With a driver licence in the UK, more job opportunities will open to you. Even social workers need one. And let’s not forget about the freedom of road trips: Jurassic Coast, Cornwall, the nearest Tesco shop and more adventures await. Read on to find out everything about the driver licence in the UK.
Can a foreigner get a driver licence in the UK?
Steps for getting a driver licence in the UK
Provisional driving licence in the UK
Theory classes and driving lessons
The UK driving theory test
Practical driving test in the UK
Life after the exam
FAQ — driving licence in the UK
Can a foreigner get a driver licence in the UK?
Yes, if you (1) have a legal right to reside in the UK and (2) have been in the country for at least 185 days in the past 12 months. For the UK driving licence application, you’ll have to provide any of these documents to prove identity:
- UK Visas and Immigration share code,
- UK passport,
- non-EU or EEA country passport with a visa,
- a current and valid Irish passport,
- a UK birth, adoption or naturalisation certificate,
- evidence that you receive a state pension.
Almost everyone who lives (legally!) in the country has the right to drive. As for the age and other requirements:
- You must be over 17 years old.
- Your eyesight must be within the norm (being able to read a standard number plate from 20 meters (66 feet) with lenses or glasses, if needed).
To those who fit — congratulations! You have all the chances to get the licence after passing the driving test in the UK and getting used to the left-hand traffic (if you aren’t yet).
More articles for expats in the UK:
Steps for getting a driver licence in the UK
Seeing the whole picture first, then diving into the details — that’s our plan for this article.
- Check if you’re eligible.
- Get the UK provisional driving licence for foreigners.
- Take lessons and learn all the driving rules in the UK.
- Pass the UK driving theory test.
- Complete the UK driving test booking.
- Pass the practical driving test in the UK.
- Secure insurance and start driving.
In the future, there may be a need for your UK driving licence renewal, we’ll cover this, too.
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Provisional driving licence in the UK
You cannot just go to an instructor and say, ‘Teach me how to drive.’ They will refuse if you don’t hold a provisional driving license in the UK. This document grants you the right to drive under supervision. You cannot start your UK driving licence application process without it.
How to get a UK provisional driving licence for foreigners
Eligibility criteria are the same as for the general driving licence. Age is the only exception: it’s lowered to 15 years and 9 months.
- Sign up here.
- Provide identity documents.
- Apply online.
- Pay £34 (as of 2025).
- Receive the confirmation email.
- Wait for around a week for the results.
If you got your provisional driving license in the UK at the age of 16, you’ll have to wait until you turn 17 years old to take car driving classes.
Learner driver insurance UK
When practising with your own car, you'll need learner driver insurance in the UK. Reach out to private companies; they have a lot to offer.
If you practice in your mother’s car, for example, make sure you’re covered by her insurance. It’s not an option, but your legal obligation.
Theory classes and driving lessons
Finding an instructor
Not every driving school and instructor is trustworthy. You can find a list of approved instructors on the UK government's official website. It’s not a full list, so there is one tip for verifying your instructor’s qualifications. They must display a green (qualified) or pink (trainee) badge. If not, you can report them as they offer classes illegally.
Hours of practice
There is no minimum or maximum number of lessons to be taken. The faster you learn, the faster you can take the driving test in the UK. Go through the theory in advance to speed up the process and pay less.
Prices
Every instructor sets their own price; there’s no upper limit. The average is from £25 to £45.
The UK driving theory test
Structure
This test is well-structured and is aimed at checking your knowledge of the driving rules in the UK:
- 50 multiple-choice questions — 57 minutes to complete.
- 14 clips in the hazard perception section.
To pass, you must answer 43 questions correctly and get at least 44 out of 75 points for clips. You book it as a single test and have only one try.
How to prepare
Use official sources to learn the theory by yourself:
- DVSA Theory Test Kit,
- DVSA Hazard Perception app,
- DVSA Theory Test for Car drivers book, and others.
For practice, sample tests are available online.
Price
Prices for the UK driving test booking vary depending on the type of vehicle you use. For the theory test, these are:
- Car and motorcycle = £23.
- Lorry and bus = multiple-choice questions (£26) / hazard perception (£11) / case studies (£23)
It’s not too expensive, but the average number of attempts is 2-3, meaning the final costs can grow.
Practical driving test in the UK
This is the last part of the UK driving licence application, you’re almost there! Your car is so ready to explore the streets of British cities, so let’s prepare well for the test.
UK driving test booking
Head here to book an appointment online. The price will be between £62 and £75 for a single try.
If you fail during the first attempt, don’t get too frustrated — it’s common. 2-3 attempts, and you should secure the licence if you trained well.
How long is a driving test in the UK
Usually, it’s 40 minutes. Your extended ride can take up to 70 minutes, but not longer. Don't panic; enjoy the ride. Show that you know the rules and are comfortable with the vehicle. Even if you fail, your parents won't scold you as if it was a school test. So, there is nothing to be scared of!
Things to bring
If you show up without any of these things, the appointment will be cancelled without a refund:
- Provisional driving licence,
- Theory test certificate,
- Car, if you don’t want to use the instructor’s vehicle.
Most people prefer using the instructor’s car because otherwise you’ll need to check whether your own meets all the requirements.
Life after the exam
Hopefully, you’ll get the driver licence in the UK without unnecessary stress. After the exams, upgrade your insurance, get a car, always have your driver licence in the UK with you, and feel free to ride across the country.
Make sure to complete all the necessary legal procedures, such as paying taxes, obtaining insurance, and registering your car. Don’t skip any steps — missing something could cause fines or delays. For the full, up-to-date list of requirements, check the official government websites.
FAQ — driving licence in the UK
How long is a driving test in the UK
From 40 to 70 minutes.
Can foreigners get a driving license in the UK?
Yes, if they have a legal right to live in the UK for at least 185 days, are over 17 years old, and have sufficient vision. Don’t worry, it’s simpler than it sounds, and following these basic rules will help them get started smoothly.
Which countries can I drive in with a UK license?
When holding a photocard licence, you can ride freely in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. In other countries you’ll need an International driving permit or a replacement.
What is the process of getting a driving license in the UK?
- Check if you’re eligible.
- Get the UK provisional driving licence for foreigners.
- Take lessons.
- Pass the theory test.
- Pass the practical test.
- Request insurance and start driving.
How can I send money from the UK?
To transfer funds from the UK to India, Kenya, and 90 more countries, use Profee. With this service, you’ll send money in minutes from your phone or another device — stress-free and at great rates.
