Exchange a non-GB 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.

You can no longer drive in the UK with an old South African book of life-style licence or letter of entitlement to one, and you cannot exchange these for a UK licence. You must have a new credit-card style licence or a letter of entitlement to one.

Swap a credit-card style licence for a Great Britain issued licence

1. Email the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) at DLconfirmations@rtmc.co.za to request a ‘Confirmation of South African Driving Licence’ letter.

2. Get a D1 application form from a Post Office that offers DVLA services.

3. Send the form, the £43 fee and any documents you need (including your driving licence and the letter from the RTMC) to the address on the form.

4. Your licence will usually arrive within 3 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 country was your current licence issued in?: South Africa
• 4. Which country was your current licence issued in?: Change