Driving my kids around in the UK

I hold a Hong Kong Driving License and wish to rent a car in the UK when I take my kids there this summer. I suppose I will be able to use my HK Driving License in Britain - is that correct? It's just that my hubby said 'won't you need a British or International Driving License for that?' and now I'm a bit worried. Has anyone done this before?

You should be fine using your HK Licence in the UK providing you also have an International Driving Permit which you can get from the Transport Department in Admiralty. See the extract from the TD website below for details:


4.9 Driving in Overseas Countries

If you are Hong Kong resident holding a Hong Kong full driving licence and wish to drive abroad, you may apply for issue of an International Driving Permit. You should complete an application form TD51 and submit it to any licensing office together with two photographs and the required fee. The permit will be issued to you if you are a resident in Hong Kong and hold a valid Hong Kong full driving licence. Please note that the permit is valid for one year from the date of issue.

International Driving Permit (IDP) is issued in accordance with the 1949 Convention. The permit should be valid for driving in the territory of all the Contracting States [please see the application form TD51]. But there may be differences or changes in the policy or conditions of using an IDP to drive the contracting countries/places concerned, applicants are suggested to make enquires to the Consulates or resident offices of the countries/places concerned for details before making application for an IDP or before driving in the countries/places concerned.

Required fee (you may make enquiries at the enquiry counters of licensing offices or through 1823 Call Centre, refer to the licence fees table (TD341) at the licensing offices, or visit Transport Department's website for information).

Yep same as that. Always show my HK license and have never had a problem - it has been used to hire cars there over 20 times.

Thanks for your replies. I will of course check with the car hire people as well when I reserve the car I want. Thanks again.

I've hired a car in the UK with just my HK licence

I would have thought you would need an International licence in order to hire a car - you certainly do in Australia!