Driving in the UK on a South Asian Licence — India, Pakistan & Bangladesh

6 min read May 2026Pravasi Editorial

India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh are not on the DVLA exchange list — which means South Asian drivers cannot simply swap their licence for a UK one. You must take the full theory and practical test after 12 months of residency. Here is exactly what to do.

The 12-month rule — what you can do when you first arrive

When you first arrive in the UK as a new resident, you can drive on your overseas licence — whether from India, Pakistan, or Bangladesh — for up to 12 months. After 12 months of becoming a UK resident, you must hold a valid UK driving licence to drive legally. Driving on a foreign licence beyond this point is illegal and can result in a fine, points on your record, and problems with your car insurance.

Can South Asian drivers exchange their licence without taking a test?

No — not in 2026. The DVLA maintains a list of designated countries whose licences can be exchanged for a UK licence without retaking the driving test. This list includes Australia, Canada, Japan, Singapore, South Africa, UAE, and around 20 other countries. India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh are not on this list. This is one of the most common misconceptions among South Asian new arrivals. Drivers from all three countries must pass the full UK theory test and practical driving test to obtain a UK licence.

Step 1: Get your provisional licence

Apply for a UK provisional driving licence at gov.uk/apply-first-provisional-driving-licence. You will need your passport and a UK address. The application can be done online and costs £34. Your provisional licence will arrive by post within about a week. Until you have this, you cannot legally take UK driving lessons or book tests.

Step 2: Pass the theory test

Book your theory test at gov.uk/book-theory-test. The fee is £23. The test has two parts: 50 multiple choice questions about the Highway Code (you need 43 out of 50 to pass) and a hazard perception video test (you click when you see a hazard developing). Most people find the hazard perception test the most challenging part if they are not used to UK road conditions. Recommended study resources: the official DVSA Highway Code app, Theory Test Pro, and the DVSA revision question bank. You can book the test at a local test centre and retake it if you fail.

Step 3: Take driving lessons and book your practical test

You do not legally need to take professional lessons, but most people from India, Pakistan, or Bangladesh benefit from at least 10 to 15 hours of UK lessons to adjust to driving on the left, UK road markings, roundabouts, and the style of driving expected in the practical test. Find an approved driving instructor (ADI) — check they are on the DVSA register. Book your practical driving test at gov.uk/book-driving-test. The test costs £62 on weekdays or £75 on evenings and weekends.

Can I drive on my overseas licence while learning?

Yes — within your 12-month window, you can drive on your overseas licence as long as you are supervised by a qualified driver (someone who is 21 or over, holds a full UK licence, and has held it for at least 3 years). You must display L plates when driving with a supervisor. Once your 12 months are up, you can only drive legally if you have passed your UK practical test — even if you have an appointment booked.

Car insurance — getting a fair price

UK insurers often do not recognise your years of overseas driving experience, which means higher initial premiums even if you have driven safely for 10 years in India. Use comparison sites — Compare The Market, GoCompare, and MoneySuperMarket — to find the best deal. Some specialist insurers including Elephant Auto and Adrian Flux are known for fairer pricing for drivers with overseas experience. A black box (telematics) policy can reduce costs for safe drivers significantly in the first year.

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