Driving and Transportation

Driving and Transportation 

This page helps providers support international recruits to travel safely, legally, and confidently in the UK. It covers driving rules, public and community transport, and active travel options to help workers access employment, services, and social activities.

Your organisation’s own policies on staff using vehicles for work will apply equally to international recruits and should be clearly explained during induction.

Driving in the UK

Driving can feel daunting for people new to the UK, particularly where:

• Traffic drives on the left-hand side
• Roads may be narrow or rural
• Weather conditions differ from their home country

You should support recruits by:

• Sharing accurate, up-to-date government guidance
• Allowing time to build confidence before driving for work
• Considering alternative duties where travel is not initially required

Useful guidance:

• Driving in the UK and abroad – GOV.UK
• Driving in the UK: a guide for expats – Expatica

Foreign driving licences

People from outside the EU/EEA may be able to drive in the UK for up to 12 months on a valid foreign licence.

Rules vary by country of origin and change over time. 

Always check the latest guidance with:

• DVLA
• GOV.UK

If a recruit cannot drive, they may apply for a UK provisional driving licence after living in the UK for at least 185 days.

Supporting Safe Driving

Good practice includes:

• Pairing new recruits with experienced colleagues to share local driving knowledge
  Explaining:
  • Parking restrictions
  • Low-emission zones
  • Local road layouts and rural routes
  • Vehicle maintenance, MOTs, and fuel options
• Briefing recruits on:
  • Winter driving
  • Reduced daylight hours
  • Adverse weather conditions

Community and Public Transport

Many recruits may rely on public or community transport for work, family responsibilities, or leisure - particularly in rural areas.

Hampshire

• Community First Transport – accessible minibuses, Dial-a-Ride and Call & Go
• Hampshire County Council transport information - public, community and voluntary transport
• Alternatives to public transport
• Planning your journey - journey planning, timetables, and live updates

Portsmouth

• Portsmouth public transport information
• Disabled persons bus passes
• Hackney carriage (taxi) ranksPublic transport maps and routes
• Bus operators: Stagecoachand First Bus 
• Coach services: National Express and Megabus
• Ferry and hovercraft services
• Cycling in Portsmouth
• Rental E-scooters/E-Bikes

Southampton

• Travel and transport information
• Disabled bus passes
• Parking locations and permits
• Bus, train and journey planning
• Southampton Cycle network
• Southampton walking and cycle routes

Isle of Wight

• Transport and parking services
• Bus routes
• Island-wide parking permits
• English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (off-peak bus travel)
• Cycling routes

Cycling and Active Travel

Active travel can:

• Reduce costs
• Improve wellbeing
• Support independence and social connection

Across Hampshire and surrounding areas, recruits can find:

• Cycling routes and maps
• Walking and leisure trails
• Bike hire and e-bike schemes

Providers may wish to:

• Encourage cycling where appropriate
• Share safety guidance and route planning resources
• Include active travel options in induction packs

Good Practice for Providers

• Discuss transport options during recruitment and induction
• Avoid assuming all recruits can drive
• Use this page to:
  • Reduce anxiety
  • Support safe working
  • Promote independence and wellbeing
• Revisit transport needs as circumstances change

Supporting safe and accessible travel helps international recruits settle more quickly and succeed in their role.