Use your licence and residence details
The rules depend on the issuing country, licence category, residence and other conditions. Nationality alone does not determine the answer. Use the official decision tool for Great Britain or the separate NI guidance.
Separate legal entitlement from confidence
Even where you can legally drive, refresher tuition may help with unfamiliar road rules, signs and driving conditions. Ask for a course that starts from your actual experience.
Confirm the route before booking a test
Check whether exchange, a provisional licence or a new test is required. Do not assume a licence accepted by a hire company is automatically accepted for every testing or instructor-training pathway.
Sources & further reading
- Exchange a non-GB driving licence — DVLA. Great Britain.
- Apply for, renew or exchange a licence — DVA. Northern Ireland.
- Driving licence guidance — DVLA. Great Britain.
Guidance reviewed 12 September 2026. Check the linked official service before booking, applying or making a contractual decision. Report a change.