Overseas drivers exchanging their licences for British licences are a growing consideration for employers whose staff drive for work, according to IAM RoadSmart, a road safety charity. The charity cites Department for Transport data on the number of licence exchanges in 2025, including more than 6,800 from Romania, more than 7,000 from Zimbabwe, 6,000 from Hong Kong, 5,600 from Italy and more than 5,100 from Australia.
These motorists may be fully qualified and have years of driving experience in their countries of origin, but adapting to Britain’s roads can present unfamiliar challenges.
Challenges of driving in the UK
Differences in road layouts, signage, speed limits, driving on the left-hand side, smart motorways and local driving conventions all require an adjustment period. IAM RoadSmart argues that this raises concerns about the ability of overseas drivers to safely drive on UK roads.
The charity also cites the Department for Transport’s STATS19 collision reporting framework, which historically included ‘inexperience of driving on the left’ as a contributory factor.
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Figures published by the Scottish Government recorded 24 collisions resulting in injury in 2022 and 34 in 2023 where ‘inexperience of driving on the left’ was identified as a contributory factor.
Onboarding processes under review
IAM RoadSmart encourages businesses with fleets or staff who drive for work to review their onboarding processes to ensure overseas drivers are fully prepared for UK roads. Nicholas Lyes, policy and external communications director at IAM RoadSmart, said: “Employers rightly carry out licence checks to ensure someone is legally entitled to drive, but that doesn’t necessarily tell you whether they’re familiar with the unique characteristics of driving in the UK.
“Many overseas drivers bring valuable experience from their home countries, but every country has its own road layouts, regulations and driving culture. Even language barriers may hinder progress – particularly where UK signage is unfamiliar.
“Taking time to help drivers with the UK driving environment can help build confidence, reduce the likelihood of avoidable mistakes and support safer journeys for everyone.”
IAM RoadSmart offers a UK Familiarisation training course.
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Organisations may wish to review their onboarding processes to ensure drivers understand UK road signs, national and local traffic laws, vehicle technology and company driving policies. This can help businesses meet their duty of care responsibilities, improve driver confidence and reduce the risk of incidents involving employees who drive for work.
Supporting safer journeys
By providing additional training and support, employers can help overseas drivers adjust to driving in the UK.
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Sean joined Fleet News (and sister title Automotive Management) in 2026 as content editor. He has been a journalist reporting on the fleet industry since 2017. Since then, he has attended and reported on dozens of events held by organisations such as the SMMT, AFP, BVRLA, and National Highways, interviewed senior figures from car manufacturers, industry bodies and automotive suppliers, and reviewed hundreds of new cars and vans. His continuing goal is to explain the key issues of the day for decision-makers and help to give them a better understanding of their industry. Sean graduated with an MA in Journalism from Brunel University of London and began his writing career as a local newspaper reporter. He is a previous winner of the Rising Star prize at the Newspress Awards, which recognise achievement in motoring journalism.
