Can I drive in the United Kingdom with an Australian licence? Do I need an international driving permit?
No. Smartraveller says: “You can drive a car or motorbike for up to 12 months using your full Australian licence. An International Driving Permit isn't required.” (Smartraveller advice for the United Kingdom, checked on 17 October 2026).
Rules change, and car hire companies can ask for more than the law. We quote the official travel advice word for word, with its date; this is information, not legal advice. If you are unsure, ask the embassy of the country you are visiting, your car hire company or your travel insurer before you travel.
What the official source says
Smartraveller advice for the United Kingdom: “Local travel” › “Driving permit”
You can drive a car or motorbike for up to 12 months using your full Australian licence. An International Driving Permit isn't required. After 12 months, you'll need to get a UK driver's licence.
Source: Smartraveller: United Kingdom, page updated 11 September 2026, “still current at” 18 October 2026 (Australian time), checked on 17 October 2026. Quoted word for word; we show only the sentences about driving licences and permits.
What to bring and where to get an IDP
Smartraveller says (in its advice for Vietnam):
Fraudulent websites may claim to issue valid IDPs.
The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) and its member clubs are the only authorised distributors of IDPs for Australian licence holders.
Source: Smartraveller: Vietnam, checked on 17 October 2026.
Hire a car in the United Kingdom
Hiring a car in the United Kingdom? Compare rental companies and prices on DiscoverCars. Check the licence and IDP rules above before you book: the rental desk can refuse your booking without the right permit.
Compare car hire in the United Kingdom
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Using public transport instead? The fine without a valid ticket, validation and contactless payment: Edinburgh
Other licences in the United Kingdom
| Licence | In United Kingdom | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Canadian licence | It depends | 28 October 2026 |
Before you travel to the United Kingdom
Questions
Do I need an international driving permit for the United Kingdom with an Australian driver's licence?
No. Smartraveller says: “You can drive a car or motorbike for up to 12 months using your full Australian licence. An International Driving Permit isn't required.” (Smartraveller advice for the United Kingdom, checked on 17 October 2026).
Can I drive in the United Kingdom with my Australian licence?
Smartraveller says: “You can drive a car or motorbike for up to 12 months using your full Australian licence. An International Driving Permit isn't required.”
Where do I get an international driving permit in Australia?
Smartraveller says: “The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) and its member clubs are the only authorised distributors of IDPs for Australian licence holders.”
Where does this answer come from?
From the official travel advice of Smartraveller, read on 17 October 2026 and quoted word for word on this page. It is information, not legal advice.
Spotted a change? Tell us. Every country for an Australian licence · Driving abroad: all licences.