YOU may need one or more international driving permits (IDPs), depending on which country you’re visiting after Brexit.
An alarming 55 per cent of motorists are unaware they’ll need a motor insurance green card if they want to drive in Europe following a no-deal Brexit.
Will UK driving licences be valid in Europe after Brexit?
The government says that different rules will apply for international driving permits in EU countries.
Plus, drivers may have to carry multiple IDPs – along with their UK driving licence – to move through an EU or EEA country/ies.
There are three types of IDP, and the type you need depends on the country you will be driving in:
- 1926 IDP – you may need this to drive in Liechtenstein if there's a no-deal exit
- 1949 IDP – valid for 12 months, this is required in the likes of Malta, Spain or Cyprus
- 1968 IDP – for all other EU states
Don't forget that different rules apply, too, depending on how long you are visiting particular countries.
For example, when driving in France, you'll need to take your UK licence plus a '1968 IDP'.
When travelling through Germany, there's no need for an IDP for visits up to six months – if you have a UK photocard driving licence. Longer stays will require a 1968 IDP and your UK licence, however.
And in Malta, you won't need an IDP for visits up to 12 months, if you have a UK photocard driving licence.
For ex-pats currently living in the EU, the government says you must exchange your UK driving licence for a local EU one before Brexit and retest your vehicle in the EU country you live in.
You will still be able to drive on your EU licence when visiting the UK.
What is an International Driving Permit?
Recommended for around 140 countries worldwide, the IDP is recognised by the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic and acts as temporary proof of driving ability for travellers.
An International Driving Permit isn’t the same as an International Driving Licence (IDL) – which isn’t a legally recognised document.
To apply for an IDP you must be over 18 and hold a valid UK driving licence.
How can you get an International Driving Permit?
Available from Post Offices and motoring organisations like the AA and RAC, the permit will cost drivers £5.50.
IDPs need to be applied for within three months of travelling abroad, and they aren't a legally recognised document on their own.
Drivers who fail to show both their UK licence and an IDP while overseas could face heavy fines.
Check what is required in the country you are visiting before travelling.
The Press Association reports that an alarming 55 per cent of motorists don't know they'll need a motor insurance green card if they want to drive in Europe following a no-deal Brexit.
UK-registered cars without a blue EU registration plate will also need to display a GB sticker when driving in EU countries.
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