Europe travel guide
Driving in United Kingdom with a foreign licence
IDP recommended
You can drive in United Kingdom on a valid foreign licence; an IDP is recommended. Most visitors can drive in the UK on a valid foreign licence for up to 12 months; an IDP helps if your licence is not in English.
The essentials
Drives onThe left
IDPRecommended
Minimum age17+
Convention1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna
On the road
Rules of the road in United Kingdom
- Drive on the left.
- Seatbelts mandatory for all occupants.
- Mobile-phone use while driving is heavily penalised.
- 0.08% alcohol limit in England/Wales; lower in Scotland.
At the rental desk
An IDP is recommended for licences not printed in the Roman alphabet.
Common questions
01
Can I drive in United Kingdom with a foreign licence?
Yes, visitors may drive on a valid foreign licence in United Kingdom; carry an IDP if your licence is not in the Roman alphabet.
02
Which side of the road does United Kingdom drive on?
United Kingdom drives on the left.
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