Can I Buy a Car in Uk With International Licence

Moving to the UK is already confusing, but getting used to driving there is even more challenging. Here's a quick guide on how to use your foreign driving licence in the UK.

In short:

International licence holders visiting the UK can drive on their valid foreign licence for up to 12 months from when they become resident.

If you are a resident of the UK:

- If your licence was issued in Northern Ireland, you can use it as long as it remains valid
- If your licence is from the European Economic Area, you can use it until you turn 70 years old. (If you were 67 or older when you became a resident, you can drive on your EU licence for 3 years after that point.) After that, you will need to exchange your licence for a British one.
- If your licence is from a 'designated country', it can be used for up to 12 months from the time you became a UK resident. After that, you have a choice to exchange it for a British licence.
- If you hold other kinds of international licence, you can drive for up to 12 months with it. And then you will need to take a driving test in the UK.

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If you're visiting the UK

Your ability to drive in the UK on your foreign driving licence depends on 2 main factors: the length of your stay, and the country where your licence was issued.

Good news is: tourists can drive around Great Britain (i.e. England, Wales and Scotland) on their valid foreign driving licence for up to 12 months from the day they last entered the country. Road trip, anyone?*

The rules are different in Northern Ireland. They are available on the government website - here.

*Unfortunately at Marshmallow Insurance we can only cover you if you are a UK resident.

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If you're a UK resident or if you're moving to the UK

Whether you need your car for commuting, for touring with your band, or for an occasional romantic getaway, you'll need to check whether you're allowed to drive with you current licence.

Was your licence issued in Northern Ireland?

Great news! Northern Irish licence holders can use their driving licence anywhere in the UK, as long as it remains valid 🎉

European Economic Area passport holders:

If you're moving to the UK with a valid licence issued in the European Economic Area then lucky you! No British driving test to take. You can drive on your foreign licence until you reach 70 years old. (If you were 67 or older when you became a resident, you can drive on your EU licence for 3 years after that point.) If you wish to keep driving around after this time, you can simply exchange your European licence for a British one.

The European Economic Area comprises all members of the European Union, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.

Are you an international driver looking for affordable car insurance? Get a quote from Marshmallow today!

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Other lucky international licence holders: the case of 'designated countries'

Was your licence issued outside of the European Economic Area? You'll still be able to drive with your full valid licence for up to 12 months after you became a resident. However, if your licence was from a 'designated country', you will have a choice to exchange your foreign licence for a British one without taking a new driving test.

'Designated countries' have agreements with the United Kingdom for their citizens to drive in the UK without taking a new test. Licence holders from those countries have 5 years from when they became residents to exchange their foreign licence for a British one. The foreign licence will only be valid for the first 12 months.

Designated countries are: Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Falkland Islands, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Hong Kong, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland and Zimbabwe.

Other international licence holders:

Those who got their driving licence from the remaining countries outside of the designated countries list and European Economic Area can drive with their foreign licence for up to 12 months from the day they became UK residents. After this period, they will need to pass a British driving test. To do so, the first step is to apply for a provisional British licence on the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency website here.

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Do I need car insurance if I have an International licence?

Yes, you do! Car insurance is a legal requirement in the UK, even if you're only planning on driving occasionally. Having a UK licence means that you could get slightly cheaper insurance than if you hold a licence issued in the EU or further afield, so it's worth having a look at getting a UK licence.

Fortunately, at Marshmallow, we believe in migration. So, we offer cheaper insurance for ex-pats, and make it accessible by accepting international licences. We also reward our customers for their driving experience acquired outside the UK! If you want to learn more about us, please visit our website - here - and get a quote today! We can't wait to hear from you 😊

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Help, I'm still confused!

If you are still unsure about what you should be doing with your licence, check if you can exchange your licence to a UK one with the DVLA interactive tool. You can find that here.

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Can I Buy a Car in Uk With International Licence

Source: https://www.marshmallow.com/blog/can-you-drive-in-the-uk-with-a-foreign-licence

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