Student Advice Centre

Driving in the UK

Before you drive in the UK must make sure that:

• You have a valid driving licence that allows you to drive in the UK;
• You are covered by an insurance to drive the car you are driving – it is a criminal offence to drive if you are not covered by a valid insurance;
• Car has a valid road tax and it is fully roadworthy;
• If it is not your car, you have a permission from the car owner to drive the car.

Non EEA international students can drive in the UK on their international driving licence for up to a maximum of 12 months from the date they arrive in the UK. Thereafter you can either exchange your international driving licence ( only certain nationalities) or obtain a British driving licence. It is essential that you either exchange your existing driving licence or obtain a UK driving licence before your existing licence expires.

Please see the Directgove website for more information on:

• Students from a European Community/European Economic Area Country
• Students with international driving licence
• How to exchange your international driving licence
• If you want to buy or sell your car