Six mistakes immigrants often make with driving and traffic in the UK: the 12-month limit on a Turkish licence, uninsured driving, phone fines, MOT and the ULEZ
Published: Last checked: October 20264 min read
Short answer
GOV.UK: Turkey is not on the list of countries whose licences can be exchanged; after 12 months as a resident you need a provisional licence and theory and practical tests. Uninsured driving: £300 and 6 points; handheld phone: £200 and 6 points; no MOT: fine up to £1,000; ULEZ: £12.50 a day.
In short
- This post is general information and does not assess anyone's personal situation. It makes no statistical claim about "the most common" mistakes: it collects the points that, according to official pages, cause problems when missed. It is based on official pages as they were on 18 October 2026 and covers England.
- Each point rests on a GOV.UK or TfL page and covers Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland); Northern Ireland has a separate process.
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Official sources
This answer is based on the pages below. Check the source yourself before you decide.
- GOV.UK: Driving in Great Britain on a non-GB licence (any other country)
- GOV.UK: Exchange a non-GB driving licence
- GOV.UK: Vehicle insurance, driving without insurance
- GOV.UK: Using a mobile phone when driving, the law
- GOV.UK: Getting an MOT
- TfL: Ultra Low Emission Zone
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