Foreign Drivers

Question 1

Explain the requirements in respect of driving licences for foreign visitors, foreign residents and foreign vocational residents in the UK

Answer 1

Foreign visitors
A person visiting the UK for a short period of time, i.e. a holiday.

EU/EEA
Holding a valid license from a member state allows the driver to drive within the UK

Designated countries
Australia, Barbados, BVI, Canada, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Hong Kong, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Singapore, South Africa, Zimbabwe.

Drivers with a valid licence may drive within the UK for up to 12 months before a UK licence will be required.

Other countries
May drive any category of small vehicle with a valid licence for up to 12 months within the UK.

Returning home for 6 months will reset the timer.

Foreign residents

EU/EEA
A valid ‘community’ licence allows the holder to driver within the UK until aged 70, or for 3 years following residency, whichever is the longer period and provided the licence remains valid.

Designated countries
A valid licence allows the holder to drive within the UK for up to 12 months before the licence must be exchanged for a UK licence.

Other countries
Must apply for a UK licence after 12 months.

Foreign vocational residents
Someone who lives and works in the UK who drives as part of their employment.

EU/EEA
Possession of a valid ‘community’ licence allows the holder to drive any lorry, minibus, or bus, until aged 45 or 5 years after becoming resident, whichever is longer and provided the licence remains valid.

If aged 65 or above, allows the holder to drive for 12 months.

Following this, the holder must apply for a UK licence.

Must register their vocational status with the DVLA.

Designated countries
Only allows the holder of a valid licence to drive a vehicle registered outside of the UK (i.e. a tour bus).

An exception exists for holders of a valid Gibraltan licence who may drive LGVs or buses registered within the UK.

Other countries
Only allows the holder of a valid licence to drive a vehicle registered outside of the UK (i.e. a tour bus).

Question 2

State the minimum requirements for vehicle insurance for foreign drivers in the UK

Question 3

State the requirements for Department for Transport test certificates for foreign vehicles in the UK

Question 4

State the requirements for vehicle excise and licensing in respect of foreign vehicles in the UK