GB News has been told that an MP is planning to introduce proposals that would require foreign nationals to face greater hurdles to drive on UK roads.
James McMurdock MP claimed that “poor quality” drivers from foreign nations were “causing havoc” on British roads, prompting his decision to create proposals to change the law.
At present, people who passed their driving test in a country outside of the European Union or European Economic Area can drive any type of small vehicle listed on their full and valid licence for 12 months from when they last entered Great Britain.
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The Independent MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock told GB News that there is growing frustration among drivers as the quality of motoring declines.
The new driving licence proposals could be used to crack down on dangerous overseas drivers
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PA/GETTY
He said: “The UK has some of the highest test standards in the world. This is for good reason, with roads being one of the leading causes of death or injury.
“As the number of foreign drivers soars, so do the risks associated with large numbers of drivers on the road who have never taken a UK practical or theory test.”
A recent Government consultation looked into whether drivers from Moldova should be able to exchange their Moldovan licences for a GB licence without needing to take an additional test.
While many of the responses were in favour of the proposals, some noted concerns with the quality of theory and practical testing to obtain a licence in Moldova, claiming that it does not match the standard of Great Britain.
James McMurdock has called for new licensing rules to be introduced for overseas drivers
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JAMES MCMURDOCK
Despite this, the DVLA and the DVSA assessed the relevant driving tests in Moldova and deemed them to be equivalent to those in Great Britain.
Mr McMurdock, who won his seat in July 2025 by just 98 votes, has criticised the 12-month “grace period” for non-EU and EEA nationals to drive on roads in Great Britain.
He said it was “far in excess of what might be reasonably expected to avoid unnecessary inconvenience from holiday travel” and is planning to bring forward proposals for new legislative changes.
The MP, who has been an Independent since July 2025, added: “Urgent recategorisation is essential to maintain safety on British roads.
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Moldovan drivers will be required to follow certain rules when exchanging their licence
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PA“The grace period should be reduced from 12 months to 12, four, two, or even 0 weeks, depending on the overseas nations test standard.”
Drivers are able to exchange a non-GB driving licence if they live in Great Britain for at least 185 days in each calendar year.
If a motorist is from a designated country or territory, including Australia, Japan, South Korea, or the United Arab Emirates, they can continue to drive in the UK without exchanging their licence for 12 months after becoming a resident.
They can exchange it up to five years after becoming a resident, provided that it has not expired. This will usually involve them completing a D1 form from the DVLA and paying a £43 fee, with the new GB licence usually arriving in three to four weeks.
James McMurdock told GB News that he was considering putting forward proposals to clamp down on dangerous drivers
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PAThe former Reform UK MP suggested that a “basic online theory test” should be completed by overseas drivers to improve road safety and give them the right to drive on roads.
Mr McMurdock added: “Insurers consider personal factors such as age and gender when calculating premiums, yet insurers do not record nationality data.
“This inconsistency underlines why Government action is needed, and I am actively exploring ways to bring these proposals to Parliament.”
A Department for Transport spokesperson told GB News: “Safety is always our top priority, and we are proud that our roads are among the safest in the world.
“At present, there are no plans to change the rules around how long foreign drivers can drive in Great Britain without exchanging their licence.”