Driving in the UK

Despite the wide variety of public transport available in the UK, you might like the option to drive. You'll find information here on driving on a non-GB licence and car rental services in the UK.

Driving in the UK on a non-GB licence

If you have a non-GB licence you may be able to drive a car in the UK. The best way to find out is to use the government's non-GB licence checking tool.

Here is a brief outline of the rules based on where you obtained your licence.

European Union or European Economic Area

If you've got a driving licence from a European Union (EU) country. you can drive in Great Britain for as long as your licence is valid, or until you're 70,

Designated country or territory

If you’ve got a non-European Union (EU) driving licence from a designated country or territory, you can drive in Great Britain for 12 months.

List of designated countries and territories.

Non-designated country or territory

If your licence is from a ‘non-designated country or territory’, you can apply for a provisional GB licence after you've been resident in the UK for 6 months. You’ll first need to take a theory driving test and then a practical driving test to get a Great Britain issued driving licence.

List of designated countries and territories.

Get your licence in the UK

You can apply for a provisional GB licence after you've been resident in the UK for 6 months. You’ll first need to take a theory driving test and then a practical driving test to get a Great Britain issued driving licence.

Car renting

There are many car renting services and car clubs in London and the UK to choose from. Car clubs are short-term car rental services that allow members access to locally parked cars and pay by the minute, hour or day. The most popular ones in London are:

To rent a car or use a car club often drivers will need to meet some eligibility criteria, e.g. you must have held a valid licence for at least 12 months, so you may need to search to find the right car rental service for you.

Important Information

Please check before driving in London as there are additional charges and challenges. You may be unaware of traffic rules and signage pertaining to driving in the UK. To avoid dangerous driving and hefty fines it would be worthwhile going over the UK's highway code.