Step-by-step guide to swapping your overseas driving licence for a full UK driving licence - explained clearly.
£43DVLA application fee
3 weeksTypical processing time
1 yearTime allowed to drive on foreign licence
FreeTheory test exempt (some countries)
Where is your licence from?
🇳🇬
Nigeria
Must take theory & practical test
🇬🇭
Ghana
Must take theory & practical test
🇰🇪
Kenya
Must take theory & practical test
🇿🇼
Zimbabwe
Must take theory & practical test
🇵🇭
Philippines
Must take theory & practical test
🇮🇳
India
Must take theory & practical test
🇦🇺
Australia
✅ Direct swap - no tests needed
🇪🇺
EU countries
✅ Direct swap - no tests needed
Steps for overseas licence holders
Nigeria is not on the UK's designated country list - this means you cannot swap your licence directly. You must pass the UK theory and practical driving tests. You can drive on your overseas licence for up to 12 months after becoming a UK resident.
1
Get a provisional UK driving licence
Apply online at gov.uk/apply-first-provisional-driving-licence. You need your biometric residence permit (BRP) or share code. Cost: £34 online. You can apply immediately after arriving in the UK.
2
Book and pass the theory test
Book at gov.uk/book-theory-test. Cost: £23. The test has 50 multiple choice questions (you need 43/50 to pass) plus a hazard perception test. Study using the official Highway Code and DVSA theory test app.
3
Take driving lessons (recommended)
Even if you've been driving for years, UK driving has specific rules (roundabouts, give way rules, motorway driving) that differ from outside the UK. Most people need 20–40 hours of lessons. Cost: £30–£40 per hour.
4
Book and pass the practical test
Book at gov.uk/book-driving-test. Cost: £62 (weekday) or £75 (evening/weekend). The test lasts about 40 minutes. You'll be asked to complete independent driving and an emergency stop.
5
Receive your full UK driving licence
Once you pass, your examiner gives you a pass certificate. Your full UK driving licence arrives by post within 3 weeks. You can drive immediately using your pass certificate.
Information is for general guidance only. Always check gov.uk for the latest requirements as rules may change. VisaPath Pro is not affiliated with DVLA.