Driving in GB on a foreign licence

For advice on driving in Great Britain on a licence issued in another country, why not use the interactive tool provided on the Directgov website?

Remember, RIVAL Insurance has additional rules in place for its scheme, including age and endorsement requirements, and these can be found on our standard Qualification Rules (UK), Qualification Rules (Eire) and Minibus & Large MPV Additional Rules sheets.

Use the DVLA 'Driving in GB' interactive tool by clicking here...

To get general advice from the DVLA on Driver Licensing click here...

See also our 'International Driving Permit (IDP)' post...

Standard Qualification Rules

For our standard Qualification Rules simply view, download or print them here...

Remember, for drivers outside the above requirements you can request the appropriate authorisation code by calling our Insurance department on 0800 328 8833, or your Regional Sales Manager.

If you are having trouble viewing the Standard Qualification Rules in the above portal, you can also click on the one you need here...

Insurance Qualification Rules UK pdf

Insurance Qualification Rules Eire pdf

Minibus & Large MPV Additional Rules pdf

Minibus & Large MPV Rules

For the updated additional qualification rules for minibuses and large MPV's please click on the link below.

For vehicles over 9 seats and up to 17 seats (including the driver) we require the D1 licence category or better (UK and EEC). We are aware of the one exemption to this rule as advised by the DVLA, but in accordance with the expectations of our third-party underwriter we do not insure hirers to drive vehicles over 9 seats (including the driver) that do not have the D1 licence category or better. Foreign (other than EEC) licence holders are not insured to drive vehicles over 9 seats (including the driver).

Licensees are able to request authorisation codes where the renter does not meet all of the requirements of our cover, and these can be obtained by calling either your Regional Sales Manager or the Insurance Department on 0800 328 8833.

Minibus & Large MPV Additional Rules pdf

To visit the DVLA 'Driving a Minibus' pages click here...

International Driving Permit (IDP)

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is honoured in over 150 countries outside of the United States, and it is issued in a folder that explains the data entries and vehicle permissions granted.

IDPs are valid for 12 months from the date of issue. Their purpose is to allow persons travelling abroad to avoid potential problems arising from language barriers. An IDP is proof that you hold a valid driving licence in your own country, they are only a supplement to a valid licence, not a replacement, and are not valid in an individual’s country of residence. It is not always necessary to have one, since many countries recognise each other's licenses. It is intended to overcome the difficulties drivers may have while travelling in other countries that may have widely varying license requirements.

It is printed in 10 languages - the five United Nations official languages (English, French, Spanish, Russian and Chinese) plus German Arabic, Italian, the Scandinavian languages and Portuguese.

BVRLA members can get further information on foreign driving licences by requesting the ‘ID Checking Guide’ by emailing: info@bvrla.co.uk

See also our 'Driving in GB on a foreign licence' post...

To become a member of the BVRLA click here...

source: BVRLA

Driver Licensing Guidance

For guidance and advice on driver licensing - including entitlements, medical rules, obligations and endorsements - we suggest you visit the Directgov website.

Remember, RIVAL Insurance has additional rules in place for its scheme, including age and endorsement requirements, and these can be found on our standard Qualification Rules (UK), Qualification Rules (Eire) and Minibus & Large MPV Additional Rules sheets.

To visit the DVLA website click here...