International driving licences in the UK

International driving licences in the UK

When You Can and Can’t Use Them Validity, and Use With Provisional UK Licence
1. What is an international driving licence?
• An International Driving License (more correctly, an international driving permit or IDP) is a document that translates your domestic licence into multiple languages. It must be carried with your valid licence.

2. Who Can Drive in the UK Using an International Licence?
Visitors to the UK:
• You can drive cars a motorcycles with a valid full licence from your home country for 12 months.

• Applies to licences from designated countries, (EU/EEA, USA, Canada, Australia, Japan) or those with English/IDP

Residence in the UK:
• EU/EEA licence: valid until age 70 or three years after becoming resident.

• Designated country license: valid for 12 months, then must be exchanged.

• Non-designated country: drive for 12 months, then take a UK driving test.

3. Using an International License with a UK Provisional Licence:
• You MUST follow Learner rules, even if you have an international licence:
• Display L-Plates
• Be supervised by someone over 21 with a full UK licence held for 3+ years.
• No motorway driving unless with a qualified instructor in a dual controlled car.
• You CANNOT use your international licence to avoid these rules.

4. How Long is an International Driving Permit (IDP) Valid For?
• Valid for 1 to 3 years, depending on type (1949, 1968 or 1926)

• Needed only if required by the country, or if your license is not in English.
5. Summary table

Tips:

• Always check if your licence can be exchanges.
• Official checker: www.gov.uk/exchange-foreign-driving-licence.