§ Mr. JenkinsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the rules and restrictions governing the use of non-UK driving licences in the United Kingdom. [93338]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonLicences issued by members of the European Economic Area (the EU plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway), other than those restricted to use within the member state issuing them, are subject to indefinite mutual recognition. The holder may use such a licence in the UK subject to the driving licence regulations but otherwise without restriction. There is no requirement to exchange the licence, except where there is a material change in entitlement.
Licences to drive vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes (cars and small vans) issued by the countries or territories which have been designated by order for recognition may be used for up to one year. After that the holder must exchange the licence for a British equivalent in order to continue driving. Countries designated for this purpose are: Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Republic of Cyprus, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Hong Kong, Isle of Man, Japan, Jersey, Kenya, Malta, New Zealand, Singapore, Republic of South Africa, Switzerland, Zimbabwe.
Holders of licences to drive larger vehicles from designated countries may only use such licences to drive vehicles which have been temporarily imported, but they must pass a British driving test for the category of licence if they wish to drive such vehicles permanently in the UK. This restriction on the driving of larger vehicles (whether lorry or passenger carrying) also applies to licences issued by non-designated countries.
Licences to drive vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes issued by non-designated countries may be used in the UK for up to one year continuously. The holder of such a licence who has been driving in the UK continuously for one year must obtain a British licence by taking a driving test in order to continue driving beyond that period.