Drivers in the United Kingdom and France have the most powerful driving licences in the world, allowing them to be behind the wheel within minutes of visiting another country.

An interactive map created by Compare the Market looked at which countries' driving licences can be used most easily in other countries.

Some countries allow drivers to exchange their licences with no extra tests, but others require drivers to take another test to get their new licence.

Of the 22 nations included in the map, France and the UK were joint first, as their driving licences have the least restrictions when driving in other countries.

The USA's driving licence came in seventh, while Russia had the least powerful licence, with restrictions in almost every country.

Only a Chinese driving licence is valid in China, but the Chinese licence is valid in all 21 nations.

Last June, the Government pressed ahead with plans to phase out the UK's paper driving licences.

Prior to the change, drivers had to keep two parts of their driving licence: a sheet of paper detailing their penalty points and endorsements and their plastic ID card.

The 10 countries with the most powerful licences: