eu driving licence in uk

Driving in the UK with an EU License Author: AnyGen Publication date: 2025-12-08 Overview This guide organizes the rules for driving in Great Britain using an EU driving license, including residency-related exchange requirements and age-based provisions. It is structured for clarity based on the content you provided. Validity and General Use EU driving licenses are recognized in Great Britain as long as they remain valid. If you become a UK resident, you may continue using your EU license for up to three years before a mandatory exchange to a UK license is required. Age 70 and Over If you are aged 70 or over and become a UK resident, you can continue driving for three years from the point you become resident. After those three years, you must exchange your EU license for a UK one. Residency and Exchange Requirements The obligation to exchange your EU license hinges on residency duration and age. In general, you must exchange: After three years of UK residency (if under 70), or After the three‑year grace period once you are 70+ and resident. How to Exchange Your EU License (Cars/Motorcycles) Obtain application form D1 from a Post Office or the DVLA website (see DVLA licensing services: https://www.gov.uk/browse/driving/driving-licences Complete the form. Prepare and include: Your current EU driving license Original identity documents One passport‑style photo The £43 fee Post the application to: DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BT. A practical driving test is generally not required for license exchange. Commercial Drivers (Lorry, Bus, Minibus) Rules for vocational (commercial) categories are more nuanced and depend on age and residency time: Under 45: May use the EU license until turning 45, or for five years after becoming a UK resident—whichever is longer. Then exchange is required. 45–65: May drive until age 66, or for five years after residency—whichever is sooner. Then exchange is required. 66+: Must exchange immediately upon becoming a UK resident. Medical certification is required beyond certain age thresholds to confirm fitness to operate heavy vehicles.