Now that you have finally settled down in the UK it’s time to exchange your license to a UK drivers license. It’s a pretty easy process to exchange your licence once you’ve been here for over 185 days.
The reason I changed my licence is because I was tired of everyone looking my Australian licence asking is this “valid” when I was buying alcohol, using it as proof of ID and I couldn’t use it as proof of address. The main benefits for you changing your licence are:
As long as your visa allows you to hold a permanent address in the UK and have lived in the country for at least 185 days of the last year you will be able to get a UK drivers licence . For example:
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The process for exchanging your licence is (note that this is only for England, Scotland and Wales, Northern Ireland has its own process).
To exchange your licence your home country must be a ‘designated country’ (countries with exchange agreements with Great Britain), the countries in this agreement are; 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.
The application does ask which country your licence was issued in and where you passed your test. If you didn’t pass in one of the above countries you will have to complete a driving test. You will be able to drive on your licence for 12 months before requiring to exchange.
Countries that don’t have a reciprocal agreement you will need to apply for a UK provisional licence and pass the UK practical test. It’s not required that you take any driving lessons before taking the test but it could be helpful to familiarise yourself with the UK rules.
Check out this handy little tool to see if you can drive in the UK on your non-UK drivers licence .
You need a copy of your drivers’ license or proof of entitlement letter from the issuing authority confirming your licence is valid with all of your details etc. and send that in with your application in the UK. Saves you having to re-order another licence .
When I was in Australia I said my licence was lost and paid for a new one. Plus got a new photo whilst I was at it.
If you passed your driving test in Canada or New Zealand you will need to provide proof that you can drive a manual gearbox if you want a manual license.
Your licence should be switched to the type of licence you had in your home country so in Australia I had a manual licence and when I exchange I also received a manual drivers licences. The same happened when my sister applied, she has an automatic licence and received an automatic licence back.
The easiest way to get a D1 form is by ordering it online, otherwise post offices should have copies of the form.
You will one standard UK Passport size photo to send with your application. Just like a passport the photo is valid for 10 years so make sure you look your best ?.
Where to get photos? I always end up going to Snappy Snaps for my passport photos as there are so many around. They will ask you what type of photo you require and provide the correct type.
Simply complete the two page form. If you need any help there is also a guide to support the application.
You will need to include:
If you arrived in the UK on a British passport then you just need to add your passport in the application and you will not need to send your passport off with the application.
Please note: If you don’t provide a self-addressed registered post envelope then your documents will be posted back to you in second class post. DVLA will not compensate for any loss or delay in the return of your documents. I highly recommend paying extra for the registered post envelope for a piece of mind.
For some reason the DVLA only accepts cheques! The easiest way to get one is a postal order from the post office. The cheque will cost 12.5% of the value order which will be £5.37 on top of the £43. Simply go up to the counter, ask for a postal order to the DVLA Swansea and one will be produced with the correct amount.
Alternatively, you can visit your bank or credit union’s branch to request a counter cheque. Make sure you check with your bank branch before you make a trip there and see if counter cheques are available. If you use an online bank like Monzo this option won’t be open to you.
Make sure you add your name and date of birth or licence number on the back of the cheque.
The application should be sent to:
DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1BT
I sent mine by registered post and included an addressed registered post envelope so it could be tracked when my documents were returned. Your new UK licence and identity documents will be sent separately.
Allow about 3 weeks for your driving licence to be sent to you. This can take longer if they need to check your health or personal details.
On the back of your UK licence there will be a table of vehicles (categories) and licence codes which state what you can and can’t drive.
If you have a standard licence then chances are yours will say something similar to mine. My exchanged licence it says I can drive the following categories and with the associated conditions:
The codes determine what conditions are on your licence. Here is a quick highlight of the codes I think are most common:
For more information on the code here.
Kat
Hi, I'm Kat, an Australian that moved to London in 2013 to start a new adventure. What a roller-coaster that was! I love helping others move to the UK and people explore the world! I’d be honoured if you’d say, “Thanks!” with a £3 coffee on Ko-fi.
