Posted by Welcome to our complete guide on the requirements needed to obtain a driving license in the UK as an international student. Whether you want to go on a road trip to explore the beautiful countryside or you need a convenient way to transport yourself around school, getting a driver’s license will improve your comfort. Getting a UK driving license is a great way to get independence and freedom while studying in the UK.
If you make the mistake of driving in the UK without a license or with one that is invalid, you run the risk of committing a crime that will lead to the invalidation of your car insurance. If you follow these steps carefully, you can apply for your driving license and get it done with little to no issues.
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Requirements to apply for a driving license in the UK as an international student
- To drive in the United Kingdom, you must meet the following requirements.
- You must be a UK resident with a valid residential address.
- You must be 17 years old and at least 16 for a moped.
- You require a valid passport or national ID card from your home country.
- You need valid insurance for the vehicle you will be driving.
- You must have passed a UK theory test and a UK practical driving test if you are 17 years or older.
- You must be able to read a plate number from a distance of 20.5 meters.
- You must not be disqualified from driving in the UK or any other country.
- You must have passed an eyesight test and met the required driving standard.
- You must have a valid provisional driving license from your home country (if you are from the EU/EEA country) or have applied for a UK provisional license.
- You must know that if your home country’s driving license is not in English, you must have an official translation or an International Driving Permit (IDP) to accompany it.
The cost of getting a driving license in the UK
The cost of obtaining a driving license in the UK will vary. This will depend on several factors, including the type of license you are applying for, the number of lessons you intend to take, and the cost of the practical and theory tests.
Find some approximate costs for obtaining a driving license in the UK
Provisional driving license: £34 if you apply online or £43 by post.
Theory test: £23
Practical test: £62 on weekdays and £75 on evenings, weekends, and bank holidays.
Driving lessons: The cost of driving lessons varies depending on location and the instructor you choose, but on average, it can cost £25-£30 per hour.
Additionally, suppose you are an international student, and your driving license is not in English. In that case, you will need to pay for an official translation or an International Driving Permit (IDP), which can cost around £5.50 for an IDP.
It is worth noting that these prices are subject to change, and you may have to pay additional fees for re-taking any tests. Therefore, the total cost of getting a driving license in the UK can be around £1000-£1500, but it can be more or less depending on how many lessons you take, how many times you retake the test, and other factors.
How long does it take to get a UK driving license?
The time it takes to get a UK driving license depends on many factors, including your prior driving experience, the number of lessons you need to take, and how quickly you pass the theory and practical tests.
Getting a UK driving license can typically take around 3-6 months. This includes the time to study for and pass the theory test, take and pass the practical test, and complete any necessary driving lessons.
Find below a general breakdown of the timeline:
Applying for a provisional driving license:
This takes up to 3 weeks but can be done online faster.
Studying and passing the theory test:
Depending on your study habits and knowledge of the material, this can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.
Practical test:
Once you pass the theory test, you can book your practical test. The waiting time for a practical test can vary from a few weeks to several to several months. This will depend on location and availability.
Completing the necessary driving lessons:
The number of lessons required will depend on your experience level and confidence behind the wheel. This can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.
Note that these time estimates are approximations. Some people take longer, and others take a shorter time to complete the process. Additionally, if you fail any tests, you need to retake them, adding to the time it takes to get your license.
How do you apply for a provisional license for international students in the UK?
Following these steps, international students in the United Kingdom can apply for a provisional driving license.
To apply for a driving license through the DVLA website, you must fulfill the requirements listed below.
- Obtain a valid passport or national ID card
- Complete a DL1 application form. This can be obtained from the DVLA or a Post Office.
- Provide proof of your address, such as a utility bill or bank statement.
- Provide proof of your identity, such as a valid passport or national identity card.
- Provide proof of your migration status, such as a valid Tier 4 student visa.
- Pass the theory test/ you can book through the DVSA.
- Pass the practical test, which can be booked through the DVSA.
- Pay the necessary fee.
Note that you should be at least 17 years old to apply for a provisional driving license in the UK, and you will need to pass both the theory and practical tests before you can begin driving on the road.
Can you get a driver’s license on a student visa?
Yes, International students in the UK can get a driver’s license while using a student visa. However, there are specific requirements that you must meet to be eligible for a license.
- You must have valid immigration status, such as a Tier 4 student visa.
- You must pass both the theory and practical driving tests.
- You must be able to proof of identity and address in the UK.
- You must be 17 years of age to apply.
Note that the application process is the same for international students and UK residents. However, an international student may face additional challenges. Such as language barriers and difficulty obtaining the required documents. You may face issues if your visa expires while getting your driving license.
Can a non-UK resident get a UK driving license?
Yes, non-UK residents can get a UK driving license, but specific requirements must be met. It is the same as the list in the first subheading of this article. It’s important to note that if you pass your driving test and get a UK driving license, it will only be valid as long as you have a legal right to reside in the UK. If your visa or immigration status expires or is no longer valid, your driving license will also become invalid.
Also, if you are a non-UK resident and are planning to stay in the UK for less than 12 months, you may be able to drive using your foreign driving license. However, you should check with the UK government website or your local embassy to find the specific rules that apply to you.
Which country’s driving license is valid in the UK?
You can drive in the United Kingdom for up to one year if you have a license from one of the countries on the list. These countries are:
- Andorra
- Australia
- Barbados
- British Virgin Islands
- Canada
- Cayman Islands
- Falkland Islands
- Faroe Islands
- Hong Kong
- Japan
- Monaco
- New Zealand
- Republic of Korea
- Republic of North Macedonia
- Singapore
- South Africa
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- Ukraine
- United Arab Emirates
- Zimbabwe
To continue driving after twelve months, you must exchange your license. You can obtain a new license to continue driving. If it hasn’t expired, you can exchange it up to five years after becoming a UK resident without having to retake your driving tests.
The same rules apply to international students with driver’s licenses issued in Jersey, Guernsey, Gibraltar, and the Isle of Man.
Conclusion
Obtaining a driving license in the UK as an international student can be challenging but rewarding. By understanding the requirements and following the steps outlined in this guide, you will be well on hitting the open road and exploring all the UK has to offer. Remember always to drive safely and stay up-to-date with the latest driving laws and regulations to ensure that you can enjoy the benefits of having a UK driving license for years to come.
