DVLA - Driving in UK using EU license?

[sh_parag]

Hello,

Could you please assist me by providing answers to the following questions?

1) I obtained a European driving license in 2019 by exchanging my Indian license, and it's valid until 2029. Can I use this European license to drive in the UK, or is it possible to exchange it for a UK license?

2) I've been in the UK for 6 months. Am I allowed to drive using my Indian or European driving license during the initial 52 weeks?

Thanks,

[JB007]

You cannot exchange your licence but you can drive for up to 12 months on your foreign licence.

After 12 months you’ll need to take a theory test and practical test to get a Great Britain issued driving licence.

https://www.gov.uk/exchange-foreign-driving-licence/y

[Casa]

The reason you can't exchange your EU for a UK one, is due to the fact that your original driving licence was issued in India which you then exchanged for an EU licence.

You may find insurance premiums are higher while you continue to drive with an EU licence.

[sh_parag]

Thank you for your replies, I will better start with my provisional and then theory, practical test to get a Brit driving license.

[JB007]

Thank you for your replies, I will better start with my provisional and then theory, practical test to get a Brit driving license.

It can take a while to get a Britsih diving license because of the long queue in some areas. This is a step by step guide for what you will have to do.
https://www.gov.uk/learn-to-drive-a-car

Some people take a few driving lessons with an instructor to pass the actual driving test part because we all pick up bad driving habits; we don't want to get back in that queue again if we fail.

Another reason to get a British driving license asap, is that I've read that any incidents that the police can deal with at the side of the road is not always possible if the person does not hold a British driving license. Those that can't be dealt with by the side of the road can end up in court.

[sh_parag]

Once again, thank you. I appreciate the information. Considering the time it might take to obtain a British driving license, I think, it will be good to initiate the process now rather than waiting for 52 weeks by only using the foreign license.