Can you drive in the UK with an EU licence

15th January 2026

Generally speaking, how long you can drive, which vehicles you’re allowed behind the wheel of, and what insurance you need all depend on whether you’re visiting or actually living in the UK.

And just to be clear: even with a valid licence, driving without insurance is still illegal, so it’s important to get covered appropriately.

Can you drive in the UK with an EU licence?

First things first, is an EU driving licence valid in the UK? Yes, if you hold a full, valid EU licence, you can legally drive your own car, a rental, or someone else’s car. With insurance, of course. So, the UK’s roads might be busy, and the roundabouts can be... a lot. But the paperwork side is actually quite welcoming for EU licence holders driving in the UK.

But the rules aren’t exactly the same for everyone. There’s a bit of a shift depending on whether you’re a short-term visitor or a UK resident. Visitors have more flexibility, but if you’re living here, there are timelines and conditions to know about.

Who this applies to: Visitors vs UK residents

There’s a clear distinction between those who pay a short-term visit to the UK and those who settle down here and become residents.

If you’re here short-term, you can simply drive using your full EU licence. But if you’ve moved to the UK, let’s say for work or as a permanent move, your EU licence is only valid for a certain period of time. After that, you’ll need to exchange it for a UK licence.

How long EU licence holders can drive in the UK

So, how long can EU drivers drive in the UK? If you’re an EU licence holder, you can drive in the UK until your EU licence expires, provided:

It’s still valid
You meet UK minimum age rules
You’re driving vehicles your licence covers

This is subject to UK licence renewal requirements. And here, you need to renew your licence when you turn 70 years old. So when that happens, you’ll need to swap your EU licence for a UK one.

Again, no matter what your circumstances, you still need to have a valid insurance policy in place to cover you while driving in the UK.

What you need to drive legally in the UK with an EU licence

EU drivers visiting the UK need to understand firsthand what it takes to drive legally in the UK, especially as it isn’t just about having a driving licence. There are a few basics you need to tick off before you drive here.

Here’s a checklist - make sure you tick these all off to make sure you’re driving legally (and avoid any unwanted surprises):

Minimum age and vehicle categories - Your EU licence only covers the vehicle types shown on it. If you’re unsure, you can check the icons at the back of your licence and associated dates. If there’s no date alongside a certain icon, then you can’t drive this vehicle type. So if your licence is only valid for cars, hopping on a motorbike is a big no-no. Also, you’ll need to meet the minimum age rules in the UK, which in most cases is 17 for cars, 16 for mopeds and older for heavier vehicles.
Do you need an international driving permit? - No, you don't need an international driving permit to drive in the UK. Your standard plastic card is all the proof the police or a hire car company need.

Car insurance requirements for EU drivers in the UK

Whether you’re visiting on holiday for a few days, borrowing a mate’s car, hiring a car, or staying longer-term… you need UK insurance.

Always. It’s a legal requirement for everyone, and it will always be.

Driving uninsured is serious business. You risk fines, points, or even your car being taken away. It’s just not worth the risk. And really it’s for your protection should anything happen, so it’s important to have a good policy in place if you don't want your plans to be disrupted!

Why some UK insurance policies exclude EU licence holders

Some insurers do place restrictions on non-UK licences. Why? It’s all about risk assessment.

They look at driving history, claims data etc. If that information is harder to verify because your licence is from abroad, they may be cautious. Additionally, the lack of familiarity with UK roads means you may be viewed as a greater risk, too. It’s not personal; it’s just how insurance works.

But don’t worry, there are always insurers who will be willing to fully insure you, although it might turn out to be a little bit more expensive than if they were insuring someone who passed their driving test in the UK.

Why temporary car insurance can be a practical option

Temporary or short-term insurance can be a real lifesaver when you’re just visiting the UK short-term, borrowing a car or hiring a car. Maybe you’re only here for a week, or just want to drive a friend’s car for a day. Temporary cover keeps you legal without tying you into a full-year policy.

At MotorEasy, we provide car insurance for EU drivers in the UK, and make the whole process as easy as possible so you can hit the road as soon as you want to be driving in the UK as an EU visitor.

Get a Quote here!

FAQS about EU driving licences in the UK

Can I insure a UK car with and EU licence?

Yes, absolutely. While some "budget" insurers might say no, plenty of providers are happy to cover you. At MotorEasy, we’re all about making life easier for drivers, regardless of where they passed their test.

Can I drive someone else's car in the UK with an EU licence?

Only if you are specifically named on their insurance policy or you have your own separate cover. Don't rely on "driving other cars" insurance extensions; those are notoriously tricky and often don't apply to non-UK licences.