King Charles does not need a driving licence because they are issued in his name, but he still carries one from his days as Prince of Wales, according to former royal butler Grant Harrold. Harrold, who worked for the Royal Family from 2004 to 2011, explained to Select Car Leasing that the monarch is exempt from holding a licence as a technicality, but Charles obtained one when he passed his driving test as a young prince.
Monarch's driving privileges explained
Harrold said: "As Monarch, the King doesn't technically need a licence. This is because they are issued in his name. However, he'll have one anyway as he would have needed it when he was the Prince of Wales. And again, he would have taken a test just like everyone else." He added that all royals must learn to drive like any other citizen, passing both theory and practical exams with a professional instructor who undergoes security checks.
Jack Cousens, the AA's head of roads policy, confirmed in 2022 that only the monarch receives this privilege. "Only the Monarch receives this privilege so all other Royals would need a driving licence," he told the Mirror. This means Queen Camilla must still hold a valid licence. Cousens also noted that state vehicles used by the monarch do not require number plates, as they are issued under royal authority.
Prince William and Kate's approach to teaching driving
Harrold also commented on how Prince William and Kate Middleton might teach their children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—to drive. He suggested the couple could take a more hands-on approach than previous generations. "I could imagine Kate getting behind the wheel and teaching them herself when they're old enough. She's a very calm person so I think she would make a great teacher," Harrold said.
King Charles is known for his passion for cars, having converted his Aston Martin to run on wine and cheese waste and incorporating electric vehicles into the royal fleet. Despite his automotive interests, the monarch enjoys the unique legal exemption from holding a driving licence, a privilege that underscores his constitutional role.
