The differences between a UK and International drivers licence

It is important to understand the key differences between the different drivers licences across the world. When travelling or moving abroad you might want to know if you can drive cars in other countries.

The UK Drivers Licence

To obtain a drivers licence in the UK, learner drivers need to apply for a provisional drivers licence, then pass their theory test and then a practical test.

You can drive in the following countries with a UK licence: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Republic of Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain and Sweden.

The US Drivers Licence

US Drivers that want to drive in the UK, must sit the UK driving test if they wish to drive in Britain for more than a year after arriving.

This is due the nature of the US licences. These are broken down by states and not by the federal government. Each state has their own licence and since these states cannot enter bilateral agreements with other countries the drivers must sit the UK test to drive for over one year.

Driving across the US or Europe is a reason to learn to drive in itself.

International Licences

Driving licences from the European Union, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland are valid in the United Kingdom