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Within your first year in the UK you may have to take a UK driving test before a full UK licence can be issued. You may, however, only need to exchange your current licence after 3 years. The rules do vary according to your normal country of residence where your current licence was issued, so please check out the information provided here to ensure that you follow the appropriate procedures to comply with the UK driving laws.
Further information can be found in Section 14 of leaflet D100 ‘What you need to know about driving licences’ obtainable from post offices or by reference to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) website.
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This
page explains what you need to do, the forms that are needed, where
to send the forms, and a summary of procedures applicable to your
country of residence.
What do you need to do ?Step 1 | Click
here to find out the rules that apply to you. |
Step 2 |
Apply
for a Provisional Driving Licence. Forms needed
are D1 and D750 obtainable from post offices. Leaflet D100,
available from post offices, also provides advice. |
Step 3 | Book some lessons with a driving school to help you understand what is needed to pass the driving test. Your driving school will help you arrange the test. Once you have passed your driving test (theory and practical) you should exchange your test pass certificate for a full licence as soon as possible.
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What forms are needed to obtain a UK licence?
Forms
needed are D1 and D750 obtainable from post offices.
Leaflet D100, available from post offices, also provides advice.
| D1 | Application for a driving licence |
| D750 | Application for a photocard driving licence |
Where do I send the forms ?
DVLA, SWANSEA - Check below for the correct postcode.
| Exchange of foreign licences | = | SA99 1BT |
| First provisional licence |
= | SA99 1AD |
| First full licence for cars and motorbikes |
= | SA99 1BJ |
| Change of name/address |
= | SA99 1BN |
| Exchange paper licence for photo card |
= | SA99 1BU |
| Renewal at age 70 or over |
= | SA99 1AA |
How long will it take?
Allow
at least 3 weeks for your licence to arrive.
If your licence has not arrived in this time, contact:
Customer Enquiries-
| Address | Drivers, DVLA, Swansea, SA6 7JL |
| Phone | 0870 240 0009 |
| Fax | 01792 783071 |
| drivers.dvla@gtnet.gov.uk |
Summary by Country of Residence
| Country | When you arrive | When & what to do to Renew/exchange a licence |
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European Community / European Economic Area and Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland | A valid licence will authorise you to drive cars, motorcycles, and small vehicles until aged 70 or for 3 years after becoming resident whichever is the longer period. You can apply to exchange your licence for a UK one at any time. | After 3 years a GB driving licence must be applied for. A driving test is not necessary. Click here for information applicable to these countries. Complete forms D1 and D750 and send them to: DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BT with the fee Click here to find out how to apply for a licence and how much it costs. |
You can exchange a full Northern Ireland driving licence for a full UK licence or you can use your licence here until it runs out. | When your licence expires you may apply for a UK licence. A driving test is not necessary. Click here for information applicable to Northern Ireland. Complete forms D1 and D750 and send them to: DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BT with your licence and the appropriate fee Click here to find out how to apply for a licence and how much it costs.
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You may drive in Great Britain for up to 12 months from the time you became resident. | To continue driving after 12 months your licence must have been exchanged for the UK equivalent. It can be exchanged for a UK one provided it has been valid within the last 10 years. A driving test is not necessary. Click here for information applicable to these areas. Complete forms D1 and D750 and send them to: DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BT with your licence and the fee Click here to find out how to apply for a licence and how much it costs.
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Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Gibraltar, Hong Kong, Japan, Kenya, New Zealand, Cyprus, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, Zimbabwe | Provided your full licence remains valid, you can drive small vehicles for 12 months from the time you became resident./p> | To continue driving after 12 months your licence must have been exchanged for the British equivalent. A driving test will be required except for residents from Gibraltar. Click here for information applicable to these countries. To exchange your licence for a full UK one, you should complete forms D1 and D750 (available from post offices) and send them to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BT with your licence and the fee. Click here to find out how to apply for a licence and how much it costs.
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Provided your full licence remains valid, you can drive any category of small vehicle shown on your licence for up to 12 months from the time you became resident. | You will need to take a driving test within one year. Click here for information applicable to these countries. Obtain a provisional UK licence and pass a driving test before the 12-month period elapses. During this 12 month period you will not be subject to normal provisional licence conditions e.g. displaying `L' plates or being supervised by a qualified driver or being precluded from motorways. If you do not pass the driving test during this 12 month period then provisional licence conditions will apply. Apply for a Provisional Licence by completing forms D1 and D750 (available from the Post Office) and send them to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AD with the fee. Click here to find out how to apply for a licence and how much it costs. Once you have passed both theory and practical parts of the driving test you may then apply for your full licence. |
3.6.2 - v2.0
