Canadian Licence in the UK 2026: 12 Months, Then Keep Left
Canada
United Kingdom
Yes. A visitor can drive cars in Great Britain on a full, valid Canadian licence for 12 months from last entry, no IDP. The challenge is left-hand traffic; Scotland's alcohol limit is 0.05.
The paperwork for a Canadian driving in Britain is light. GOV.UK says a visitor can drive any small vehicle listed on a full and valid licence for 12 months from the date they last entered Great Britain, with no international driving permit. All your attention can go to the one thing that genuinely matters: which side of the road you are on.
Left, left, left
Canada drives on the right; the UK drives on the left. It reshapes every junction, every roundabout (they flow clockwise) and every instinctive glance. The classic first-hour mistakes are turning into the wrong lane after a quiet junction, drifting left and clipping the kerb, and looking the wrong way before pulling out. Collect the car somewhere quiet, not at Heathrow for central London. You sit on the right and shift with your left hand, so an automatic removes one thing to think about. The UK driving guide has the rest.
Speeds in miles per hour
Limits are signed in mph: 30 mph (48 km/h) in built-up areas in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and 20 mph by default on restricted roads in Wales; 60 mph (96 km/h) on single carriageways; 70 mph (112 km/h) on dual carriageways and motorways. Fixed and average-speed cameras are common, and the minimum speeding penalty is £100 and 3 points. Estimate yours on the speeding fine calculator.
Alcohol and London charges
The limit is 0.08 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the same figure as Canada’s Criminal Code, but Scotland uses 0.05. In London, two separate schemes apply. The Congestion Charge covers almost every car entering the central zone during charging hours. The ULEZ runs 24 hours a day and charges £12.50 a day only to vehicles that fail its emission standards; see the London ULEZ and congestion charge guide. The emergency number is 999, and 112 also works.
Sources
- GOV.UK, driving in Great Britain on a non-GB licence (visitor, licence from any other country): gov.uk
- GOV.UK, speeding penalties (minimum £100 and 3 points): gov.uk
- GOV.UK, drink-drive limits (England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland): gov.uk
- Transport for London, Ultra Low Emission Zone (£12.50 daily charge, 24/7): tfl.gov.uk
Speed limits, fines, equipment & license requirements
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. GOV.UK says a visitor can drive any small vehicle, such as a car, listed on a full and valid foreign licence for 12 months from the date they last entered Great Britain. No international driving permit is needed for that. Carry your licence and passport, and check the hire company's own conditions.
The UK drives on the left, opposite to Canada. Roundabouts run clockwise, you sit on the right of the car and change gear with your left hand, which is why an automatic helps. Take your first drive somewhere quiet.
80 mg per 100 ml of blood (0.08) in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the same figure as Canada's Criminal Code. Scotland is stricter at 50 mg (0.05), so if your route crosses the border, treat it as none.