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

Trade public transport for the comfort of your car with a UK driving licence. As an international student in the UK, the independence and freedom of having your own set of wheels can transform your university experience. Of course, you must have wondered - how to get driving licence in UK for international students? No more cramming onto crowded trains or waiting in the rain for the bus to arrive. Gain the flexibility to explore the country on your terms with an internationally recognised UK driving licence for international students in UK. This guide has got you covered with a step-by-step breakdown of everything you need to know about how to get a UK driving licence while studying abroad in the UK.

Brief Overview: UK Driving Licence 

The extensive public transport facilities in the UK help students to travel around by foot or bicycle to school or other locations in the city. An automobile of your own, which puts travel at your fingers and is practical and effective, is a blessing. A lot of students have a UK driver's licence registered in their home country, and they'll eventually need a UK driving licence. Keep note that in the United Kingdom, driving any vehicle without a UK driving licence or with an expired licence is a criminal offence. This will result in the cancellation of your insurance. So, to help you out, we have outlined the requirements, process, test preparation, and more on how to get a UK driving licence for international students.

Requirements For A UK Driving Licence 

Wondering how to get a driving licence in the UK? Well, you first got to know the basic requirements for a UK driving licence. Although some rules and regulations must be followed, driving in the UK is not as difficult as the many procedures make it seem. The following items are necessary for unrestricted driving throughout the UK:

1. A current, valid UK driving licence is required by law to provide financial protection against any damage/injury caused while driving.

2. Insurance coverage is required by law to provide financial protection against any damage/injury caused while driving.

3. The used vehicle must be on the owner's registration, proving legal ownership and allowing proper identification.

4. The used vehicle must have a current road tax, an annual tax paid based on emissions levels, to legally drive on public roads.

Driving without a valid UK driving licence or while using one that is invalid is a crime in the country that could result in the cancellation of one's auto insurance. Below are some of the legal requirements on how to get a UK driving licence for international students:

1. One must be older than 17 years, as it is the legal age to apply for a provisional licence in the UK to begin the licensing process.

2. A licence plate should be readable from 20 metres away because vehicles must be properly registered and display clearly visible number plates.

3. One should provide documentation that they have lived there for six months in the last year, or proof of residence is required to apply for a full UK driving licence.

Countries with Valid UK Driving Licence

Holding a valid driver's licence from certain countries means you can legally drive in the United Kingdom without any additional paperwork. Before applying for a UK driving licence as an international student, know that these are the following countries driving licences which are valid in the UK:

1. Australia

2. Andorra

3. Faroe Islands

4. Barbados

‍5. Switzerland

6. Canada

7. Falkland Islands

8. Japan

9. Hong Kong

10. Monaco

11. Singapore

12. New Zealand

13. Republic of Korea

14. South Africa

15. The British Virgin Islands

16. Zimbabwe

If you've been living in the UK for at least six months, you can apply for a provisional driving licence, even if you already have a valid licence from your home country. Not eligible for a UK driving licence? If you have a hard time figuring out your way to get easy UK transportation, then allowing yourself to rely on public options might be the best way possible.

Licences for EEA Students vs Non-EEA Students

EEA countries are those that are part of the European Economic Area (EEA). Countries like Bulgaria, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, and many more are part of the EEA. 

If you are a driver’s licence holder from an EEA country, there is no need for you to go ahead with the UK driving licence process. Your existing licence will be valid. 

For non-EEA students, they can drive with a licence from their home country for 12 months. However, after this time period, one must apply for a Provisional UK Licence as well as put an “L” plate on their car. International students can then proceed to apply for a driver’s licence test. Until you pass your test, a person who has held a full UK, NI or EEA driving Licence for 3 years and is over the age of 21 must sit at your side whenever you are driving, and you cannot drive on a motorway UK driving

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How to Apply for a Provisional Driving Licence in the UK?

By the time you are getting a UK driving licence, you need to apply for a provisional driving licence in the UK. Luckily, getting one is not rocket science. Just head over to the gov. uk website, fill out the application form, and you're in the progress of having your own UK driving licence. Always carry your provisional UK driving licence when driving to avoid penalties.

1. Application Fee: Complete your online application form and pay the fee of £34 to begin processing your provisional licence.

2. Age Requirements: To apply, you must meet the minimum age of at least 15 years and nine months if requesting a moped licence or 17 years for a standard car provisional licence.

3. Exchange: International students should verify if their existing licence from home can be exchanged for a full UK licence by checking if their country has a reciprocity agreement - if not, they need a provisional.

Documents Required for a UK Driving Licence

The initial step towards operating a vehicle in the nation for a provisional UK driving licence for international students is to apply for it. The DVLA website must be used to submit an application for the same, which is a quick and simple process. The cost of applying online for a provisional driving licence is £34; the website offers several payment methods. The following list includes the documentation that one must present to receive a UK driving licence for international students:

1. Share Personal Details: Provide your full name, current residential address, DOB, country of citizenship, phone/email for contact purposes, and disclose any medical conditions.

2. Provider ID: Present a valid passport or national ID card as proof of identity, along with a recently taken passport-compliant photo.

3. Residence: You must furnish documentation, if requested, to prove you've been a resident in the UK for at least 185 days out of the preceding 12 months before applying.

The National Insurance Number is a voluntary additional step that aids in ID verification but is not needed in any way. When applying for a UK driving licence, applicants are expected to ship their passport-sized photo, identification documents, and a return envelope to the DVLA office unless they have a British passport.

How to Get a Licence in the UK: Step-by-Step Guide

A UK driver's licence for any individual is a way out for many people and a necessary step towards freedom while commuting freely without question. While the process can be weary, getting a car and bike driving licence in the UK can be successfully achieved with the right guidance and preparation. These steps on how to get a UK driving licence, including the requirements, tests, and costs involved, are treated with five steps. 

Step 1: Meet the Age and Provisional Licence Requirements

To apply for even a provisional UK driving licence, you must meet age minimums - 17 years old for a car licence and 15 years and 9 months for a moped licence. This provisional licence allows you to practise driving in the UK if accompanied by a full licence holder.

Step 2: Pass the Compulsory CBT Motorcycle Course

Before taking a motorcycle test, you must pass a one-day Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) course on road safety and riding basics, a prerequisite for the tests to get a full UK driver's licence. CBT is a one-day course that teaches the basics of motorcycle or moped riding, including safety and road awareness. The CBT course is mandatory for all new motorcycle and moped riders, and it is a prerequisite for taking the theory and practical tests and, ultimately, for getting a UK driver's licence.

Step 3: Pass the Theory Test on Road Safety Knowledge

The theory test covers topics in the Highway Code and assesses hazard perception abilities through multiple-choice questions and video clips. This evaluates your fundamental knowledge needed for independent driving with a full licence.

Step 4: Pass the Practical Driving Test

The practical test assesses hands-on driving, safety checks, vehicle control and road sign/signal adherence. You must pass both the theory and practical driving tests to qualify for obtaining your full UK driver's licence.

Driving a Car in the UK

1. Practical Test Breakdown

Divided into two parts: the "show me, tell me" section and the road test." Show Me, Tell Me" Section: Demonstrate knowledge of basic vehicle maintenance and safety checks.‍

2. Road Test Evaluation

Assess your ability to drive safely, follow traffic signs and signals, and control the vehicle securely.

Driving a Bike in the UK

1. Practical Test Components

Involves an off-road test for assessing motorcycle/moped control and a road ride to evaluate on-road riding ability.

2. Off-Road Test 

Evaluates control of the motorcycle or moped.

3. Road Ride Evaluation

Assesses riding ability on the road, focusing on safe driving adherence to traffic signs, signals, and vehicle control.

Step 5: Receive Your Full UK Driving Licence

After taking both the theory and practical tests, you'll get your complete driving licence. This UK licence is good to go for ten years and needs a refresh every decade. Keep in mind how you snag a UK driving licence, and what's needed can change based on the wheels you want to roll. If it's a car you're eyeing, the process takes a different road than getting your licence for a motorcycle or moped.

Getting a car or bike licence in the UK can cost different amounts. It depends on things like what type of vehicle you want to drive and how many lessons you need. The theory test costs £23 for cars and £23 for bikes. The practical test costs £62 for cars and £15.50 for bikes. The price of driving lessons can also change based on who your instructor is and where you are.

Tests for a UK Driving Licence 

The theory and practical test make up the test for a UK driving licence for international students. 

Below is a list of the two types of tests for a UK driving licence:

Theory Test for a UK Driving Licence

1. The Highway Code 

2. Know Your Traffic Signs 

3. Driving - The Essential Skills 

These are the three publications that you need to read thoroughly to pass the theory test. The easiest approach to prepare for them is to sign up for practice exams, which can help one better comprehend and become comfortable with the test format. They can be found at the nearby bookstore. After your preparation, you may book a session on the DVLA website. You will need to provide the information from your provisional driving licence and pay £23 as a part of the booking procedure.

Practical Test for a UK Driving Licence

1. Vehicle Safety and Security Checks

2. Independent Driving

3. Manoeuvres

4. General Driving Ability

The practical examination follows. If a person meets the standards listed on the DVLA website, they can choose to learn to drive with a family member or friend. They can also hire a driving teacher approved by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (VSA). The car being used for learning must have two Ls - one on the front and one on the back - and must be insured. After filling out their information and that of their instructor, a person can finally book a test slot on the internet, choose a location, and schedule the test. One will be informed of the specifics of the test for the UK driver's licence for overseas students after paying £62 for the practical test procedure.

How to Prepare for the Practical Test for a UK Driving Licence?

You have two possibilities to become an expert driver before test day because learning to drive requires supervision above everything else. As long as they satisfy the following criteria, you can study with a friend or member of your family:

1. You are over 21 years of age - meet the minimum age criteria to qualify for an accelerated practical test process.

2. You are licensed to operate the car you want - obtain the provisional licence for the appropriate vehicle class you intend to take the test in.

3. You own a valid driving licence from an EEA zone for more than 3 years - drivers with sufficient experience may opt for an exchanged UK licence to avoid taking the practical test.

Having a driving teacher approved by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency is the second choice (DVSA). It will let you practise driving on highways. Regardless of your route, you must make sure a learner's insurance policy covers the vehicle you are using for practice. To let other drivers know you are still learning, make sure your automobile has two red "Learner" bumper stickers placed on the front and rear.

The practical driving exam will be the penultimate phase, which you may schedule online after providing your information and that of your instructor. You must pay £62 after deciding the test's date, time, and location. You'll receive instructions regarding the specifics of the test through email. If you forget to bring your provisional licence and theory exam results, you won't be able to take the test.

Renting a Car in the UK

Renting a car in the UK is a fairly simple process. All you need to do to be able to qualify for a car rental is either:

1. Hold a full driver’s licence

2. International driving licence

Can international students get UK driving licence? Yes, and they can also feel free to rent cars. You can show your current driver’s licence to the hiring company or obtain a car hire code from the DVLA if you are in possession of a UK driving licence. A non-negotiable is having valid car insurance if you are planning on going ahead with a car rental. 

What are the Requirements for Car Insurance in the UK?

Car insurance is mandatory in the UK, and it's illegal to drive without it. The country has three types of car insurance: third-party, third-party fire and theft, and comprehensive. When applying for car insurance, you will have to provide your details regarding your driving history and details about your car.

1. Third-party Car Insurance: Third-party is the minimum legal requirement, and it covers damage to other people's property and injury to other people in an accident you cause. 

2. Third-party Fire and Theft Insurance: It covers the same as third-party insurance and car coverage is also insured if it's stolen or damaged by fire. 

3. Comprehensive Insurance: A more detailed insurance covers everything that the same does for car coverage but includes the coverage for vehicle damage.

It's necessary to shop around to get the best deal from different providers. Don't forget to check the extra amount, which is the sum you'll have to pay towards a claim, as this can vary between multiple policies. Make sure you keep your insurance documents safe and up to date once you've found the right policy because driving without insurance can lead to paying your penalty. It points to your licence and even disqualifies you from driving. So, ensure you have the right insurance before driving the open road.

Congratulations! You are now in possession of a UK driving licence. You're prepared to start driving as soon as you obtain car insurance! Signifying the first few weeks, you must place two green P bumper decals for Pass on both the front and rear of your vehicle to let other motorists know you have passed. Now that getting a UK driving licence for international students in UK is a must, one should try and cruise these 20 best road trips in the UK and start planning your next road trip right after it.