As of 2021, who is the only person who can drive without a driver's license in the United Kingdom?

Queen Elizabeth II (born 1926) is the only person in the United Kingdom who is allowed to drive a car without a driver's license. This is because the licenses are issued in the Queen’s name. It is deemed unnecessary for the Queen to give herself a license. Nor does her car need a number plate.

The Queen learned to drive during the Second World War in order to drive a first-aid truck for the Women's Auxillary Territorial Service. Throughout her reign, she frequently drove a Land Rover around her estates. This particularly unnerved the future King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia during his visit to Balmoral in 1998.

As Queen, Elizabeth II has several unique privileges. Just like a driver's license, the Queen does not need a passport because they are also issued in the Queen’s name. She also has Sovereign Immunity, meaning she cannot be arrested.

Other privileges include being the Defender of the Faith and Supreme Governor of the Church of England (i.e. the Head of the Church), and the owner of all the swans on the River Thames and all the sturgeons, whales, and dolphins in British waters. This privilege dates back to 1324, during the reign of King Edward II.

Just because the Queen is entitled to many privileges does not always mean she has to accept them. She has the right not to pay taxes, but since 1992 has opted to pay her fair share to the British economy.

More Info: www.businessinsider.in

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24 Comments

tdelisi

Johnny Rock, More likely, he no longer drives because he is dead.

Chrissie

2nd sentence of 2nd paragraph should read "Throughout her reign she has frequently driven ....." Otherwise it implies the Queen has either died or abdicated. As of today 140921 she's done neither; nor has she given up driving, as far as I know. Although her foot may be a little lighter on the accelerator than in her younger years.

Alexandra Wikeley

She was a mechanic in the Second World War ,she loved driving apparently

Jonathan Morrish

It’s called a driving licence in the UK.

Grant McIntosh

Len Johnson, She drives her Range Rover on a regular basis.

William Laughlin

Johnny Rock, It's true Prince Philip no longer drives; probably because he died on 9 April 2021, two months before his 100th birthday.

kittykay

Here in October 2023.

Player

When your face is on the money, you don't need a license to drive.

Karin Johansson

Ron Gosling, No he is dead so he doesn't drive anymore.

Karin Johansson

Alexandra Wikeley, she was a very good mechanic. She still loves to drive.

Chrissie

John W Shreve, show a bit of respect, John, please! Tut, tut.

John W Shreve

Chrissie, Thanks. I thought the old dame had croaked.

coralnavon

May God bless the Queen. She is so wonderful and amazing. I am proud to be one of her subjects. ❤

GreedyJoel

Corey, Shouldn’t it be MI-5? MI-6 is the Brit’s equivalent of the CIA!

Helen Christopulos LoBosco

I responded below.

Albeck1994

Ron Gosling, No he couldnt

Albeck1994

Carroll Price, since when is a licence plate a revenue raiser not here

Helen Christopulos LoBosco

Yes. A Queen should have priveleges. She did a lot during the Second World War. I was a kid and remembe well. Also, two eldest brothers were in tht war so many memories. They rolled me back and forth in their arms while they discussed whatever.