Can I get my International Driving Licence(issued in India) renewed? I am in UK.?

Question

I know I can drive for 1 year with my international one..But still not comfortable applying for the British one..So any answers or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

Answer 1

I believe the rules are that because your licence was issued outside of the European Union you cannot simply change your Indian driving licence to a British Licence.

I'm certain that you will have to pass a British driving test.

If you are stopped by the Police out side of the permitted period for your Indian driving licence you can be prosecuted for driving without a valid licence, your insurance will be invalid for the same reason and your car can be towed away by the Police.

Check with Driving Vehicle Licensing Authority, Swansea for exact rules.

Answer 2

I'm sorry but if you are not comfortable or confident enough to apply for a UK licence you should NOT be driving unsupervised - simple!  Please have a professional driving instructor assess your ability.

Answer 3

As Oklahoma says, what you have is simply a translation of your current licence. You have12 months from when you came here during which you may drive on your Indian licence.  If you wish to continue driving here beyond that time you must, during that 12 months, obtain a provisional UK licence and take and pass the tests.  If you do not do this, you must stop driving until you have.

Answer 4

Where's the harm in applying for a UK (not british) licence? The sooner you apply, the sooner you can take your test and your full licence. I personally don't think that you should be able to drive at all over here without some kind of test or training - i know I would almost certainly have a crash if i tried to drive in India!

suggestion: apply for your UK licence, when you get it, contact a driving school and have some lessons, start learning for your theory test, do NOT book your own test - as you will probably not know if you are good enough - your instructor will tell you when you are ready - after all - he/she knows what is required of you to pass your test!

Good luck

Answer 5

There is no such thing as an international driving license, there is an international driving permit, which is merely a translation of your valid license into several languages, and is to be carried with your license, it isn't a stand alone document.

With your valid license as a tourist you can drive for up to a year.  If you are a resident, you have to get a new license.