can get this from a post office that offers DVLA services. Along with the completed form, you’ll also need to provide some supporting documents, like proof of your address, proof of your identity, and your current driving licence. The application form will say which documents you need. It costs £43, and you should receive your UK licence within two to three weeks.

How to apply for a UK driving licence as a new driver

When you’re learning to drive as a beginner, there are a few steps to complete before you can take to the open road on your own.

Provisional driving licence

You must be a UK resident, at least 17 years old, and you must be able to read a vehicle number plate from 20 metres away. You can either apply for your provisional licence on the government website, or by completing a D1 application form, which you can get from the Post Office, and sending it to the DVLA. You’ll have to provide some supporting documents, like proof of identity, and pay a fee. If you apply online, the fee is £34, and if you apply by post it’s £43.

Driving lessons

Once you’ve got your provisional licence, you can start the fun part - learning to drive! You can take driving lessons with a DVSA-approved driving instructor, and you can also practice with friends or family members, as long they’re over 21, and have had a full UK driving licence for at least three years. Remember to make sure that any car you practice in has L-plates.

Theory test

The next step is to pass the driving theory test. You can prepare by studying the Highway Code, using the DVSA app, and taking practice tests. The theory test is made up of 50 multiple-choice questions (you need to get at least 43 correct to pass), as well as a hazard perception test (this has a pass mark of 44/75). It costs £23 to take the theory test, and you can book online.

Practical test

After you’ve passed the theory test, you can book your practical driving test. The test includes an eyesight check - to make sure you can read a number plate from 20 metres away - followed by a few questions about vehicle safety, and then a 40-minute driving assessment. This usually includes some independent driving, and you’ll be asked to perform some specific driving manoeuvres. You can book your practical driving test online - it costs £62 to take the test on a weekday, or £75 for evenings, weekends or bank holidays.

How long does it take to get a UK driving licence?

When you start learning to drive, your instructor will assess your individual circumstances and advise you on how many lessons they think you might need. If you’ve never driven before, you can generally expect to spend around 40 hours learning.

What happens if you drive without a UK licence?

Driving without a valid licence is a criminal offence, and has serious consequences.

If you get caught driving without any licence at all, you could face a fine of up to £1,000, and you could have 3-6 penalty points added to your future licence. You could even be banned from driving, and have your vehicle seized.

If you have a foreign licence, you might be required to exchange it for a UK licence after 12 months. If you don’t do this, then you’re technically driving without a valid licence. This is serious, and you could face the same penalties as above.

Tips for passing the UK driving test

Your driving test can be nerve-wracking, but the key is to give yourself plenty of time to practice. The test will last about 40-45 minutes, and the examiner will check your driving skills, including everyday manoeuvres and reversing. There’s also a 10-minute independent driving section, where the examiner gives you a destination, and you follow road signs to get there.

You might run into some situations that are tricky to navigate, and where it’s common to make mistakes. Here’s some to look out for.

Roundabouts

You’re almost certain to drive around a roundabout during your test. Pay close attention to lane changes, using your indicators correctly, and checking for traffic from the right before you enter.

Bicycles

Make sure you give bicycles plenty of space. Only overtake when it’s safe to do so, and there’s enough room to get past without putting the cyclist in danger.

Speed limits

In residential areas, the speed limit is usually 20 or 30 mph - keep an eye on your speedometer to make sure you stay within the limit.

Give way signs

Many UK roads have junctions with double dashed lines, and no traffic lights. Rather than driving out without stopping, make sure you slow down, stop if needed, and give way to traffic from the right before moving off.

Yellow boxes and junctions

Never stop in a yellow box at junctions, or in front of someone’s driveway - you must keep moving to avoid blocking traffic.

Blind spot checks when reversing

Before reversing, do a full 360-degree check to make sure it’s safe. The examiner will be watching to see if you actively look around before moving backward.

There are lots of free and low-cost options out there to help you prepare for your driving test. One of the most important resources for learner drivers is the Highway Code - this sets out all the rules for using the roads in the UK. You can access the Highway Code for free online.

When you’re preparing for your theory test, you can try sample test questions on the government website.

Check out YouTube channels like Driving Test Success and Conquer Driving for some handy visual learning and practical tips for your driving test.