International Driving Permits and Brexit – your questions answered about driving in the EU
On 13th September 2018, the UK Government published its latest round of technical notices which included what will be required in the event of the UK leaving the European Union without a deal.
We compiled a summary of these notices to help understand what will happen in the scenario and what sort of actions that you should take.
When is the UK leaving the EU?
The UK is set to leave the EU on 29th March 2019 at 11pm.
What happens when the UK leaves the EU and what will the impact be on driving abroad?
This is entirely dependent whether a deal is struck and what sort of deal that is.
However, in the event of no-deal being agreed, UK drivers taking their car to, or driving in EU states may require additional documentation to their UK driving licence.
In the event of no-deal, what will I need if I take my car abroad?
In addition to your UK driving licence, motorists may also be required to purchase an International Driving Permit (IDP).
There are three types of IDPs available, though only two are used in EU states and European Economic Area countries.
Which IDP will I require?
- 1949 IDP: If you are travelling to Ireland, Malta, Spain or Cyprus, you may require a 1949 IDP. The 1949 convention IDP is valid for 12 months.
- 1968 IDP: If you are travelling to all other EU states, you may require a 1968 IDP. The 1968 convention IDP is valid for three years, or for however long your driving licence is valid, if that date is earlier.
- 1926 IDP: A 1926 IDP is not required in any EU state. However, it is required it if you plan to drive in Mexico or Somalia.
For further details on countries' IDP requirements visit the Government website.
Where can I get an IDP?
From 1st February 2019 the RAC will no longer issue International Driving Permits (IDP). For anyone travelling prior to 31st January 2019, the RAC will continue to issue IDPs, but those travelling in February or after should apply for their IDP at the Post Office. You can use the Post Office website to find out which branches can issue IDPs.
If you currently have a 1949 IDP, this will remain valid until the date it expires.
You will be able to apply for all three types of IDP (1949, 1968 and 1926) at 2,500 Post Offices across the UK.
The Government anticipates that 90% of the UK population will be no more than 10 minutes away from a Post Office issuing IDPs.
How long will the process take?
Getting an IDP over a Post Office counter takes around five minutes on a turn-up-and-go basis.
How much does an International Driving Permit cost?
A single IDP will cost £5.50
What about if I drive to Spain via France where two types of IDP may be required?
You may need to purchase both the 1949 and the 1968 versions of IDPs, costing £11
What if you are hiring a vehicle abroad?
You may also need an IDP to hire a vehicle when you are abroad, alongside your UK driving licence. You will need to check with the rental company but it may be a wise precaution to get an IDP anyway.
Should I get my IDP now, just in case?
If the UK leaves the European Union on 29th March 2019 with ‘no deal’, a 1949 version of the IDP which can be purchased now and is valid for 12 months, would be required when driving in Spain, Malta, Ireland and Cyprus. All other EU countries would require a 1968 IDP which will only be available over the counter in Post Office branches from 1st February 2019. You can use the Post Office website to find out which branches can issue IDPs.
Separate arrangements in non-EU/EEA countries will apply.
A 1968 version of the IDP will only be available for purchase from Post Offices from 1st February 2019.
I don’t need an IDP to drive in some countries, so why would I need it in the EU?
The UK Government has existing arrangements with some countries surrounding mutual recognition of driving licences.
Within the EU presently, UK driving licences are governed by the Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on driving licences.
In the event of a no-deal Brexit, pre-existing agreements on licence recognition may then apply.
What if I plan on moving to an EU country?
The UK Government states: “If, after exit day, you become resident in an EU country you would not have the automatic right under EU law to exchange your UK licence for a driving licence from the EU country you’re living in. Depending on the laws of the EU country you move to, you may need to take a new driving test in that country.
"You can avoid this by exchanging your UK driving licence for one from the EU country you move to or live in before 29 March 2019.
"UK licence holders who do this, will be able to re-exchange for a UK licence if they return to live in the UK.”
Will I require any additional vehicle insurance documents?
In the event of a no-deal Brexit, the Government announced on 24th September that drivers hiring or taking their vehicle abroad post-Brexit would need to carry a Green Card as proof of third party motor insurance cover when driving in the EU, EEA, Andorra, Serbia and Switzerland.
Motorists should speak to their insurance company if they are driving in these states from 29th March and the UK has left the EU without a deal.
