New government rules dictate that asylum seekers that are allowed temporary leave to stay in the UK will not be able to apply for drivers’ licenses.
According to the Department for Transport, only people that are allowed to stay in the county for over 185 days will be able to take the driving test.
The new changes will only apply to those who reside outside of the European Economic Area and will not affect those that live within it.
The rule change has been added to existing law as an amendment which means that it does not need debate from MP’s or Parliament approval.
Transport Minister Paul Clark said that a preliminary measure he has informed the House that from this point forward anyone who applies for a license will need to show proof of UK residency.
Clark added that those who have an undecided status or without leave should not be able to access benefits allowed to those with settled lives in the UK such as a driving licence. Therefore, those who are present UK residents under temporary permission or those with temporary release from the Immigration Act of 1971 will not be allowed to receive a driver’s licence.
The new law change was a joint introduction by the Home Office and the Department for Transport.
