How to Get Driving Licence for International Students in UK – Are you one of the students fed up with public transport to get to your university or any other place with your friends? Then, we have a solution for you to get driving licence for International Students in UK. Especially international students planning to start their study in UK this Summer Intake 2024 and simultaneously get a driving licence. Let’s get started with the question of how to get driving licence for International Students in UK.

Students can travel to school or other locations in the city on foot or by bicycle thanks to the UK’s extensive public transportation system. Having your car is a blessing because it allows you to travel conveniently and efficiently. Many students will eventually require a UK driver’s licence, even though many have a UK driver’s licence registered in their home country. Note that driving a vehicle in the UK without a valid UK driver’s licence or with a licence that has expired is illegal and will result in your insurance being cancelled. To assist you, we have provided information on the prerequisites, procedure, test-taking strategies, and other aspects how to get UK driving licence for international students.

Requirements for How to Driving Licence for International Student in UK 

How do you obtain a driver’s licence in the UK? First, you learned the prerequisites for obtaining a driving licence in the United Kingdom. Despite the need to adhere to certain laws and guidelines, driving in the UK is not as complicated as the numerous formalities suggest. The following things are required for unrestricted driving in the United Kingdom:

1. A valid, up-to-date driving licence from the UK
2. Coverage by insurance
3. The owner’s registration must be on the used car.
4. The used car needs to be updated on its road tax.

It is illegal to drive in the UK without a valid driver’s licence or to use an invalid licence while driving, and doing so may result in your auto insurance being cancelled.

The legal prerequisites for international students to obtain a driving licence in the UK are as follows:

1. One needs to be older than seventeen.
2. A licence plate ought to be readable at a distance of twenty meters.
3. Proof that the applicant has resided there for six months out of the past year should be presented.

As long as their home country’s driving licence is valid and accepted by the UK, international driving permits or valid driving licences from home countries are usually acceptable for use by students studying there.

Recognition of UK Driving Licences

Be aware that the following countries’ driving licences are accepted in the UK before applying for a driving licence as an international student:

1. Australia
2. Andorra
3. Faroe Islands
4. Bahamas
5. Switzerland
6. Canada
7. Islands of Falkland
8. Hong Kong 
9. Japan 
10. Monaco
11. Singapore
12. New Zealand
13. Korea Republic
14. Africa
15. The Virgin Islands in the British Virgin Islands
16. Zimbabwe

Even if you already have a valid driver’s licence from your home country, you can still apply for a provisional licence if you’ve been in the UK for at least six months. 

How can I apply in UK for a provisional driving licence?

You must apply for a provisional driving licence before obtaining a driving licence in the United Kingdom. Fortunately, obtaining one is not difficult at all. To get your UK driving licence, simply visit the gov.uk website, complete the application, and you’ll be on your way. To avoid fines, always drive with your provisional UK driver’s licence on you.

1. Application Fee: Fill out the online form and make payment of the application fee.
2. Age requirements: for a moped, at least 15 years and 9 months, and a car, at least 17 years.
3. Exchange: If you’re an international student, determine whether your licence is valid in the UK and consider getting a new one.

Document needed for a driver’s licence in the UK

Applying for a temporary UK driving licence is the first step toward driving a car in the country for international students. The application procedure is quick and easy and needs to be done via the DVLA website. Applying online for a provisional driving licence costs £34, and multiple ways to pay are available on the website. The paperwork that foreign students must provide to obtain a driving licence in the UK is listed below:

1. Provide your name, address, nationality, date of birth, phone number, and information about any disabilities.
2. Provider ID: a passport-sized photo, national identity card, or passport.
3. Place of Residence: The person must have spent the previous three years in the United Kingdom.

Although optional, the National Insurance Number is an extra step that facilitates ID verification. Applicants for a UK driving licence must mail their passport-sized photo, identification papers, and a return envelope to the DVLA office unless they hold a British passport.

Getting a licence in the UK: A step-by-step guide

For many, obtaining a UK driver’s licence is a means of escape and an essential step toward independence by traveling around without hindrance. Obtaining a driving licence for a car or bike in the UK can be a laborious process, but it is possible to succeed with the correct help and planning. Five steps in obtaining a driving licence in the United Kingdom include requirements, tests, and associated costs. 

Step 1: You must be at least 17 and have a provisional UK driver’s licence

1. One student must confirm you are at least 17.
2. You have up to three months before your 17th birthday to apply for a provisional licence in the UK. 
3. You can begin driving with a provisional licence, but in the UK, you must always drive with a licenced and experienced driver.

Step 2: Finish an obligatory basic training course (CBT) Of course

1. Completing a CBT course is a prerequisite for taking your bike practical test. 
2. CBT is a one-day course that covers the fundamentals of riding a motorcycle or moped, such as road awareness and safety. 
3. All new motorcyclists and moped riders must complete the CBT course in order to sit for the theory and practical exams and, eventually, obtain a UK driver’s licence! 

Step 3: Complete the theory test for a UK driver’s licence

1. The next step in the process is the theory test, which covers road safety and the Highway Code. 
2. The test has a hazard perception section and a multiple-choice section. The Highway Code is tested in the multiple-choice portion, and your ability to recognise and react to possible road hazards is tested in the hazard perception section.

Step 4: Complete the practical test for a UK driver’s licence

In the UK, Operating a Vehicle

1. Actual Exam Dissection

The road test and the “show me, tell me” portion are split into two sections. Show that you are knowledgeable about routine car maintenance and safety inspections in the “Show Me, Tell Me” section.‍

2. Evaluation of the Road Test

Determine your proficiency with traffic signs and signals, secure vehicle control, and safe driving.

In the UK, Riding a Bike

1. Components of the Practical Test: consists of an off-road test to gauge control of a motorcycle or moped and an on-road ride to gauge riding proficiency.
2. Off-Road Test: Assesses motorbike or moped control.
3. Road Ride Evaluation: Evaluate one’s ability to ride a vehicle while maintaining a safe following of traffic signs, signals, and control of the vehicle.

Step 5: Obtain a complete driving licence in the UK

You will receive your full driving licence upon passing the written and practical examinations. This UK licence must be renewed every ten years and is valid for ten years. Remember that the requirements for obtaining a UK driving licence vary depending on the type of vehicle you wish to operate. Obtaining a licence for a motorbike or moped follows a different route if you’re interested in buying a car.

In the UK, there are differences in the cost of obtaining a bike or car licence. It depends on various factors, such as the kind of car you wish to drive and the number of lessons you require. 

It costs £23 for cars and £23 for bikes to take the theory test. For cars, the practical test costs £62, and for bikes, it costs £15.50. The cost of your driving lessons may also vary depending on your location and the instructor you choose.

Tests for a Driver’s Licence in the UK 

An international student’s UK driving licence exam consists of the theory and the practical.

1. The Code of Highways 
2. Recognize traffic signs 
3. Driving: The Crucial Competencies 

To pass the theory test, you must thoroughly read these three publications. Enrolling in practice exams is the simplest way to get ready for them as it can aid in understanding and familiarization with the format of the test. You can get them at the local bookshop. Following your preparation, you can schedule an appointment via the DVLA website. Booking requires the information from your provisional driver’s licence and payment of £23 in addition to other requirements.

This is the practical test. Individuals who fulfil the requirements stated on the DVLA website may elect to take driving lessons from a friend or family member. A driving instructor certified by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (VSA) is another option available to them. The vehicle used for educational purposes needs to be insured and have two Ls—one on the front and one on the back. Finally, a person can schedule the test, select a location, and book a time slot online after providing their information and the instructor’s. The details of the practical test procedure for obtaining a UK driver’s licence for international students will be provided upon payment of £62.

How do you get ready for the hands-on exam?

Learning to drive requires supervision, so you have two chances to become an expert driver before test day. You can study with a friend or family member as long as they meet the requirements listed below:

1. You are older than twenty-one.
2. The type of vehicle you wish to learn to drive is one for which you have a licence.
3. You’ve had a driving permit from the European Economic Area that is valid for over three years. However, using this option to drive on a highway is not possible.

The second option is to use a driving instructor certified by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). 

You can practice driving on highways with it. Whichever route you choose, you must ensure that a learner’s insurance policy covers the car you use for practice. Ensure your car has two red “Learner” bumper stickers on the front and back to let other drivers know you’re still learning.

The penultimate step will be the practical driving exam, which you can schedule online once you’ve given your instructor and your information. Once the test date, time, and location have been determined, you must pay £62. You will receive an email with instructions on the specifics of the test. You will not be allowed to take the test if you do not have your theory exam results and provisional licence.

UK Requirements for Auto Insurance

It is against the law to drive in the UK without auto insurance. Three different kinds of auto insurance are available in the nation: comprehensive, fire and theft, and third-party. You must submit information about your driving record and vehicle when you apply for auto insurance.

1. Third-party auto insurance: This type of insurance covers other people’s injuries and property damage if you cause an accident. It is the bare minimum required by law. 
2. Third-party Fire and Theft Insurance: It provides the same coverage as third-party insurance and insures against theft and fire damage to cars. 
3. Comprehensive Insurance: This more comprehensive insurance includes coverage for vehicle damage and everything that standard auto insurance does.

It is essential to compare prices from several suppliers to get the best offer. It’s important to remember that different policies may have different extra amounts that you must pay toward a claim. Once you’ve chosen the appropriate policy, be sure to maintain your insurance documentation current and secure because driving without insurance may result in you having to pay a fine. It even revokes your driving privileges and earns you points on your licence. Thus, ensure you have the appropriate insurance before you hit the open road.

Are you willing to study abroad?

So, we have discussed in the article how to get driving licence for International Students in UK. At Securemyscholarship, we focus on making education accessible and affordable with exclusive and guaranteed scholarships for everyone. Contact our admission counsellors who can guide you to get your seat in your dream university.