United Kingdom

Driving in United Kingdom on a foreign licence

Choose your country of licence

Whether you need an International Driving Permit in United Kingdom depends on where your licence was issued. Pick your country of licence below for the exact verdict, the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Convention format United Kingdom accepts, and what to carry. An IDP is a certified translation of your national licence carried alongside the original, not a government-issued permit.

Get my IDP for United Kingdom Full United Kingdom guide

By country of licence

Where is your licence from?

Tap your country of licence for the verdict for United Kingdom.

Common questions

Can I drive in United Kingdom on a foreign licence?

Visitors can usually drive in United Kingdom on a valid foreign licence, and an IDP is recommended — especially if your licence is not printed in the Roman alphabet. An IDP is a certified translation of your licence carried together with the original, not a government-issued permit. United Kingdom recognises the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Convention format. Choose your country of licence for the exact verdict.

Which country of licence does this cover?

We answer driving in United Kingdom for 15 different countries of licence: Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Japan, NZ, Nigeria, Singapore, South Africa, Philippines, UAE, US. Each page gives the verdict, the convention basis, the rental-desk rule, and what to carry.

How fast can I get an IDP for United Kingdom?

International Driver Licence issues your digital IDP in as fast as 8 minutes, so you can have it ready before you travel to United Kingdom.

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