The United Kingdom, represented by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, will now recognize and exchange driving licenses issued by the United Arab Emirates for British driving licenses for light vehicles and motorcycles. Accordingly, the UAE is the only Arab country where driving licenses are recognized and exchanged by the UK.

This comes as part of continued efforts to advance international cooperation between the UAE and UK and develop bilateral relations in reflection of the two countries’ strategic relationship. This decision by UK authorities is the result of UAE diplomatic efforts and recognizes the UAE’s implementation of internationally approved standards for driving tests.

According to the decision that came into effect as of May 20, 2021, holders of UAE driving licenses coming for non-residency purposes are now allowed to drive vehicles on the territory of the United Kingdom. Motorists coming for the purpose of residency will be allowed to drive vehicles on the territory of the United Kingdom without having to apply for a driving test. In both cases, the driving license must be valid and meet the requirements and procedures put in place by the competent authorities in the United Kingdom.

It is worth noting that the UAE allows British residents holding British driving licenses to exchange them for UAE driving licenses without taking theoretical or road tests.