International tourists can still drive in the UK in 2025 on a valid foreign licence for short visits, but there are new rules around travel authorisations, digital licences and clean‑air zones that you need to understand before you hire a car. The basic 12‑month rule for visitors’ licences remains, yet paperwork and compliance checks are tightening, especially for non‑EU travellers.
Entry and paperwork: ETA, licence, IDP
From January 2025, most visa‑exempt visitors (including from the US, Canada and Australia) must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before boarding a flight to the UK, even if they only plan a short holiday. The ETA is separate from your licence, but without it you can be refused entry and therefore cannot legally drive.
Tourists and temporary visitors can usually drive for up to 12 months from the date of arrival using a valid full foreign licence, provided it’s in English or accompanied by an official translation and shows your photo and signature. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended or sometimes required if your licence is not in English, lacks a photo/signature, or if a rental company insists on it.
Core 2025 rules for foreign licence holders
The long‑standing visitor rules are still in force: most foreign licence holders may drive cars or small vans (up to 3.5 tonnes and 8 passenger seats) for 12 months from their last entry to Great Britain. After that, long‑stay visitors from non‑“designated” countries must apply for a UK provisional licence and pass UK tests to keep driving.
EU and many “designated” countries’ licences can usually be exchanged for a UK licence without a test if you become resident, but this does not affect short‑term tourists. Whatever your status, you must always have valid insurance and meet local rules on eyesight, health and alcohol limits when driving.
Digital licences and car‑rental checks
The UK is rolling out digital driving licences in 2025, allowing UK drivers to show their licence on a smartphone as well as in plastic card form. Some rental firms may start accepting digital UK licences from returning residents, but international visitors should still bring their physical home‑country licence and any required IDP.
Rental companies are tightening licence checks, including for endorsements and expiry dates, and may cross‑check older drivers’ medical fitness where local rules require periodic renewals. If your licence is close to expiring or contains restrictions (for example, automatic‑only), confirm acceptance with your rental provider before travelling.
Clean‑air zones, congestion and daily fees
More UK cities are adding or tightening Clean Air Zones (CAZ) and low‑emission rules in 2025, building on London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). Non‑compliant vehicles entering these zones can face daily charges, such as £12.50 per day in London ULEZ, which may be passed on or pre‑charged by rental firms.
Tourists should check in advance whether planned routes include London, Birmingham, Bristol or other cities with CAZ/ULEZ schemes and confirm how their rental car is classified. Charges are linked to the vehicle, not the licence, but you as the driver are responsible for ensuring payment or risk penalty notices.
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Quick checklist for 2025 UK visitors
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Before you fly: apply for your ETA if you’re visa‑exempt, and carry the same passport you used for the application.
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Licence: bring your valid full licence plus IDP or certified translation if it isn’t in English or lacks a photo/signature.
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Insurance and rental: confirm with your hire company that your licence and IDP are acceptable and ask about clean‑air‑zone charges and fuel policies.
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On the road: remember the UK drives on the left, obey speed limits, and check local signs for ULEZ/CAZ zones and congestion charges.
