A comprehensive guide to transferring your driving licence in the UK
At Drover, we’re passionate about taking the hassle out of car ownership. One of the ways we do that is by including comprehensive insurance in each of our flexible monthly subscriptions meaning that you no longer have to get a separate quote for insurance, renegotiate the price every year and deal with confusing no-claims bonuses.
To be eligible for our insurance product, you’ll need to have a UK driving licence, which not everyone does. If you have a current driving licence issued somewhere else, the process can be much easier than re-applying all over again. Check below, for the country your licence was issued in to find out how you can transfer it, and be eligible for Drover’s insurance.
Before we start
In order to be eligible to exchange your driving licence, you’ll need to be a resident of the UK. Generally this means that you’ll need to have lived in a permanent address in Great Britain for at least 185 days.
Was your licence issued in the European Union, Northern Ireland or a Channel Island?
If so — the transition is quite simple, you’ll just need to head to the DVLA website and order form D1 from them. Next — simply send the form, (this will cost £43 - this fee will be waived if you’re from Northern Ireland or the Channel Islands) as well as any documents required on the form , including your valid current driving licence.
After this, you should get your new driving licence in under 3 weeks!
Was your licence issued by a designated country?
Hold up, what is a designated country? I’m glad that you’ve asked! 🎉 Designated countries are all specified in this list:
Andorra, Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Falkland Islands, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Hong Kong, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland and Zimbabwe.
Is your country here? Congratulations - you’ll be able to exchange your licence for a UK one without too much trouble.
First — you’ll just need to head to the DVLA website and order form D1 from them. Next complete the form and send it back to the DVLA along with £43 as well as any documents required on the form (including your valid current driving licence).
Your new licence should be issued within three weeks, and sent back to you by post.
Was you licence issued in another country, not listed above?
Unfortunately, there is no easy way to transfer your driving licence over to a Great British licence. You’ll need to pass a Theory Test and Practical Test to qualify — best of luck!
