UK Driving Guide for Newcomers: Licence, Insurance, MOT, Road Tax, and Safety Rules

International Driving Permit (IDP)

If you hold an International Driving Permit, you can drive in the UK for up to 12 months from your arrival date (1). If your licence was issued by a country that signed the 1949 Geneva Convention, you may drive for one year without converting it. However, rental companies and police may request an English translation, so carrying an IDP alongside your original licence is strongly recommended.If you plan to stay in the UK for more than two years, you are generally required to convert your licence to a UK driving licence.

Documents Required to Exchange Your Licence

If your licence was issued by a designated country, you may exchange it for a UK licence without taking a theory or practical test (2). Required documents include:

• D1 application form: Available at post offices. Online ordering only.

• Valid passport or ID: Must prove your UK residency status (e.g. visa, UKVI share code).

• Original driving licence: Must be from a designated country.

• Passport-style photo: White background, recent.

• Fee: Approximately £43, payable by cheque or postal order.

• Additional translation: For some countries (e.g. Japan, South Korea), an official English translation or certificate may be required (3).

Car Insurance

Driving without insurance is illegal in the UK.At minimum, you must have Third Party Insurance (covers injury and damage to others), but most drivers opt for Comprehensive Insurance for broader protection.

• Premiums vary by age, accident history, vehicle type, and postcode.

• Comparison websites are useful for finding the best rates.

• Japanese drivers often choose Motorichiban, a Japanese-friendly insurer offering support in Japanese.

Vehicle Inspection (MOT)

Vehicles over 3 years old must undergo an annual MOT test (Ministry of Transport) to ensure safety and emissions compliance.

• When buying a used car, check its MOT history: Check MOT history – GOV.UK

• Driving without a valid MOT is illegal. Book your test before expiry.

• Major MOT providers: Kwik Fit – Book MOT Online, Halfords – MOT Test Centres

Road Tax (Vehicle Excise Duty, VED)

UK road tax is based on CO₂ emissions. Failure to pay may result in automatic fines via camera-based enforcement.

Key UK Road Rules

• Drive on the left-hand side.

• Zebra Crossing: A zebra crossing is a type of pedestrian crossing marked with black and white stripes resembling a zebra. Pedestrians are allowed to cross at any time. When approaching a zebra crossing, drivers must always check for pedestrians. If a pedestrian is present or appears to be about to cross, the driver is required to stop and wait until the pedestrian has safely crossed.

• Roundabouts:

  • Common across cities and countryside.

  • Vehicles from the right have priority. Always yield before entering.

  • Use the Mirror–Signal–Manoeuvre routine. Signal right before entering (if turning right), and signal left one exit before leaving.

  • Choose the correct lane based on your exit. Follow signs and road markings carefully.

• One-way streets and Bus Lanes:

  • Bus Lanes may be restricted by time or vehicle type. Entering illegally can result in fines.

• Taxi-only roads: Some roads are restricted to taxis and buses. Check signage carefully.

• Helpful resources: Complete Guide to UK Road Rules, The Highway Code – GOV.UK

• If unsure, consider taking lessons at a driving school. Private lessons cost around £45/hour, and cover roundabouts, Bus Lanes, and more.

Toll Roads and Urban Charges

Motorways are generally free, but urban areas may have charging zones:

• Congestion Charge: £15/day to drive in central London. Other cities are considering similar schemes. Check routes in advance: Congestion Charge – Transport for London

• ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone): Charges apply to vehicles that don’t meet emissions standards.

Parking

• Common systems include Permit Parking and Pay & Display.

• If your home lacks a private parking space, apply for Residential Parking Permission via your local City Council.

• Always check signs and road markings before parking. Violations may result in a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN). 

Examples:

• “Maximum stay 30 mins. No return within 2 hours” – You may park for 30 minutes, but cannot return for 2 hours.

• “Permit holders only Mon–Fri 8am–6pm” – Only permit holders may park during those hours.

Reference: On-street parking control signs and road markings - GOV.UK

Learner and Probationary Plates

UK drivers may display L (Learner) or P (Probationary) plates.These are optional, but help signal caution to other drivers.

Buying a Car

New cars may have long delivery times, so many opt for used cars (4).Major dealers include:

• Cazoo

• Motorpoint

• Arnold Clark

• CarShop

• Thames Cars (Japanese support)

Child Car Seats

• Required for children under 12 years old or under 135cm.

  Child car seats: the law – GOV.UK

• Available at: Mamas & Papas, Halfords etc

If You’re Involved in a Car Accident

If Injuries Are Involved

• Contact police and your insurance company.

• If anyone is injured, call 999 (ambulance) and 101 (police) immediately.

• Police will document the incident and provide a report for insurance/legal purposes.

If No Injuries Are Apparent

• If no one is visibly injured, you may not need to call the police, but must still report to your insurer.

• However, if the other party wants to involve the police, respect their wishes.

• Always:

• Exchange names, addresses, and vehicle registration numbers (legal requirement).

• Report to your insurance company, even if no claim is made.

• Take photos and collect witness contact details.

Other Important Notes

• If the other driver is uninsured, intoxicated, fleeing, or intentionally caused the crash, call the police immediately.

• You must report the accident to police within 24 hours.

• Avoid admitting fault on the spot. Stick to the facts and remain calm.

1 Driving in Great Britain on a non-GB licence - GOV.UK

2 Exchange a non-GB driving licence - GOV.UK

3 英国運転免許証への切り替え手続き | 在英国日本国大使館

4 New Car Delivery Times

Disclaimer - This article is based on information available as of August 2025. Traffic regulations, charging schemes, insurance requirements, and MOT standards may vary by region and are subject to change. Please consult official sources before making any decisions related to driving or vehicle procedures. The author accepts no responsibility for any loss or issues arising from actions taken based on the content of this article.