How To Get A UK Driving Licence | A Guide for International Students

You can switch from public transit to the comfort of your own vehicle with a UK driving licence. As an international student in the UK, having a set of wheels can drastically alter your academic experience due to its flexibility and independence. You have undoubtedly wondered how foreign students can get a driver’s license in the UK.

No more waiting for the bus to arrive in the rain or packing onto packed trains. A globally recognized UK driving licence for overseas students in the UK will provide you the freedom to travel the nation as you see fit. This article will walk you through the process of obtaining a UK driving licence while studying abroad in the UK.

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A Synopsis of the UK Driving License

Students can commute to school or other places in the city on foot or by bicycle thanks to the UK’s large public transportation system. Owning a car of your own is a blessing since it allows you to travel at your convenience and is useful and efficient. Many students will eventually require a UK driving licence, and many already have one on file in their home nation.

Driving a car in the UK without a current UK driving licence or with an expired license is against the law. Because of this, your insurance will be canceled. We have provided you with information on how to get a UK driving licence for international students, including the prerequisites, application procedure, test-taking strategies, and more.

Conditions for Obtaining a UK Driving License

Do you have any questions on how to get a driver’s license in the UK? In order to obtain a UK driving licence, you must first learn about the prerequisites. Driving in the UK is not as complicated as the numerous procedures make it seem, despite the fact that there are some rules and regulations that must be observed. In order to drive freely throughout the United Kingdom, the following items are required:

To give financial insurance against any damage or injury sustained while driving, a current, valid UK driving licence is necessary by law.
The legislation mandates insurance coverage to offer monetary security against any harm or damage sustained while driving.
To demonstrate legal ownership and enable correct identification, the used car needs to be registered in the owner’s name.
To lawfully travel on public roads, the used car needs to have a current road tax, which is an annual payment paid according to emissions levels.

Driving without a valid UK driving licence or using one that is invalid is illegal in the UK, and doing so may result in the cancellation of your auto insurance. The following legal requirements for acquiring a UK driving licence are applicable to international students.

Since 17 is the legal age in the UK to apply for a provisional license and start the licensing process, one must be older than 17.
Since cars must be officially registered and have visible license plates, a license plate should be readable from a distance of 20 meters.
One must provide proof of residency or evidence that they have lived in the UK for six months out of the previous year in order to apply for a full UK driving licence.

Countries with Valid UK Driving Licence

You can lawfully drive in the UK without any extra documentation if you have a valid driving license from one of the following countries. As an international student, you should be aware that the following nations’ driving licenses are accepted in the UK when applying for a UK driving licence:

Australia
Andorra
Barbados
Canada
Falkland Islands
Hong Kong
Islands of Faroe
Japan
Korea Republic
New Zealand
Singapore
South Africa
Switzerland
The British Virgin Islands
Zimbabwe

Even if you currently hold a valid driving license from your home country, you can still apply for a provisional license provided you have been in the UK for at least six months. You do not qualify for a UK driving licence. Allowing yourself to rely on public transport alternatives may be the greatest option if you struggle to find a simple way to get around the UK.

Differentiating Between EEA and non-EEA Student Licence

Countries that belong to the European Economic Area (EEA) are known as EEA countries. The EEA includes nations such as Bulgaria, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, and many more. If you currently have a driver’s license from an EEA country, you do not need to begin the UK driving licence application procedure. The license you currently hold will remain in effect.

For a period of 12 months, non-EEA students are permitted to drive using a license from their home nation. After this time, though, one needs to apply for a provisional UK license and install an “L” plate on their vehicle. After that, international students can apply to take the driver’s license exam. You cannot drive on a UK motorway until you pass your test, and you must always be accompanied by a driver who is at least 21 years old and possesses a valid UK, NI, or EEA driver’s license for three years.

Application Procedure for a UK Provisional Driving Licence?

A UK driving licence cannot be obtained without first applying for a provisional license in the UK.
Fortunately, obtaining one is not difficult. Simply visit gov.uk website, complete the application, and you will be on your way to receiving your very own UK driving licence. In order to avoid fines, always drive with your provisional UK driving licence.

Application charge: To start processing your provisional license, fill out your online application and pay the £34 charge.
Age Requirements: You must be at least 15 years and nine months old to apply for a moped license, and at least 17 years old to apply for a temporary license for a regular car.
Exchange: If their country has a reciprocity agreement, international students should check to see if their current home license can be transferred for a full UK license; if not, they require a provisional one

Documents Needed for a Driving License in the UK

Applying for a provisional UK driving licence is the first step towards driving a car in the country for international students. To apply for the same, one needs to visit the DVLA website, which is a quick and easy process. Applying for a provisional driving licence online costs £34, and the website accepts some payment options. The following is a list of the necessary paperwork for international students to obtain a UK driving licence:

Share Personal Information: Give your full name, current residential address, date of birth, citizenship, phone number, email address, and any health conditions you may have.
Provider ID: Show a current passport-compliant photo and a valid passport or national ID card as identification.
Residence: If asked, you must provide proof that you have lived in the UK for at least 185 days during the 12 months before applying.

The National Insurance Number is not required in any way; it is an optional extra step that facilitates ID verification. Unless they hold a British passport, applicants who apply for a UK driving licence must mail their passport-sized photo, identity documents, and a return envelope to the DVLA.

A Comprehensive Guide to Obtaining a Licence in the United Kingdom

For many people, having a driving license in the UK is a way out and a prerequisite for being able to commute freely and without suspicion. Obtaining a driving license for a car or motorcycle in the UK can be a difficult procedure, but it is possible with the correct preparation and advice. The criteria, exams, and expenses associated with obtaining a UK driving licence are covered in five steps.

Step 1: Fulfill the Age and Temporary Licence Conditions: You must be at least 17 years old for a vehicle license and 15 years and 9 months for a moped license in order to apply for even a provisional UK driving licence. You can practice driving in the UK with this provisional license if you are a full-license holder.

Step 2: Complete the Mandatory CBT Motorbike Course: A one-day Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) course on road safety and riding fundamentals must be completed before attempting a motorcycle test. This is a requirement for the tests to obtain a full UK driver’s license. CBT is a one-day training that covers the fundamentals of riding a motorcycle or moped, including traffic awareness and safety. All new motorcycle and moped riders must complete the CBT course; it is a requirement for passing the theory and practical exams and, eventually, for obtaining a UK driver’s license.

Step 3: Pass the Road Safety Knowledge Theory Exam: Using multiple-choice questions and video clips, the theory test evaluates hazard perception skills while covering Highway Code themes. This assesses your basic understanding required to drive on your own with a full license.

Step 4: Successfully complete the practical driving exam: Hands-on driving, safety inspections, vehicle control, and obedience to traffic signs and signals are all evaluated in the practical exam. To be eligible for a full UK driver’s license, you must pass both the theory and practical driving tests.

Driving in the United Kingdom

Breakdown of a Practical Test: Separated into the road test and the “show me, tell me” portion. Show that you understand the fundamentals of car maintenance and safety inspections in the “Show Me, Tell Me” section.‍
Evaluation of Road Tests: Evaluate your ability to drive securely, obey traffic signals and signs, and maintain control of the car.

Cycling in the United Kingdom

Components of a Practical Test: Includes a road trip to gauge on-road riding skills and an off-road test to gauge motorcycle/moped control.
Test Off-Road: Assesses the moped or motorcycle’s control.
Assessment of a Road Ride: Evaluates a rider’s proficiency on the road with an emphasis on safe driving, following traffic signs and signals, and maintaining vehicle control.

Step 5: Get Your Complete Driver’s License in the UK: Upon passing the theory and practical exams, you will receive your full driver’s license. This UK license requires a renewal every ten years and is valid for ten years. Remember that the requirements for obtaining a UK driving licence vary depending on the vehicle you intend to operate. The procedure differs from obtaining a motorcycle or moped license if you’re interested in an automobile.

In the UK, the cost of obtaining a driver’s license or a motorcycle license might vary. How many lessons you need and the kind of car you wish to drive are two examples. For cars, the theory test costs £23; for bikes, it costs £23. The cost of the practical test is £15.50 for bikes and £62 for vehicles. Additionally, the cost of driving lessons may vary depending on your location and the teacher.

Examinations for a UK Driving Licence

The test for a UK driving licence for international students consists of both a theory and a practical portion. The two types of tests used to obtain a UK driving licence are listed below:

Theory Exam for a Driving License in the UK

The Highway Code
Recognize Your Traffic Signs
Driving: The Crucial Competencies

To pass the theory test, you must completely read these three publications. Enrolling in practice examinations is the simplest way to get ready for them. This will help you better understand and get used to the format of the test. They are available at the local bookshop. Following your preparation, you can use the DVLA website to schedule a session. As part of the booking process, you will have to pay £23 and present the details from your provisional driver’s licence.

Test of Practice for a UK Driving License

Checks for Vehicle Safety and Security
Self-Reliant Driving
Techniques
General Capability to Drive

Then comes the practical test. A person can opt to learn to drive with a friend or family member if they match the requirements outlined on the DVLA website. Additionally, they might employ a driving instructor who has been authorized by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (VSA). The vehicle used for instruction needs to be insured and have two Ls: one on the front and one on the rear.

A person can finally reserve a test time online, select a location, and set up the test after providing their information and that of their instructor. After paying £62 for the practical test procedure, one will receive information about the specifics of the test for the UK driver’s license for international students.

How Can One Get Ready for the UK Driving Licence Practical Exam?

Since learning to drive necessitates supervision above all else, you have two options to become a proficient driver before test day. You can study with a friend or family member as long as they meet the following requirements:

You meet the minimal age requirements to be eligible for an expedited practical test process since you are older than 21.
You can drive any car you want as long as you have a provisional license for the vehicle class you plan to test in.
Drivers with enough experience may choose to exchange their UK license to avoid completing the practical exam if they have held a valid driving license from an EEA zone for more than three years.

The second option is to have a driving instructor who has been authorized by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). You may practice driving on highways with it. Whatever your method, you need to ensure that the car you are using for practice is covered by a learner’s insurance policy. Make sure your car has two red “Learner” bumper stickers on the front and back to let other drivers know you’re still learning.

After submitting your information and your instructor’s, you can arrange the concluding phase—the practical driving exam—online. After choosing the test’s date, time, and place, you have to pay £62. Instructions about the test’s details will be sent to you via email. You will not be allowed to take the test if you do not bring your theoretical exam results and provisional license.

Car Rental in the United Kingdom

Renting a car in the UK is a rather simple procedure. All you need to do to qualify for a rental automobile is either:

Possess a valid driver’s license.
International driver’s license

A UK driving licence is available to foreign students. Yes, and they are welcome to rent cars as well. If you have a UK driving licence, you can get a car rental number from the DVLA or provide your current driver’s license to the hiring firm. If you intend to proceed with a car rental, having current auto insurance is a must.

What are the UK’s Requirements for Auto Insurance?

In the UK, it is unlawful to drive without auto insurance, and it is required. Third-party, comprehensive, and third-party fire and theft insurance are the three forms of auto insurance available in the nation. You will need to submit information about your driving history and your vehicle when you apply for auto insurance.

The bare minimum required by law is third-party auto insurance, which covers property damage and injuries to other individuals in the event that you cause an accident.
The same coverage as third-party insurance is provided by third-party fire and theft insurance, which also covers auto insurance in the event that an automobile is stolen or damaged by fire.
Comprehensive Insurance: This type of insurance includes coverage for vehicle damage in addition to everything else covered by auto insurance.

To find the greatest offer from several providers, you must shop around. The amount you must pay toward a claim is known as the “extra amount,” and it can differ depending on the policy. Driving without insurance can result in paying your penalty, so once you’ve selected the correct policy, make sure you maintain your insurance paperwork current and safe. It even disqualifies you from driving and points to your license. Therefore, before you drive on the open road, make sure you have the appropriate insurance.

Well done! A UK driving licence has now been issued to you. As soon as you get auto insurance, you’re ready to drive! To notify other drivers that you have passed, you must put two green P bumper decals indicating Pass on the front and back of your car during the first few weeks. International students studying in the UK must now obtain a UK driving licence.