Expat driving license guide
Moving to a new country? Learn how to convert your driving license, understand local requirements, and practice for the test in English — even when the official exam isn't.
AutoviaTest.com- 30
- 12+
- June 16, 2026
Verified country guides
30 / 30Each guide is cross-checked against the official agency (DGT, FeV, etc.) and dated.
SpainNon-EU: 6 months from establishing residencia normal. EU/EEA: may drive while the licence is in force.Theory test in English
Germany6 months from establishing ordentlicher Wohnsitz under §29 FeV (extendable by up to 6 more months on application)Theory test in English
FranceNon-EU: 1 year from establishing résidence normale / from the issue date of your first long-stay title. EU/EEA: valid while the licence is in force.English practice available
Italy1 year from registration of residenza anagrafica for non-EU / non-EEA licences (Art. 135 CdS). EU/EEA licences remain valid for their full printed validity period.Theory test in English
VietnamUp to 3 months from entry on a 1968 Vienna Convention IDP paired with the home-country licenceEnglish practice available
NetherlandsEU / EEA / Swiss: up to 15 years from the original issue date (5 years for C/D categories). Non-EU: 185 days from BRP registration (Wegenverkeerswet 1994 art. 108).Theory test in English
United KingdomEU/EEA licence as a GB resident: until age 70 or for 3 years after becoming resident, whichever is the longer period. Designated-country licence: 12 months from becoming resident before driving privileges lapse, but exchange available for up to 5 years. Non-designated-country licence: 12 months only from becoming residentTheory test in English
PortugalEU/EEA: drive until the licence expires (or 2 years if no expiry date). OCDE / CPLP: no deadline while the licence is valid, the holder is under 60 and the licence is within 15 years of issue or renewal. Other convention countries: 185 days as a non-resident, then 90 days after establishing residence. Non-convention countries: licence not valid for driving.English practice available
FinlandYou may drive on a Contracting State licence for 2 years after moving permanently to Finland; an EU/EEA licence is valid for its full validity periodTheory test in English
NorwayNon-EEA: 3 months from arrival / residence. EEA + UK + Switzerland + Japan: exchange is required but there is no 3-month driving cut-off in the same way.Theory test in English
South Korea1 year from date of entry into Korea with a valid IDP or a licence from a mutually-recognised country (Road Traffic Act Art. 96(1))Theory test in English
Austria6 months from establishing residence (non-EEA); EEA licences indefiniteTheory test in English
Turkey6 months on a 1968 Vienna IDP paired with home-country licence (tourist period); 1 year from residence-permit start date for ikamet holdersEnglish practice available
EstoniaTourists and temporary residents may drive on a valid foreign licence for the whole period of their legal stay; once you become a permanent resident the licence is valid for 12 monthsTheory test in English
RomaniaEU/EEA: usable while in force (exchange voluntary). Non-EU recognised licences: usable until the foreign licence expires or the holder chooses to exchangeTheory test in English
Belgium185 days from commune registration (non-EU recognised licences); EU/EEA licences usable until expiryEnglish practice available
CzechiaShort-term visitors may drive on a valid foreign licence (with an IDP where the licence is not convention-compliant or not in Latin script); once you take up residence the 3-month exchange clock appliesEnglish practice available
UkraineYou may drive on a valid foreign national licence or IDP for the duration of your legal stay; a 1968-model IDP is valid up to 3 years, a 1949-model up to 1 yearEnglish practice available
PolandIndefinitely for EU/EEA/Swiss licences while in force; up to 185 days per calendar year for non-EU licencesTheory test in English
Brazil180 days from your date of entry into Brazil, on a valid foreign licence plus an International Driving Permit (required for licences from Vienna Convention 1968 countries)English practice available
MexicoA valid foreign licence is accepted for driving while your immigration status (tourist or resident) remains valid; an International Driving Permit is not mandatoryEnglish practice available
Denmark180 days from establishing sædvanlig bopæl in Denmark (kørekortbekendtgørelsen § 127 / Kapitel 13). EU/EØS, Faroese and Greenlandic licences remain valid indefinitely while in force in the issuing country.Theory test in English
SwedenNon-EES: 1 year from the date you become folkbokförd in Sweden (6 kap. körkortslagen). EES: valid for driving while the licence is in force in the issuing country.Theory test in English
Chile90 days on a valid foreign licence + IDP for tourists; no formal grace period once you take up residenceEnglish practice available
ArgentinaUp to 1 year from your date of entry into Argentina, driving on a valid foreign licence plus an IDP (tourist status); a tourist stay is typically limited to 90 days, so the one-year cap rarely bindsEnglish practice available
United Arab EmiratesTourists/visitors: a foreign licence from a Markhoos-recognised country (or any foreign licence accompanied by an IDP from a 1968/1949 UN Convention country) is valid for the duration of the visit. Residents: once a residence visa is issued, you must hold a UAE licence before drivingTheory test in English
MalaysiaShort-term visitors may drive on a valid foreign licence accompanied by an International Driving Permit (IDP) under the 1949/1968 UN road-traffic Conventions for the duration of the visit. Long-term residents are expected to hold a Malaysian licence; the exact statutory grace period for residents is not officially confirmed, so convert early and check with JPJ.Theory test in EnglishAll countries
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Practice in English
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Frequently asked questions
Can I take driving tests in English in other countries?
It depends on the country. Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Austria, the UK and the UAE offer the theory test in English. France, Portugal and Vietnam only offer it in the local language. The practical exam is usually in the local language everywhere. You can still practice with AutoviaTest in English for any country.
How long can I drive with my foreign license abroad?
Most countries let you drive with a foreign license and International Driving Permit (IDP) for a grace period after you establish residency, typically 3 months to 2 years depending on the country. After that, you must convert to a local license.
What is a bilateral exchange agreement?
A bilateral agreement between two countries allows drivers to exchange their license directly without taking tests. For example, if your country has an agreement with Spain, you can exchange your license without taking the Spanish driving test.
Do I need to take driving lessons in a new country?
If your country has an exchange agreement, usually no lessons are required. If you need to take the full test, you'll typically need lessons with an authorized driving school.
Related guides
Practice in English for any country
Learn the rules in English before taking the official test in the local language