§ Baroness Masham of Ilton asked Her Majesty's Government:
§ Whether foreign nationals from countries which are not considered "designated countries" by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency who have resided in the United Kingdom for more than one year (discounting periods overseas) are permitted to drive in the United Kingdom without passing a United Kingdom driving test. [HL3505]
§ Lord Davies of Oldham:New residents who hold valid driving licences issued in countries which are not designated in British law for licence exchange purposes must pass a British driving test in order to be able to drive beyond their first 12 months of residence here. The concessionary 12-month period during which they may drive on their valid national licence begins on the date on which they become resident and includes periods they spend overseas.
New residents who hold licences issued in designated countries may also drive for 12 months from the date they became resident but may exchange their licences for the British equivalent without having to pass a further driving test.
Visitors to this country with licences issued in non-European Community/European Economic Area countries may drive here for 12 months from the date they last entered the UK, provided their licence remains valid. After 12 months they must stop driving, and they are unable to take a British driving test. This is because British driving licences may only be issued to residents of Great Britain.