Exchange a foreign driving licence

You can continue to drive in the UK without exchanging your licence for 12 months after becoming resident.

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.

If your licence allows you to drive manual vehicles, you can usually exchange it for a UK licence that allows you to drive manual vehicles.

Exchange your licence

1. Order form D1 from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).

2. Send the form, £43 fee and any documents you need (including your driving licence and proof of passing your test in a manual vehicle if needed) to the address on the form.

3. Your licence will usually arrive in 3 to 4 weeks. It might take longer if you’ve told DVLA about a medical condition and your details need to be checked.

Your answers

Start again

• 1. Are you a resident of Great Britain?: Yes
• 1. Are you a resident of Great Britain?: Change
• 2. What kind of licence do you have?: Car or motorcycle
• 2. What kind of licence do you have?: Change
• 3. Where did you pass your test?: A 'designated country or territory' (countries or territories with exchange agreements with Great Britain)
• 3. Where did you pass your test?: Change
• 4. Which designated country or territory was your licence issued in?: Hong Kong
• 4. Which designated country or territory was your licence issued in?: Change