International driving permit: do you need one?
If you're driving abroad, it's often the case that being the proud owner of a full UK driving licence covers you from a purely legal point of view. However even in those countries where that does hold true, a UK licence printed in English is not going to be much help when you're explaining to an irate traffic cop that you didn't notice the speed limit, or misunderstood a no-entry sign.
That's where the International Driving Permit (IDP) comes in. It's issued by the authorities here in the UK, but printed in multiple languages to ensure that anyone who needs to see your driving licence abroad is able to understand it. This may be police or enforcement officers, but hopefully it's much more likely to be an agent at a car hire desk.
• Driving in France: top tips
Some countries do make it a legal requirement to carry and International Driving Permit, so in those cases it becomes a sort of de facto international drivers licence (or international license as our American friends would have it) as you can be in trouble if you drive without it. In other countries carrying your IDP is voluntary, but it's definitely worth having up your sleeve for the reasons mentioned above. In particular, it's occasionally the case that foreign car rental firms will refuse a hirer who can't show an IDP, even if it's not actually a legal requirement to have one.
This online guide will help you determine whether an IDP is necessary on your foreign travels, and will also steer you in the right direction when it's time to apply.
At the moment (and pre-Brexit!), there's no legal requirement for UK licenced drivers to apply for an International Driving Permit when driving in France or in any other EU country, though it is recommended in certain countries including Italy and Portugal.
For those drivers heading beyond the EU borders, it's vital that you check whether an IDP is needed, as driving abroad without a valid licence is not only illegal, but could have implications for insurance.
What is an International Driving Permit?
Don't worry, you won't be expected to take another driving test, as the IDP is essentially a translated copy of your UK-issued driving licence. It means foreign officials are able to quickly check your credentials without delay. Do remember to keep your driving licence with you at all times, too, as the IDP is not valid on its own.
It's always best to check with the relevant tourist offices or embassies to get the exact details of what you need to do, but to make things simple for you here's a list of all the countries that require an International Driving Permit, or IDP. If you're hiring a car, you should check with the firm you are using to see if they require a permit.
How to get an International Driving Permit
To get hold of an IDP, you need to be a resident of Great Britain or Northern Ireland, be over 18 and have passed your driving test. It costs £5.50 and you can apply for one from the Post Office. If you're still unsure about the requirements for the country you wish to visit, these organisations should be able to give you some more personalised help, too.
Will I need an International Driving Permit after Brexit?
The Department for Transport (DfT) has advised that should the UK leave the EU without a deal on 29 March 2019, Britsh motorists who wish to drive in Europe will be required to purchase an IDP.
Technically, there are two different types of IDP. One is governed by the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic, while the other is covered by the 1968 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic. After the UK leaves the EU, 1949 IDPs will only be valid in Cyprus, Ireland, Malta and Spain, and 1968 IDPs must be purchased for travelling in any other EU country.
The DfT says the "version of the IDP you would require depends on which EU country you are visiting", and that drivers "may be turned away at the border or face other enforcement action, for example fines, if you don't have the correct IDP."
If you're driving abroad, it's often the case that being the proud owner of a full UK driving licence covers you from a purely legal point of view. However even in those countries where that does hold true, a UK licence printed in English is not going to be much help when you're explaining to an irate traffic cop that you didn't notice the speed limit, or misunderstood a no-entry sign.
That's where the International Driving Permit (IDP) comes in. It's issued by the authorities here in the UK, but printed in multiple languages to ensure that anyone who needs to see your driving licence abroad is able to understand it. This may be police or enforcement officers, but hopefully it's much more likely to be an agent at a car hire desk.
• Driving in France: top tips
Some countries do make it a legal requirement to carry and International Driving Permit, so in those cases it becomes a sort of de facto international drivers licence (or international license as our American friends would have it) as you can be in trouble if you drive without it. In other countries carrying your IDP is voluntary, but it's definitely worth having up your sleeve for the reasons mentioned above. In particular, it's occasionally the case that foreign car rental firms will refuse a hirer who can't show an IDP, even if it's not actually a legal requirement to have one.
This online guide will help you determine whether an IDP is necessary on your foreign travels, and will also steer you in the right direction when it's time to apply.
At the moment (and pre-Brexit!), there's no legal requirement for UK licenced drivers to apply for an International Driving Permit when driving in France or in any other EU country, though it is recommended in certain countries including Italy and Portugal.
For those drivers heading beyond the EU borders, it's vital that you check whether an IDP is needed, as driving abroad without a valid licence is not only illegal, but could have implications for insurance.
What is an International Driving Permit?
Don't worry, you won't be expected to take another driving test, as the IDP is essentially a translated copy of your UK-issued driving licence. It means foreign officials are able to quickly check your credentials without delay. Do remember to keep your driving licence with you at all times, too, as the IDP is not valid on its own.
It's always best to check with the relevant tourist offices or embassies to get the exact details of what you need to do, but to make things simple for you here's a list of all the countries that require an International Driving Permit, or IDP. If you're hiring a car, you should check with the firm you are using to see if they require a permit.
How to get an International Driving Permit
To get hold of an IDP, you need to be a resident of Great Britain or Northern Ireland, be over 18 and have passed your driving test. It costs £5.50 and you can apply for one from the Post Office. If you're still unsure about the requirements for the country you wish to visit, these organisations should be able to give you some more personalised help, too.
Will I need an International Driving Permit after Brexit?
The Department for Transport (DfT) has advised that should the UK leave the EU without a deal on 29 March 2019, Britsh motorists who wish to drive in Europe will be required to purchase an IDP.
Technically, there are two different types of IDP. One is governed by the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic, while the other is covered by the 1968 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic. After the UK leaves the EU, 1949 IDPs will only be valid in Cyprus, Ireland, Malta and Spain, and 1968 IDPs must be purchased for travelling in any other EU country.
The DfT says the "version of the IDP you would require depends on which EU country you are visiting", and that drivers "may be turned away at the border or face other enforcement action, for example fines, if you don't have the correct IDP."
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