The Driving Licences (Exchangeable Licences) (Amendment) Order 2013

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Order)

This Order designates countries and territories for the purpose of allowing driving licences issued in those countries or territories in respect of specified vehicles to be exchanged for a driving licence issued in Great Britain.

Accordingly, licences to drive mopeds, motor bicycles, cars (with or without trailer) tractors or mowing machines issued in respect of Andorra, Australia, Barbados, the British Virgin Islands, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, Switzerland or Zimbabwe can be exchanged for a licence to drive the same vehicles in Great Britain if the holder has either passed a driving test for that vehicle in one of those countries or territories or been issued with a licence in one of those countries or territories in exchange for a licence issued in another specified county or territory where an appropriate driving test has been passed (articles 2 and 5 and Schedules 1 and 3).

The designations in respect of Australia, Barbados, the British Virgin Islands, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, Switzerland and Zimbabwe replace earlier designations of those countries and territories which were not subject to restrictions relating to the description of vehicle which is authorised to be driven by a licence or the passing of a driving test (article 3 and Schedule 2).

Provision is also made in respect of changes, having effect after 18th January 2013, to the categories and sub-categories into which these classes of vehicles fall (article 5(2)(a)(ii)) and amendments are made to other orders in respect of these changes to vehicle categories and sub-categories (article 4).

A full impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as no, or no significant, impact on the private, voluntary or public sectors is foreseen.