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Driving Licences: Foreign Nationals

Asked by Samantha NiblettLabourDepartment for TransportTabled Answered 17 June 2026UIN 6601

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of current regulations on the use of international driving licences in the UK; and whether she plans to review the requirements for holders of international licences.

Answered by Simon Lightwood

The current driver licensing framework allows holders of valid foreign driving licences, including international driving permits where appropriate, to drive in Great Britain for a limited period.

Residents who hold a licence from a country that is not designated for licence exchange must pass the GB theory and practical driving tests if they wish to continue driving after that period. Holders of international licences can access the driving test system in the same way as other learners, and reasonable adjustments are provided where required.

All candidates are assessed against the same national standard and must demonstrate that they can drive safely to pass.

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