- Menu
-
- Help & Support
- Contact Us
- Request a Quote (Legalisation)
- About Us
Leaving so soon?
Fill in the form below we'll send you our latest blog posts as soon as they're published, so you can keep up-to-date with the legalisation and travel situation across the globe.
Driving as an expat – can I use my UK license abroad?
If you're moving overseas you may be thinking about how you're going to get around whilst you're there. Some people who live in a city are more than happy to rely on public transport, which you might find is vastly superior to services in your own country! But if you need to drive, can you use your UK license abroad?

In this article
What We’ll Cover
If you feel like you would benefit from driving, you’ll need to know how the system works. Are you able to use your existing license to get up and running, or will you need to apply for a new one? Here we look at some of the countries we serve most regularly for new expats, to give you an idea about what to expect.
DRIVING IN KUWAIT
If you’re visiting Kuwait, you’re able to drive on an International Driving Permit or a full UK license. If you are applying to become a resident of Kuwait however, you will not be allowed to use your UK license abroad in this case and must apply for a Kuwaiti one as soon as your visa is granted. This is a simple process as you can simply convert your existing license, but you must provide:
- Passport photos
- Translation of your license into Arabic
- An attested version of your UK license (this must be completed in the UK)
- Valid work and residency permit
- Valid medical examination certificate stating your blood group
This exempts you from any tests or exams to obtain your Kuwaiti license and can usually be done in an afternoon.
DRIVING IN THE UAE
Driving in the UAE is not as common for expats as the use of taxis and public transport is popular due to it being both reliable and affordable. If you do wish to obtain an Emirati license however, you must convert your UK license. To exchange your license you will need to provide:
- A valid eye examination certificate
- Your valid Emirates ID card
- Dependant on your job title, you may need to provide an No Objection Certificate from your sponsor.
- Your passport
- Passport sized photographs (take at least 8 to be sure)
To convert your license to an Emirati one, you need to be a resident with a valid visa and work permit. You will not need to translate a UK license into Arabic in the UAE. If you have all of your documents and they meet the criteria the process is a simple one and can take just 20 minutes to complete.
DRIVING IN QATAR
Expats who have residency permits can drive for up to 12 months on a UK license in Qatar with no need for any further tests. You will need to apply for an International Driving Permit however which can be done at any Post Office which offers this service. Just advise a member of staff that you with to use you UK license abroad and they will provide the form, you can use the branch finder and use the filter option to see which is your closest branch offering this service by clicking here. This is valid for your full 12 months in Qatar and you can’t apply more than 3 months before you travel and intend to use the IDP. For the Post Office to issue your document, you must present:
- A completed IDP form available here
- A passport photo, signed on the reverse by yourself
After the 12 months however, you will need to sit a driving test in Qatar, which includes a practical and a theory test. You will then be issued a full Qatari license. As driving here can be hair-raising at best, you should feel more prepared for a test here after a year of driving, or as ready as any local!
DRIVING IN CHINA
It is illegal in China to drive on any license other than Chinese. You can only apply for a Chinese license once you are a resident with a visa and you can use your existing UK license to skip the practical test. There is however a multiple choice theory test you must undertake which available in English, you must pass this before you are issued your new license. If you do pass, this will be mailed out to you. To obtain the Chinese license you must be in possession of:
- A valid medical exam certificate
- A work permit
- A valid UK license
There are companies in China that specialise in aiding foreigners get their new license, as there can be many language barriers in the process. Some even drive you to the test centre and help you through the process of form-filling, as your name will be translated for your new license.
SAUDI ARABIA
You are eligible to drive for up to 3 months on UK and selected other foreign driving licenses in Saudi Arabia. After that however you must apply for a new one. Saudi Arabia allow the direct conversion of UK licenses for an SKA version. You must hold a residency visa (Iqama) for this service however and the full list of documents required are:
- A valid residency visa (Iqama)
- A medical and eye exam certificate including your blood group (this can be done at the licensing agency)
- A translation from English to Arabic of your license
- An application form completed
- In some instances, a letter from your employer
This process can be done in one morning and you will leave with your valid license if everything is in order and you pass the medical and eye tests.
All the countries listed above drive on the right hand side of the road. It would be a good idea to make sure you are familiar with the road regulations and laws in the country you will be driving in, as these are often more strict even though the driving style is a lot more “laid back”! For example, in Gulf countries it is illegal to have any alcohol in your system at all whilst driving. Road rage and rude gestures can also be punishable with a fine and even imprisonment, so it’s important to make sure you’re prepared before you get behind the wheel.
If you need your license attesting or translating we can complete this for you. Wherever your documents were issued, we can help have them processed for you! Get in touch with our team via our live chat system, send us a text message on WhatsApp,give us a call on 0330 088 1142 or email us at sales@vitalconsular.com.
Key Takeaways
Even if you have a valid UK license, it’s important to check the requirements in your destination country before you start driving there. Some countries allow you to drive with your UK license for a period of time before you have to convert it to a domestic license, but always confirm this with the authorities beforehand to avoid any fines. If you do have to convert your license, it’s usually an easy process though you may need to have your UK document legalised to present it in the country you’re residing in. You don’t need to travel back to the UK for this however, as we can handle everything for you!
Popular Topics
Other Topics
Stay up to date...
Sign up to our monthly round-up newsletter, where we will let you know about any news, exciting new services we can offer and other information we think you'll enjoy.
UAE Suspends Good Conduct Certificate Requirement
In an about-turn from their notification earlier this year, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFA) has now issued a directive to all Embassies worldwide that from ...
Qatar National Day 2022 – 10 Qatar Facts You Didn’t Kno...
Want to know more about Qatar? We have a bunch of interesting facts you probably didn’t know, so get learning about this ever-growing state.
Saudi Labour Law Changes Gives Expats More Freedom
With major changes being implemented in the Saudi Arabian employment market over the last few years, things have got increasingly more difficult for expats living there. New changes however are ...
Did Apostille Figures Drop in 2020? – Official Statistics
Due to the travel restrictions, lockdown measures and widespread reductions in workforces across the globe for the majority of the year, you would be forgiven for assuming that the need ...
Christmas and New Year Opening Times 2020
Christmas time is almost here, so we wanted to let you know about our opening times over the festive period.
Travel updates from July 1st – Where you can travel abroad
Flights from the UK will expand in number and destinations from the beginning of July. With two of the largest European airlines resuming their flights from the 1st, as well ...
Lockdown – Has it put people off travel and relocation?
Being in lockdown has affected everyone differently. With many people working from home, some people furloughed and others still on the front line, everyone has had to adapt. As travel ...
Christmas and New Year Opening Times 2019
Christmas time is almost here, so we wanted to let you know about our opening times over the festive period.
Residence Visas for the Middle East – Signs the Freeze Has Be...
Last month, we published an article in response to many news stories which had began to circulate regarding the changes in residence visas, and how this could potentially affect expats ...
The Middle Eastern Visa Freeze – How will this affect Expats?
Over the past few years, momentum has grown towards the nationalisation of job markets across the GCC and other parts of the Middle and Far East. This is intended to ...
Neom – Saudi’s Expat Capital of the Future?
In the first quarter of 2019, Saudi Arabia’s new mega-city named Neom, or “The Red Sea Project”, commenced construction. The vision of Saudi’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, this new ...
Philippines Enters The Hague Apostille Convention
On 14th May 2019, the Philippines will become an effective member state of the Apostille Agreement, part of the Hague Convention. This will mean that for many people wishing to ...
Chinese New Year 2019 – Embassy Closures
The 5th of February 2019 marks the beginning of Chinese New Year. During this period, there will be some temporary closures of government departments, with the Chinese Embassy in London ...
Qatar Backs Draft Law for Permanent Residencies
A new law which would allow non-Qataris to apply for permanent residence has moved forward another step. The changes were first mentioned last August, but have come closer to fruition ...
Be Prepared for Delays Around Eid ul-Fitr 2018
Being prepared for the closures around Eid in June will save a lot of stress for any soon-to-be expats dealing with governmental departments, at the Embassy in either their home ...
World Museum Day – Some of the Most Unique Museums Across the...
In 1977, the International Council of Museums adopted May 18th as World Museum Day. The celebration is meant to bring focus to the hundreds of thousands of museums all over ...
Saudi Arabia Blocks Expats From 12 Work Sectors
In a series of phased changes to employment legislation starting September 2018 and running to January 2019, Saudi Arabia will prevent expats from being employed in 12 sectors. These are ...
Preparing for delays around Ramadan 2018
Currently the Holy month of Ramadan is forecast to fall between Tuesday 18th May and Thursday 14th June in 2018, although this is subject to change. One thing can be ...
UAE Suspends Good Conduct Certificate Requirement
In an about-turn from their notification earlier this year, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFA) has now issued a directive to all Embassies worldwide that from ...
Tension Between Qatar and its Neighbours Shows No Sign of Easing
On June 5th, a conglomerate of Gulf countries took unprecedented action against the State of Qatar, and ceased all diplomatic relations with the gas-rich country. This lead to the immediate ...
Vital Certificates Named As Finalist In Amazon Growing Business Awards
We are proud to announce that Vital Certificates has been named a finalist in the 2016 Amazon Growing Business Awards. Nominated within the Triumph Over Adversity category, the company demonstrated ...
Moving To Dubai From UK – 101 Insider Tips You Need To Know
As exciting as it is moving to the Middle East, it’s normal to feel a bit nervy! It’s a massive change of lifestyle. As it happens, every member of staff ...
Attesting UK documents for the UAE – all you need to know
If you dream of living in the sunshine with beaches on your doorstep, then you might be considering moving to the UAE, a place renowned for it glamorous social scene, ...
What Can Go Wrong With UAE Attestation?
Legalisation is a tricky subject – it’s easy to slip up and make a mistake. This article, the second in our Legalisation Fixers series, should help you avoid a few ...
Abu Dhabi or Dubai: which Emirate is for you when moving to the UAE...
Dubai has always been the forerunner in expat destinations in the United Arab Emirates, as well as a tourist hotspot in the GCC. However, it’s neighbour has more than enough ...
Getting A UAE Police Clearance Certificate – The Complete Guide
If you previously lived in the United Arab Emirates and have since relocated to a new country, you will likely need to provide a UAE Police Clearance Certificate for your ...
UK-Issued Islamic Marriage Certificates – Where Are They Reco...
At present, Islamic marriages are not recognised as legally binding by UK law. This is out of step with many other religious ceremonies which are recognised such as Jewish and ...
UAE Suspends Good Conduct Certificate Requirement
In an about-turn from their notification earlier this year, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFA) has now issued a directive to all Embassies worldwide that from ...
UK Birth, Marriage and Death Certificates now available in the UAE
In the UAE and don’t have access to your birth certificate? Maybe you’ve just moved to a new job and want to call your spouse over, but they’re tearing their ...
Five Great Reasons To Move to Dubai
Winter is coming. The days are getting shorter, skies are getting gloomier, and the sun’s packed up and gone south for the next 6 months. As you stare out of ...
Related Posts
Qatar Attestation: How to easily attest your documents for use in Q...
Legalising documents for use in Qatar can be a complicated process. There are so many steps and hoops you need to jump through, but don’t worry. We’ll give you a really easy solution in this blog.
Can a Distance Education Certificate be Attested for use in Qatar?
When deciding on a degree course to study, your main focus is choosing a quality provider and ensuring that the structure of study will fit in with your life. With so many adults deciding to re-train or boost their expertise ...
Qatar Accepts Islamic Marriage Certificates – Service Update
Following an update from the Qatari Embassy, we can advise that Islamic Marriage Certificates can now be legalised for use in Qatar. There may be further requirements once you reach the country, but this is a step towards making things ...