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In order to drive most vehicles on a public road in the UK you will need a licence. In this section, we hope to explain the various forms of car and bike licences; how old you have to be to have them and what you are allowed to drive with each type of licence.
Driving Licence
- Provisional Driving Licence
- Full Driving Licences
- European Driving Licences
- International Driving Licences
Commercial Vehicle Licences
Driving Licence
Provisional Driving Licence for Cars
Usually the first licence you will ever receive, a provisional licence allows you to drive a car from the age of 17 or a moped from the age of 16. There are certain limitations to driving on a public road with a provisional licence:
- On any vehicle you must have L-plates (and/or D plates if you happen to be in Wales) displayed on both the front and back of the vehicle.
- You must not drive on a motorway.
- If the vehicle is not a motorcycle, you must have a person with you all the time you're driving. They must sit in the front passenger seat and be fit to drive (i.e. not drunk). They must also be over the age of 21 and have been driving for more than three years.
Full Driving Licence for Car Only
If you have passed your driving test in the UK, you're entitled to a full UK driving licence.
European Car Licences
If you have a full licence from another country in the EC you will be able to drive in the UK on this licence provided it remains valid in the country of issue and you are allowed to drive on it. You may use this licence in the UK for 3 years or until your 70th birthday (whichever is the longer period). To replace your licence with a full UK one; you will need to fill in the correct forms, which you should be able to obtain from local post office or from the DVLA .
International Car Licences
If you have a full licence that is still valid in the country it was issued you can drive in the UK for 12 months on this licence. If you wish to drive in the UK after this time, you will need to acquire a full UK licence. If you come from one of the following countries or you have a British Forces Germany licence you can exchange it for a full UK licence:
- Australia
- Barbados
- British Virgin Islands
- Canada (GB licence only)
- Falkland Islands
- Hong Kong
- Japan
- Monaco
- New Zealand
- Republic of Korea (excluding motorbike licences)
- Singapore
- South Africa (GB licence only)
- Switzerland
- Zimbabwe
You will not be able to drive after the initial 12 months until you exchange your licence and you have 5 years to do so. If you neglect to do this, you will have to apply for a provisional licence in the same way as a new driver. If you don't have a licence that was issued in one of the above countries, i.e. one from Iran, Surinam, or somewhere else not on the list you will have to get a provisional licence and take your test in the normal fashion.
Commercial vehicle licences
Standard Licence
To drive a commercial vehicle in the UK that weighs less than 3500kg you need a standard driving licence (this includes Provisional, European and International licences provided the relevant limitations are followed).
C1 Licence
If you drive a pickup truck or van which weighs more than 3500kg but less than 7500kg you'll need a C1 licence for which you'll need to take another test. There are exceptions to this however where you can drive a large goods vehicle on a car licence, visit the directgov website for full details of the exceptions.
C Licence
If you wish to drive a vehicle which is heavier than 7500kg you will need to obtain a C licence for which you will have to pass another test for.
Photocard Licence Expiry
Something that may be worth checking about your driving licence is when it expires. Many people are unaware that after the ten years your driving licence automatically expires. The renewal of your licence is £17.50 but failure to do so can lead to a large fine. You can find out how to re-new your licence at directgov.
Sources:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/LearnerAndNewDrivers/LearningToDriveOrRide/DG_4022661
http://www.topnotchtraining.co.uk/prolaw.html