UK Driving Licence in Argentina: Conversion, Rules, and Whether You Need a Car
Your UK licence is valid for 90 days. After that, you need an Argentine licence. Here's how the conversion works, what the tests involve, and whether you actually need a car in Buenos Aires.
Rosie CarterFounding editor, Brits in Argentina · Palermo, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires has the most extensive public transport system in Latin America. A car is often more trouble than it is worth.
Your UK driving licence is valid in Argentina for 90 days from your date of entry or from when you establish residency, whichever is later. After that, you need an Argentine licence. The conversion process is straightforward but bureaucratic, and whether you actually need a car depends entirely on where you live.
The 90-Day Rule
As a British visitor or new resident, you can drive on your UK photocard licence for 90 days. Carry your passport or entry stamp as proof of when you entered the country. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not legally required but is useful as a supplementary document.
After 90 days, driving on a UK licence is technically illegal. In practice, enforcement is spotty, but if you are involved in an accident, insurance may be void if you are driving on an expired foreign licence.
Converting Your UK Licence to an Argentine Licence
The conversion process varies by province. In Buenos Aires City (CABA), the process is:
Step 1: Medical exam
At an authorised centro de revisión médica. Cost: approximately £10-20. Takes 30 minutes.
Step 2: Theory test
A multiple-choice test on Argentine traffic law. Available in Spanish. Some centres offer English versions — check in advance.
Step 3: Practical driving test
A 15-20 minute drive with an examiner. You provide the car (rental or borrowed). Argentine driving culture is more aggressive than British — assertiveness is expected.
Step 4: Submit documents
- UK driving licence (original)
- Passport and photocopy
- Proof of address in Argentina
- Medical certificate
- Theory and practical test certificates
- Passport photos
- Fee (approximately £20-40)
Step 5: Receive Argentine licence
Processing time: 2-6 weeks.
Do You Actually Need a Car?
In Buenos Aires: Probably not. The city has extensive Subte (metro), comprehensive buses, reasonable taxis, and is highly walkable. Most British expats in Palermo, Belgrano, or Recoleta do not own cars.
When a car makes sense:
- Living in the northern suburbs where public transport is less frequent
- Families with young children and heavy kit
- Regular weekend trips to Tigre or the coast
- Living in Mendoza, Córdoba, or other provincial cities
Car Ownership Costs
- Insurance (seguro): £30-60 per month
- Parking: £50-150 per month in central BA
- Fuel: £0.80-1.00 per litre
- A reliable used car: £5,000-12,000
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is my UK driving licence valid in Argentina?
Yes, for 90 days from your date of entry or residency establishment. After that, you need to convert to an Argentine licence through a medical exam, theory test, and practical test.
Do I need a car in Buenos Aires?
Probably not. Buenos Aires has excellent public transport (Subte, buses, taxis). Most British expats in central neighbourhoods do not own cars. A car is more useful in the suburbs or provincial cities.
How much does it cost to own a car in Argentina?
Insurance: £30-60/month. Parking: £50-150/month in central BA. Fuel: £0.80-1.00/litre. A reliable used car costs £5,000-12,000.
Sources & Links
Further reading — legal & visa
We cover the lifestyle side. When it comes to visas, residency, and the paperwork — these guides from Lucero Legal are the most thorough we've found.
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