Motorists using foreign licences can continue driving even if they fail a UK driving test, prompting warnings from politicians and experts.
People with foreign driving licences are able to drive on UK roads for a certain period of time without having to take a UK driving test.
Anyone who is a resident of Great Britain but has a licence from the European Union of European Economic Area can drive in GB on their full and valid licence.
They can choose to exchange their licence for a GB licence, although this is not mandatory. Rules are slightly different for older motorists, as they may be required to exchange once they reach 70.
People from certain “designated” countries, including Australia, Canada, South Korea and South Africa, can drive in Great Britain for 12 months from when they become a resident.
Drivers will need to exchange their foreign licence for a GB licence within five years after becoming a resident.
If they fail to exchange it within five years, they will need to apply for a GB provisional licence and pass both theory and practical tests.
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) states that it does not keep a record or estimate of how many drivers are using their foreign licences even after failing a GB practical test.
Experts and politicians have called on the Government to make rule changes for foreign nationals exchanging their licences | GETTY
Richard Tice, deputy leader of Reform UK, warned that people could be abusing the loophole, despite falling foul of DVSA safety rules.
He told the Telegraph: “Labour and the Tories have allowed chaos to descend on our roads as another part of their open borders strategy.
“Once again law-abiding British drivers are being swamped with onerous, expensive regulations while foreign drivers take the mickey.”
A spokesperson for the Department for Transport stated that the Government was considering changing rules surrounding driving licences for foreign motorists.
Reform UK stated that it would crack down on foreign nationals abusing driving loopholes
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PAThere have been instances where foreign motorists have been involved in serious accidents on a foreign licence, having failed a GB driving test.
Lorraine Harris, coroner for Hull and East Yorkshire, called for law changes to be introduced to crack down on foreign drivers staying behind the wheel after failing a test.
She highlighted a report into the death of 70-year-old Susan Whittles, from Rudston, East Yorkshire, three years ago.
She was killed by Timothy Kusemi, a national from Nigeria, who had already failed two practical driving tests, yet was allowed to stay on the road.
Foreign nationals usually have a grace period for exchanging their licences
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PAHull Crown Court heard that he had failed to stop at a crossroads and hit the car being driven by Ms Whittles, who had the right of way.
He pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving, causing serious injury by dangerous driving and causing death while unlicensed, and was jailed for six years.
Reacting to the case, coroner Lorraine Harris said: “If a national of a non-designated country fails any number of driving tests within the 12-month period, they are still able to revert and rely on their 12-month limit to drive on their foreign/international licence in the UK, despite not meeting the safety standards set by the DVSA.
“12 months ability to drive for those who do not meet required standards have the potential to cause a risk of serious injury or harm to other road users.”