MOU between the Government of the Republic of Malta and the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Republic of Malta and the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Transport Malta informs the public that a new Memorandum of Understanding between the Republic of Malta and the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, now also including the territory of Gibraltar and as previously included the Bailiwick of Guernsey, the Bailiwick of Jersey, and the Isle of Man, has been finalised, signed, and launched. This Memorandum of Understanding permits the two countries to keep on exchanging their driving licences.

High Commissioner Cathy Ward and Minister Ian Borg signed this Memorandum which reaffirms the commitment of both to allow holders of their driving licences to continue exchanging their respective licences.

With this agreement, there is no need for the holder of a driving licence issued by either country to apply and sit for a practical test when exchanging the driving licence. All categories which are present and valid on the original driving licence will be included on the exchanged counterpart.

This agreement is implemented with immediate effect and is not time bound.

Those who have already applied with the previous Memorandum of Understanding (that was valid until the 28th of February) do not need to re-apply and may finalise their exchange through their previous application.

Maltese nationals residing and driving in the United Kingdom

As from the 1st of January 2022, Maltese nationals who take up residence in the United Kingdom may continue to drive freely with their driving licence without the need to apply for a British one and go through the whole process of applying and sitting for any theory or practical tests.

The Maltese driving licence may be used until the holder reaches the age of 70 years, after which one may apply for an exchange through the Memorandum of Understanding which is now finalised between Malta and the UK.

With this agreement between the two countries, any individual which holds a valid Maltese driving licence has the option to exchange to the British counterpart, in the same way as it is applicable to other driving licence holders issued from EU countries and as was previously applicable prior to Brexit.

All relevant information for Maltese nationals to drive in the United Kingdom may be found here.

United Kingdom nationals residing and driving in Malta

As from the 1st of January 2022, British nationals who take up residence in Malta may continue to drive freely with their valid driving licence, without the need to apply for a Maltese one and go through the whole process of applying and sitting for any theory or practical tests.

United Kingdom nationals may keep using their British driving licence for up to twelve (12) months from the date they last entered Malta. After the twelve months expire, they must hold a Maltese driving licence as it is applicable to all other holders of non-EU issued driving licences.

With this new Memorandum of Understanding, United Kingdom nationals can exchange their UK, Gibraltar, Jersey, Guernsey, or Isle of Man driving licence to the Maltese counterpart without taking any theory and practical tests.
The Maltese and United Kingdom governments will continue to negotiate the necessary arrangements to facilitate use of their driving licences in their respective territories with long-term agreements for the exchange of driving licences process without the requirement for any tests.

For more information you may send an email on dls.tm@transport.gov.mt, call freephone 80072393 or visit: https://www.transport.gov.mt/land/driving/driving-licence/exchange-your-foreign-driving-licence-4541.

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