Can I drive in the UK on my international licence as a student?

As an international student, whether you can drive in the UK depends on your home country's licence and how long you have been in the UK:

Using your home country licence in the UK:
- If you hold a driving licence from a country that has an exchange agreement with the UK (called "designated countries"), you can drive on your foreign licence for the first 12 months of your stay in the UK
- Countries with exchange agreements include: Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Hong Kong, Japan, Monaco, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, Zimbabwe, and others
- For all other countries: You can drive in the UK for up to 12 months from the date of your last entry using your foreign licence

After 12 months:
- You must pass the UK driving theory test and practical driving test to get a UK licence
- Even with a full foreign licence, you start on a provisional licence

International Driving Permit (IDP):
- Useful if your licence is not in English
- Obtain an IDP from your home country before coming to the UK
- The UK accepts 1949 Convention IDPs, not 1968 Convention IDPs (check which type you need)

No-deal note: Drivers from EU/EEA countries can use their EU licence indefinitely in the UK (post-Brexit rules — check current DVLA guidance as this can change).

Insurance: You must have valid UK car insurance. Inform your insurer you hold a foreign licence. Insurance for foreign licence holders can be expensive or difficult to obtain — research this before buying a car.

Car ownership: Students can own and register a car in the UK. You will need a UK address for registration.