Can Visitors Apply for a Driving Licence in the UK

 

When my cousin from Canada visited me in London, she wanted to know if she could apply for a UK driving licence during her short stay.

The short answer is no, visitors can’t usually apply for a UK licence unless they become residents. Instead, visitors are allowed to drive with their existing licence for up to 12 months (depending on where they’re from). That’s exactly what my cousin did: she rented a car with her Canadian licence and drove us around the countryside without any problems.

It made sense to me that the UK driving licence is a long-term document, not something you can pick up during a holiday. If you plan to live here, then yes, you can apply once you’ve settled as a resident.



For anyone in doubt about whether they qualify, I recommend the UK Driver’s Licence Complete Guide. It explains the difference between visitors, residents, and who can apply.

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