Driving License

Always carry your driving license with you when traveling abroad, the new card style as shown above can be used in all other European Community/European Economic Area [EC/EEA] member states. Check with a motoring organisation if you want to drive in a non-EC/EEA country. They will advise you whether you need an International Driving Permit [IDP]. IDPs are issued by the AA, the RAC, RSAC and Green Flag Motoring Assistance Recovery Club, also see below. It not only proves you can drive legally but is a very good form of Photo ID as a back up if you have any problems with your Passport. You do not need to take the counterpart with you, all it shows are details of any endorsements (driving offences) or times you have been disqualified from driving, the different vehicles you can learn to drive and your driving entitlement history.

The Counterpart.

If you still have the old paper license then it might be worth updating to the new card style to make it easier to carry and it is more recognisable in the EU. You can get all the info you want HERE at the DVLA site.

International Driving Permit

About IDPs

An International Driving license (IDP) is an internationally recognised, low cost, document which, when accompanied by your own UK licence will allow you to drive a private motor vehicle in a foreign country. IDPs are valid for 12 months from the date of issue.

An IDP is proof that you hold a valid driving licence in your own country. It is not always necessary to have one, since many countries recognise each other's licenses, but possessing an IDP has many advantages. It is intended to overcome the difficulties drivers may have while travelling in other countries that may have widely varying license requirements. It is printed in 10 languages - the five United Nations official languages (English, French, Spanish, Russian and Chinese) plus German Arabic, Italian, the Scandinavian languages and Portuguese. It may also be a useful form of pictured ID in the case of a lost or stolen passport.

Holders of foreign driving licences must make an application to the country which issued their national driving licence.

Most countries require a 1949 Convention IDP but for certain countries, a 1926 Convention IDP is necessary. Click HERE to check IDP requirements by country.

The AA are authorised to issue both 1949 and 1926 Convention IDPs to people over the age of 18 who hold valid full UK (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) driving licences, or can obtain such licences on the basis of pass certificates (within the last two years). IDPs cannot be issued to holders of UK provisional licences without the pass certificates. Before you apply make sure your license is upto date and all information is correct, if not contact the DVLA or follow the link HERE or send it back to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BN with a letter of explanation

Apply for an IDP HERE.