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Original poster

Anyone know about car insurance? Non UK driving license

17 replies

AdoraBell · 13/08/2015 20:55

Recently moved back to the UK and don't yet have a UK driving license.

Do you think I'll get insurance to drive on my foreign license? DVLA says I can for 12 month's but insurers for DH's car want me to get a UK license first.

TIA

OP posts:
Original poster
AdoraBell · 13/08/2015 20:56

Hmm apologies for rogue apostrophe Blush

OP posts:
cdtaylornats · 14/08/2015 08:27

You might find an answer on the UKYankee board - they have a lot of info and experience of this sort of thing

NotCitrus · 14/08/2015 08:31

What country? Usually the answer is you can for a year but it'll cost you and you may need a car insurance broker.
EU licences can I think be swapped for a UK one without a test; Americans have to take a test.

Maltesermom · 14/08/2015 08:40

I have a German licence and have never changed it, been in the UK for 10 years. I am also British (haven't a clue if that makes a difference) . I have always ticked the European box when asked what licence i have for insurance x

Original poster
AdoraBell · 14/08/2015 10:31

Thank you.

My license is from Chile, it can't be converted like EU licenses. I'll see how if I get insurance then. Obviously I am not going to bow to pressure from ILs drive without proper insurance.

OP posts:
Blushingm · 16/08/2015 17:34

You're only allowed to drive on a foreign license for a year before you've got to exchange it. Some insurers will accept them depending on which country they are from

Nolim · 16/08/2015 18:53

Op you can drive with your foreign license for a year. You will have to wait something like 6m before being able to apply for a uk lincese. The practical test is hard.

I do t know about insurance with your existing license but be prepared to pay a lot once you get your uk one.

Original poster
AdoraBell · 16/08/2015 23:36

Is the practical test much harder than 25 years ago? I was due to take my test here then but didn't do it. Kicking myself now of course.

DH got insurance through a broker and they won't add me on without a UK license.

We've moved to an area with lot's in walking distance so I'm not under pressure.

OP posts:
Nolim · 17/08/2015 06:40

I dont know about the test 25 years ago but i have 2 foreign licenses passed on the first attempt, while the uk one took me 4 attempts.

WidowWadman · 17/08/2015 06:45

It doesn't need exchanging. I've been driving and insuring my car, as well as hiring cars and having a company on my German license for 10 years now. I didn't even exchange it when I changed my name at marriage. You can drive on a German licence until you're 70, just like any other EU license without the need to exchange

Blueberrybaby · 17/08/2015 07:14

But the OP doesn't have an EU license. Her's is from Chile and so is only valid for 1 year until she must exchange. Unfortunately for the OP her license is not from a 'designated' country I.e Canada, USA, etc because if it were she would be able to do a a straight forward exchange without having to sit a test. Sorry OP! if it helps my DH had a Canadian licence and we got insurance from Aviva who accepted his foreign license - I don't know whether the fact that his license was from a designated driver made a difference or not. You normally have a grace period with insurance and you can cancel- I'd go back to the broker and ask them to find an insurer who will cover you as you are and in the meantime pass your UK test.

Maltesermom · 17/08/2015 08:29

I dont think i have to change my licence as it is EU?

Original poster
AdoraBell · 17/08/2015 11:02

Thanks again. Blueberry yes, it is because my license isn't from a country on the DVLA's approved list.

OP posts:
GoodbyeToAllOfThat · 17/08/2015 11:10

You can get insurance for your year's provision on your foreign license, sure - it will just be more expensive. I drove on my US license when I first arrived in the UK, my employer paid my insurance though so I don't have any idea of the cost.

You'd probably be better off insuring yourself for the year you drive on your Chilean license (as opposed to waiting until you're a UK driver); this way, your insurance under your future UK license will at least have a link back to your old Chilean record. If you enter into the insurance system with a brand-new UK license, they will treat you as a new driver and your premiums will reflect that.

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