Guidance

Driving after Brexit for UK licence holders living in the EU

You must exchange your UK driving licence before Brexit and retest your vehicle in the EU country you live in.

• From: Department for Transport
• Published: 12 August 2019

This guidance was withdrawn on 29 January 2020

This page is out of date. It told you how to prepare for a no-deal Brexit.

After 31 January 2020 there will be a transition period until the end of 2020, while the UK and EU negotiate additional arrangements.

The current rules on driving licence exchange will continue to apply during the transition period.

For current information, read:

• Driving if you move abroad
• Driving in the EU from 1 January 2021: UK licence holders living in the EU

UK and EU driving licences

You must exchange your UK driving licence for a local EU licence to drive legally in the country you live in. You must do this before the UK leaves the EU.

Exchange your licence as early as you can because your application may take longer than usual to process.

Check what will happen to the licence exchange arrangement in each EU and EEA country after a no-deal Brexit.

You will still be able to drive on your EU licence when visiting the UK.

Vehicle safety and roadworthiness (MOT)

Your UK MOT test certificate will not be recognised in the EU after Brexit.

You must have your vehicle retested in the EU country you live in.

Rules for driving in EU countries

You must check the rules for driving and living in different EU countries and follow any local laws.

Published 12 August 2019