Global driving success with the Learner Driving Guide

We love a testimonial at the Learner Driving Guide

There’s no better feeling than helping people pass their driving tests so they can taste the freedom of the open road. However, the Learner Driving Guide isn’t just about passing the test, it’s about supporting learner drivers to become confident, safe drivers for life.

We’ve been helping learner drivers in the UK for years but you may have noticed that some of our recent success stories have come from learner drivers from further afield than the UK. Singapore, Hong Kong and the United States of America to name just a few locations that our subscribers have hailed from. There are several reasons why international learner drivers may want to take their driving test in Great Britain; perhaps they need to learn to drive for work or to get to college, or simply to enjoy a long term visit or make the most of a relocation.

Wherever you are from and whatever your current driving standard, there are a few things you need to know before you start to drive in Great Britain.

If you don’t already have an existing driving licence, you will need to learn to drive from scratch as per the Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) rules; but if you have a current driving licence you may be able to exchange it to drive in Great Britain.

If you have a full, valid, manual or automatic driving license from any country in the European Union you can drive in Great Britain until you are 70 years old. You will not need to retake your driving test. However, it’s vital to know what is different about British roads and the Learner Driving Guide can help you build this knowledge.

Using the Learner Driving Guide’s unique multi-camera angle video tutorials will give you a real feel of what it’s like to drive on Britain’s roads, and you can start right away from the comfort of your own home on your computer, or on your phone – wherever you are in the world! You can put yourself in the driver’s seat while watching the video driving lessons and listening to the expert commentary. Studying our online downloadable diagrams and step-by-step guides will also help you master all British driving manoeuvres. Take a look at our Manual and Automatic online driving lessons for FREE.

Depending on your current driving standard, you will still need a refresher and time to get used to British roads where we drive on the left-hand side. International drivers are often surprised by our multiple roundabouts and driving etiquette.

Practising with family or friends is always helpful to build your driving confidence on British roads; but there are a number of things to bear in mind if using someone else’s car. When practicing, you should start on quiet local roads. As time goes on and your confidence grows, try different driving experiences – larger roads; different locations; different speeds; in different weathers. The more varied the experience, the better. Allow yourself time to get used to driving in a different country and to develop your driving skill so you can drive safely, legally and with confidence.

The Learner Driving Guide will of course build your knowledge, skills and boost your learner driving experience;

meaning you will save time and money on any driving lessons and quickly familiarise yourself with British roads, signs and general driving know-how.

Don’t forget you will need car insurance to drive in Great Britain, even if you only intend on staying for a short time. Third party insurance is the minimum legal requirement – so you are covered if you have an accident and damage another vehicle. Even if you borrow a vehicle, you will need to be added to the owner’s insurance policy.

If you have a full, valid driving license from a designated country (as listed below) you can continue to drive in Great Britain without exchanging your licence for 12 months after becoming resident (resident is defined by the Government as if you have lived in Great Britain for 185 days in each calendar year). Designated countries are: Andorra, Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Hong Kong, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Republic of North Macedonia, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, Taiwan, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates and Zimbabwe.

After 12 months you must exchange your licence to keep driving.

You can exchange it up to 5 years after becoming resident, if it has not expired. All you will need to do to exchange your driving license is order form D1 from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). Send the form, fee and any documents you need (including your existing driving licence) to the address on the form. Your new licence will usually arrive within 3 or 4 weeks (it might take longer if you’ve told DVLA about a medical condition and your details need to be checked).

If you hold a driving licence with any other country you cannot exchange your licence but you can drive for up to 12 months on your foreign licence. After 12 months you’ll need to get a provisional licence and pass both the DVSA theory test and the DVSA practical test to drive legally in Great Britain. Be aware, it takes some time to do this successfully, so don’t leave it to the last minute; as there may be delays along the way, beyond your control – like securing a test date or a test cancellation.

Please note: Before you book any test, apply for any licence or apply for an exchange of licence; check the latest Government advice. This article includes details relating to Great British driving standards as set out by the DVSA. Please note, Northern Ireland has its own driving authority.