Driving in the UK
The rules for driving in the UK as a resident with an EU/EEA driving licence will depend on the types of vehicles you drive.
Please note: If you passed your driving test in any country outside of the EU/EEA you may only be able to drive on a valid driving licence for up to 12 months.
Car and motorcycle licence holders
If you passed your driving test in the EU/EEA you can drive cars and motorcycles on a valid licence until the age of 70 or for three years (whichever is the longer period).
Lorry and bus licence holders
You can drive on a valid licence until the age of 45 or for five years from becoming a resident (whichever is the longer period).
If you’re over 45 but under 65 you can drive on a valid licence until your 66th birthday or for five years from becoming a resident (whichever is the shorter period).
If you are aged 65 or over you can drive for one year from becoming a resident.
Don’t forget:
- Lorry and bus licence holders must register with us. To register, you’ll need to complete a D9 application form.
The rules for driving in GB as a resident with a designated licence are below.
Car and motorcycle licence holders
If you passed your driving test in a designated country you can drive all the vehicles shown on your driving licence for up to 12 months from when you became a resident in GB (as long as the driving licence remains valid).
If you want to drive for over 12 months, you will need to exchange your driving licence for a GB driving licence.
Please note if you passed your driving test outside of a designated country you may not be able to exchange.
Lorry and bus licence holders
You cannot drive lorries or buses in GB on your driving licence. You will need to exchange your licence and pass a GB driving test in the vehicle required if your licence is not from an EU/EEA/Designated country.
You can drive any category of small vehicle shown on your licence for up to 12 months from the time you become a resident.
Remember - you must apply for a provisional driving licence and pass a GB driving test before the 12 months is up, otherwise you must stop driving. You can see more on the DVLA website.