Driving in the United Kingdom: International Driving Document requirements for visitors
Start Express ApplicationThe United Kingdom accepts both 1949 Geneva Convention and 1968 Vienna Convention International Driving Documents. EU/EEA licences are valid for up to 12 months without an International Driving Document. English-language non-EU licences are also accepted without an International Driving Document for 12 months; an International Driving Document is required only if your licence is not in English. The United Kingdom drives on the left. Urban speed limit is 30 mph (20 mph in many city centers), highway up to 70 mph (motorways and dual carriageways). Blood alcohol limit is 0.05% (0.02% in Scotland).
the United Kingdom at a glance
- Permit type
- International Driving Document
- Side of road
- Left (same as Japan, Australia, India, Thailand. Overtake on the right.)
- How long it is valid
- 1 year (Geneva) or up to 3 years (Vienna)
- Minimum driving age
- 18
- Blood alcohol limit
- 0.05% (0.02% in Scotland) (Stricter in Scotland. Police recommend not drinking at all.)
- Emergency number
- 999 or 112
How to get your permit for the United Kingdom
You do the first step; a dedicated expert does the rest.
Tell us your destination
The United Kingdom + your nationality. ~30 seconds.
We confirm what you need
A 1949 Geneva or 1968 Vienna International Driving Document for the United Kingdom — picked for you, so you don't have to decide.
We handle the paperwork
Your dedicated expert checks your documents, prepares the application, and files it correctly with the authorized agency.
Review by a real person
A dedicated expert reviews your submission — not a bot.
Track every step
Live dashboard + email/SMS updates from submission until your International Driving Document is in hand.
the United Kingdom driving rules at a glance
- Side of road
- Left (same as Japan, Australia, India, Thailand. Overtake on the right.)
- Minimum driving age
- 18
- Speed limit — urban
- 30 mph (20 mph in many city centers)
- Speed limit — rural
- 60 mph
- Speed limit — highway
- 70 mph (motorways and dual carriageways)
- Blood alcohol limit
- 0.05% (0.02% in Scotland) (Stricter in Scotland. Police recommend not drinking at all.)
- Seatbelts
- Mandatory for all passengers
- Helmet
- Mandatory for motorcycle riders
- Mobile phone
- Hands-free only
- Emergency number
- 999 or 112
Documents required to drive in the United Kingdom
What police and rental counters expect you to carry, every time you drive.
- Valid foreign driving licenceMust be valid and cover the vehicle class
- International Driving Document(only if it applies to you)Required if licence is not in English
- PassportRequired for identification at all times
- Vehicle registration documentsProvided by rental company
- Insurance certificateThird-party liability mandatory
When you need a permit in the United Kingdom
How the requirement plays out, case by case.
EU/EEA licence holder
No — Valid for duration of visit
Non-EU English-language licence holder
No — Accepted for up to 12 months
Licence not in English
Yes — Needed as translation
Frequently asked questions
Driving in the United Kingdom with a foreign licence, answered.
More for your the United Kingdom trip
How we reviewed this page
Last verified Reviewed by Expedify Compliance Review
About this service
Expedify is a private application-assistance service, not a government agency or an authorised issuer. International Driving Documents are issued by the authorised body in your licence country; our agency fee covers preparation, review, and tracking of your application, and is separate from the issuer's own fee. The information on this page is general guidance, not legal advice — acceptance rules are set by each destination country and can change. Always confirm requirements with the official issuer or the authorities of the country you're visiting.