Press release 1: DVLA exchanges Faroe Islands driving licences for GB licences

Following a public consultation, DVLA has announced that from 31 January 2007 it will exchange a valid Faroe Island driving licence for a British licence.  

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NOTES TO EDITORS

1. Holders of valid licences to drive motor vehicles up to 3,500kgs (cars and small vans) with up to 8 passenger seats may apply for a British licence provided they have been resident in Great Britain for no more than 5 years and they:

• passed a driving test in the Faroe Islands or
• wish to exchange a licence originally issued in one of the following countries on the basis of a driving test there: UK, European Economic Area member state, Australia,  Barbados, New Zealand, British Virgin Islands, Hong Kong, Singapore, Falkland Islands, Japan, Switzerland, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Canada, Republic of Korea and Monaco.  

2. Drivers may apply using application form D1 available from main Post Offices.  

3. Faroe Islands licence holders may drive on the basis of their valid national licence for up to 12 months from the time they become resident here. 

To ensure continuous driving entitlement beyond that period, they must exchange their licence for a British licence.  

For further information please contact DVLA Press Office:

Telephone: 01792 782318

E.mail: press.dvla@gtnet.gov.uk

or visit: www.direct.gov.uk/motoring