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Driving disqualification: agreements between Great Britain and other countries
A number of arrangements for mutual recognition of driving disqualification exist between Great Britain (GB), Northern Ireland (NI), Ireland (IRL) and the Isle of Man (IoM). Find out about the mutual recognition between GB and each country.
GB and Northern Ireland
Since 11 October 2023 there has been mutual recognition between GB and NI of driving disqualification. This allows for:
- drivers who have been disqualified from driving in NI to also be disqualified from driving in GB
- withdrawal of a NI licence in conformity with the Road Traffic (New Drivers) Act 1995
- withdrawal of a NI licence on grounds of disability and prospective disability
Similar conditions came into force in NI at the same time as in GB.
GB and Isle of Man
Since 23 May 2023 mutual recognition of driving disqualification between GB and NI has included the IoM. This means:
- a driver disqualified from driving in GB or NI from this date will also be disqualified in the IoM
- a driver disqualified from driving by a court in the IoM will be disqualified in GB and NI until the disqualification has ended
Not included in this scheme are:
- disqualification as a result of accumulating penalty points
- fixed penalty points
- the New Drivers Act
GB and Ireland
On 28 January 2024 mutual recognition of driving disqualifications between GB and NI was extended to include IRL. This means:
- a driver normally resident in GB but disqualified in IRL will also be disqualified in GB
- a driver normally resident in IRL but disqualified in GB will also be disqualified in IRL
- the driving licence will be endorsed for four years from the date of conviction
Not included in this scheme are:
- disqualification as a result of accumulating penalty points
- The New Drivers act
Offences that are mutually recognised between GB and IRL fall into six categories of behaviour.
Categories of behaviour:
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| MR09 |
Reckless or dangerous driving (whether or not resulting in death, injury or serious risk) |
| MR19 |
Wilful failure to carry out the obligation placed on drivers after being involved in road accidents (hit and run) |
| MR29 |
Driving a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or other substance affecting or diminishing the mental and physical abilities of the driver or refusing to submit to alcohol and drugs test |
| MR39 |
Driving a vehicle faster than permitted speed |
| MR49 |
Driving a vehicle while disqualified |
| MR59 |
Other conduct constituting an offence for which a disqualification has been imposed by the State of offence of a duration of six months or more |
More useful links
Under the New Drivers Act your driving licence will be revoked if you build up six or more penalty points within two years of passing your first driving test.
In this section...
- Driving in Great Britain (GB) on a licence issued in a European Community/European Economic Area (EC/EEA) country
- Driving on licences from all other countries, and students on a foreign licence
- Driving on licences from Northern Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey, Isle Of Man, Gibraltar or Designated Countries
- Exchanging your foreign driving licence
- Driving in other countries on a GB licence
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