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Getting a UK Driving Licence Using an EU Licence
Since Brexit, the rules for exchanging or converting an EU driving licence for a UK licence have changed significantly.
If you are an EU citizen resident in the UK, here is everything you need to know about getting your British driving licence using your existing European permit:
Can I Still Exchange My EU Licence for a UK One?
Currently, it is still possible to convert and exchange your valid EU driving licence for an equivalent UK licence. This allows you to legally drive in Britain without having to take the theory and practical driving tests again.
However, this will not be possible indefinitely. The UK has set specific cut-off dates for when EU licences will no longer be exchangeable for a British licence.
After these dates, EU residents in the UK will have to apply for a provisional UK licence and pass the full UK driving test to get their British licence.
So if you want to swap your EU licence for a UK one, you need to act quickly and start the application process well before the cut-off deadline.
When is The Licence Exchange Deadline?
The last date you can exchange your EU driving licence for a UK licence depends on which country it was issued in:
- Licences issued in Ireland – Exchange before 31 December 2028
- Licences issued in Cyprus or Malta – Exchange before 31 December 2027
- Licences issued in all other EU/EEA countries – Exchange before 31 December 2022
After the cut-off date for your country, your EU licence will no longer be valid for driving in the UK.
To continue driving legally in Britain after that, you’ll have to take the theory and practical driving tests and apply for a new provisional licence.
How Do I Exchange My EU Licence for a UK One?
Follow these steps to swap your EU driving licence for an equivalent UK licence before the deadline:
- Complete D1 licence application form
- Book and attend an appointment at your local DVLA office
- Provide original EU photocard licence and its paper counterpart
- Provide passport or UK residence permit as proof of ID
- Pay £43 licence exchange fee
- Get new UK photocard licence within 10 days
Make sure to check all the details on your new UK licence are correct once received. Notify DVLA immediately of any errors.
What If My EU Licence Has Already Expired?
If your EU licence has already expired, you cannot simply exchange it for a new UK licence.
Instead, you will have to:
- Apply for a UK provisional licence
- Book and pass the UK theory test
- Book and pass the UK practical driving test
- Once passed, apply for your full UK photocard driving licence
This process takes several months. Avoid delays by checking your EU licence expiry date and starting the exchange process promptly.
Can I Renew My EU Licence While Living in the UK?
No – EU licence holders resident in Britain can no longer renew their home country driving licences on expiry.
You must either exchange your EU licence for a UK one before the cut-off date, or take the full UK driving test.
Don’t get caught out by renewing your old EU licence – this will leave you unable to legally drive in the UK. Check the exchange deadline and switch to a British licence well in advance.
In summary, EU citizens wanting to keep driving in the UK must exchange their European licence for a British one urgently before the cut-off date. Confirm the deadline for your country and start the DVLA licence exchange process as soon as possible.
