Driving in Britain with an overseas licence
Check your licence entitlement first, then get familiar with local roads, signs and driving on the left.
On this page
If you have driven abroad for years, you may not need to start from scratch. But first check whether your licence allows you to drive here, and for how long.
Check your own licence
There is no single 12-month rule for every overseas licence. Your circumstances and the country that issued it matter. Use GOV.UK’s non-GB licence checker rather than relying on a general summary. This covers Great Britain; Northern Ireland has separate guidance.
Check the car and insurance
Confirm that the insurance covers you, your licence and the intended use. If hiring a car, check the company’s document and eligibility requirements before paying. Bringing your own vehicle involves separate rules: use the official vehicle import guidance.
Get comfortable with local roads
Driving on the left, roundabouts, road markings and lane choices may be unfamiliar. Follow posted speed limits rather than assuming one limit applies throughout a built-up area. Edinburgh has many streets where careful observation and a lower speed are needed.
A refresher lesson can focus on the situations you want help with. Tell The DTC where your licence was issued, whether you drive manual or automatic, and what you would like to practise. We will check availability; lesson availability does not establish your legal entitlement to drive.
Glen Nicolson
The DTC team — covering driving-school news, learner services and changes affecting UK drivers.
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