Driving Lessons
International Driving Lessons for Non-UK Licence Holders
International drivers wishing to obtain a UK driving licence or adapt to UK roads should check the rules for their existing foreign driving licence. Your entitlement depends on where your licence was issued and whether you are visiting or resident in Great Britain. Some drivers can continue using or exchange their existing licence, while others need a UK provisional licence and driving tests. Check your circumstances using the GOV.UK licence checker.
I want a UK Driving Licence
What Steps Do I Need To Take To Obtain A UK Driving Licence?
If you need to take a UK driving test, Totally Driving offers international driving lessons to help you prepare. Depending on your circumstances, obtaining a full UK driving licence may involve applying for a provisional licence, passing the theory test and passing the practical driving test. An international driving permit (IDP) is not a driving licence and does not automatically give you permission to drive in the UK for a year.
Totally Driving have found that we have many international drivers requiring international lessons in Staines, Laleham, Shepperton, Virginia Water, Wentworth, Chertsey, Thorpe and Englefield Green. As a well-established driving school, we understand the local areas and road network so can provide high-quality lessons to help you adapt to UK driving standards and prepare for a driving test where required.
EU & EEC licence holders
Holders of a full, valid EU or EEA driving licence can often drive in Great Britain without immediately taking a UK driving test. The rules for continuing to use or exchanging your licence depend on your age and circumstances. Check the official guidance before making arrangements.
Non–EU Countries & US
Drivers with a full licence issued outside the EU or EEA, including in the US, may be able to drive in Great Britain for up to 12 months, depending on their circumstances. If your licence cannot be exchanged and you wish to continue driving after your entitlement ends, you will generally need a UK provisional licence and must pass the theory and practical driving tests. Check the official rules for your licence and do not drive independently after your entitlement expires.
Designated Countries
Some countries and territories have agreements allowing eligible holders of a full, valid foreign driving licence to exchange it for a British licence without taking another test. Eligibility and time limits vary. Check the GOV.UK exchange service rather than relying on an older country list. International driving lessons can still help you become confident on UK roads even if you do not need a test.
Booking International Lessons
1. Apply for a UK Provisional Licence
2. Apply and pass the Theory Test
3. Book assessment lesson with Totally Driving
4. Apply for a UK Driving Test
Need more information about our services or want to book a driving lesson?
Taking international driving lessons with Totally driving
International driving lessons can help bring you to the standard required to pass a UK driving test. For many, it will be a similar standard to when you first got your international licence. As an international driver, you will already have driving experience but our expert skills and knowledge of local road signs, traffic flow and busy junctions, can help you prepare for the test and drive safely on unfamiliar roads.
International Lessons are charged at the same rate as standard lessons (for students requiring to take UK Driving Test), which include information and advice on taking the Theory Test and Step by Step guides to completing all aspects of the Driving Test.
To discuss international driving lessons and an initial assessment, contact Totally Driving on WhatsApp.
Driving in the UK is not that different to many other countries
in the world, but the UK driving test is ranked among one of the hardest in the world. This helps to keep our driving standards high and road traffic accidents as low as possible.
Many other European countries have challenging driving tests. Finland puts its students through a two-part exam and extensive classroom lessons before giving them a provisional licence. In the Netherlands, students are made to take a series of challenging exams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need driving lessons if I already have a foreign driving licence?
Not necessarily. However, international driving lessons can help experienced drivers become familiar with UK road signs, roundabouts and driving on the left. If you need to pass a UK practical driving test, lessons can also help you prepare.
Can I drive in the UK with an international driving licence?
It depends on where your licence was issued and your residency status. Some foreign licence holders can drive in Great Britain for a limited period, while others can exchange their licence. Check the GOV.UK guidance for your circumstances.
How many international driving lessons will I need?
This depends on your previous driving experience, confidence and familiarity with UK roads. An assessment lesson with Totally Driving can help identify what you need to practise before taking a driving test, if required.