Can I drive in the UK with a foreign license?

🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Updated 7 Jun 2026

Direct answer

Yes, in most cases. The UK lets visitors drive for up to 12 months on a full, valid foreign license — no International Driving Permit required for most countries. The main exception is licenses not issued in English: rental companies and some situations may call for an IDP or an English translation alongside the license.

At a glance

IDP required?: No for most visitors — home license valid 12 months
Non-English licenses: IDP or English translation may be needed (rental policy)
IDP convention: 1949 Geneva
Driving side: Left — factor it into your first day
Residents: Exchange or UK test after the 12-month window

Trip decision path

Turn this guide into a clean travel plan

Use the guide as context, then confirm your exact license, destination, dates, and vehicle before buying anything.

1 authority source

1 · Verify the rule

United Kingdom destination prefilled; choose your license country.

2 · Use an authorized IDP route

If the checker says an IDP is required, get it from your license country's authorized issuer. We do not sell IDPs.

3 · Add a translation companion

Use the translation pack when rental desks, insurers, or checkpoints need to read your license. It is not a permit.

The UK is the easy case — and sellers won't tell you

If a website is trying to sell you an 'international driving permit package for the UK', know this first: most visitors don't need one. GOV.UK's own guidance lets holders of full, valid foreign licenses drive any small vehicle for 12 months from entry. US, EU, Australian, Canadian and most other license holders can rent and drive with just their license and passport.

When documentation genuinely matters

The practical friction point is the rental counter, not the police. UK rental companies must read your license to verify categories and validity — if it's in Japanese, Arabic, Thai or another non-English script, company policy typically requires an IDP or an English translation companion. That's a comprehension requirement, not a legal permit requirement.

Insurance and incidents

After an accident, insurers and police need to establish you were licensed for the vehicle class. A non-English license slows that down precisely when speed matters. An honest English translation of your license — labeled as a translation — keeps claims moving. It does not replace an IDP where one is needed; in the UK, for most visitors, neither is.

What to prepare

Full, valid home license (physical)
Passport
IDP or English translation if your license is not in English (check your rental company's policy)
Confidence driving on the left
Run the free requirement check for your license country

Check your exact route

Starts with this guide's destination already filled in.

Need your license translated?

Clearly-labeled translation companion — never a fake permit.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an IDP to rent a car in the UK with a US license?

No. US licenses are in English and accepted directly by UK rental companies for visits up to 12 months. Save the IDP fee for destinations that actually require one.

My license is not in English — what do UK rental desks want?

Policies vary by company, but a 1949-convention IDP from your country's authorized issuer or an English translation of your license is the standard ask. Check the rental terms before booking.

How long can I drive in the UK as a visitor?

12 months from your last entry on a full, valid foreign license. After that, residents need to exchange their license (designated countries) or pass the UK test.

Government and authority sources

GOV.UK — driving in Great Britain on a non-GB licence

Also see our authorized issuer guidance for where to get a real IDP when your trip requires one.

Requirements vary by country. Carry your translation together with your original driving licence and passport; some countries require an official IDP issued by an authorised body in your country of licence. Information provided is general guidance. Always check local regulations for your destination.