Obtaining an International Driving Permit: Is it necessary and how to go about it?
Driving in Europe as a UK citizen is about to undergo some changes, but for now, there is no need for an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Europe. However, this could change after Brexit, depending on the deal that is secured.
There are three main types of IDPs: the 1926 Paris Convention IDP (rarely used today), the 1949 Geneva Convention IDP, and the 1968 Vienna Convention IDP. The type of IDP you need depends on the country you plan to drive in, as countries recognize different IDP types based on which convention they are parties to.
For driving in Europe, a 1968 permit is needed. However, the UK Government is still working on securing a deal, and part of the proposed deal is that UK citizens will still be able to drive in Europe using only their UK licence, completely removing the need for an IDP in Europe. Ireland has already stated that it will accept current UK driving licences without the need for an IDP.
If there is no Brexit deal, UK drivers will not be allowed to drive in Europe without an IDP. In this case, it is advised to get an IDP if you are planning to drive in Europe soon after Brexit. You can obtain an IDP easily at the Post Office with your current driving licence and a passport photo.
In some cases, drivers of registered vehicles will need to carry a motor insurance Green Card when driving in the EU and Ireland after Brexit. This is evidence of motor insurance cover when driving abroad.
For driving in France and Spain, most travelers with a valid home license (especially UK or EU licenses) do not require an IDP, but certain license types might. If an IDP is needed, the 1949 and/or 1968 IDPs are commonly accepted.
If you are a resident in Europe outside the UK, you must exchange your UK driving licence for one in the country you are resident in, before Brexit, or you will need to pass a driving test in that country.
It is always important to check the requirements of the country you plan to drive in, as some countries may change the type of IDP they require after 28th March 2019. For example, Albania will require a 1968 IDP.
Remember, the IDP is only a translation document, and you always need to carry your original valid driving license along with the IDP.
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[1] AAA. (n.d.). International Driving Permit. Retrieved from https://www.aaa.com/travel/international-driving-permits.html
[2] RAC. (2019). International Driving Permit. Retrieved from https://www.rac.co.uk/drive-abroad/international-driving-permit/
[3] GOV.UK. (2019). Driving in the EU after Brexit. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/guidance/driving-in-the-eu-after-brexit
[4] GOV.UK. (2019). Driving in the EU after the UK leaves the EU. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/guidance/driving-in-the-eu-after-the-uk-leaves-the-eu
[5] AAA. (n.d.). Inter-American Driving Permit (IADP). Retrieved from https://www.aaa.com/travel/international-driving-permits/inter-american-driving-permit-iadp.html
[1] If the Brexit deal is not secured, UK drivers may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Europe after the transition.
[2] In the future, the type of IDP required for driving in Europe might change, but for now, a 1968 IDP is not needed for UK citizens with a valid UK driving license.
