Exploring the Process of Obtaining an International Driving Permit (and determining its necessity)
With Brexit looming, there are changes coming for UK drivers planning to take their vehicles to the European Union (EU) and beyond. Here's a guide to help you understand the new requirements for International Driving Permits (IDPs) and motor insurance Green Cards.
IDPs for UK Drivers
If there's no Brexit deal, UK drivers will need to carry a motor insurance Green Card when driving in the EU and the UK. Additionally, they may also need an IDP. The easiest place to get an IDP in the UK is at the Post Office, where it costs £5.50 per permit.
There are three types of IDPs: 1926, 1949, and 1968. The validity of the IDP depends on which permit you get. For example, the 1949 IDP is only valid for one year, while the 1968 IDP is valid for 3 years, but only as long as you have a current UK Driving licence.
UK citizens do not currently need an IDP to drive in Europe. However, if there is no Brexit deal, UK citizens will not be allowed to drive in Europe without an IDP. Until a deal is signed, the current advice is to get an IDP if you are planning to drive in Europe soon after Brexit.
IDP Requirements for France and Spain
French and Spanish authorities have relatively relaxed IDP requirements for UK photocard licence holders due to EU-UK agreements post-Brexit. However, there are some exceptions, particularly for holders of paper licences or licences issued in territories like Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man, who will need the appropriate IDP variant (1929, 1949, or 1968) depending on the country.
IDP Requirements for Other Countries
In many other countries across Europe and beyond, an IDP is commonly required alongside your national driving licence. Non-EU European countries and countries outside the EU typically require an IDP, especially if your licence is not in a Latin alphabet. Drivers from the US and other non-EU countries usually need an IDP throughout Europe, including France and Spain if their licence does not meet specific criteria or they are not EU nationals.
Key IDP Requirements and Differences
| Aspect | France & Spain (2025) | Other Countries | |-------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------| | Need for IDP for UK photocard licences | Generally no IDP required | Often require IDP, especially outside EU | | IDP Formats | 1929, 1949, 1968 conventions (varies by country) | Same formats apply generally but vary by country | | Licence carriers needing IDP | UK paper licences and licences from overseas Crown dependencies need an IDP | Most non-EU nationals require IDP | | Carrying original licence | Always required when driving abroad | Always required with the IDP | | Minimum age to apply for IDP | 18 years or older (for UK applicants) | Usually 18 years or older | | Where to get IDP in UK | Issued at Post Offices in person, cost around £5.50 | Same process | | IDP validity | Usually 1 year | Usually 1 year |
Summary
- French and Spanish authorities have relatively relaxed IDP requirements for UK photocard licence holders due to EU-UK agreements post-Brexit.
- Other countries, especially non-EU and many popular European destinations, are stricter and often require an IDP alongside your national licence.
- All drivers should carry their original driving licence alongside any IDP.
Always check the latest official government or embassy advice before travelling, as IDP requirements can vary by nationality, licence type, and country of visit.
Here are two sentences that contain the given words, following from the provided text:
- "If you are a UK citizen planning for a lifestyle change, such as traveling to Europe post-Brexit, it's essential to understand the new requirements for International Driving Permits (IDPs) and motor insurance Green Cards to manage your personal-finance and avoid any inconveniences while driving in the EU."
- "Besides Europe, obtaining an International Driving Permit (IDP) may be necessary in various parts of the world, especially in locations where driving licenses are not in a Latin alphabet, to facilitate your travel and ensure smooth transition in your personal-finance management while navigating foreign roads."
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