The UK Government has announced that the rules for international driving permits are changing.
Current licence requirements for driving outside of UK
Currently, UK licence holders who live in the UK can drive in all EU and EEA countries using their UK driving licence. They may need an international driving permit (IDP) in addition to their UK driving licence to drive in some countries outside of the EU and EEA. The UK issues 3 types of IDP to UK licence holders who are resident in the UK: the 1926 IDP, the 1949 IDP and the 1968 IDP. The type of IDP you need depends on the country you are driving in.
From 28 March 2019, some countries will stop recognising 1926 and 1949 IDPs issued by the UK. Instead you may need a 1968 IDP to drive in these countries.
Driving in the EU and EEA from 29 March 2019
If there is an EU exit deal, UK licence holders will be able to continue to drive in all EU and EEA countries using their UK driving licence. If there is no deal, the government will put in place new arrangements for EU and EEA countries to recognise UK driving licences when people are visiting, for example on holiday or business trips. However, until such arrangements are in place, UK driving licence holders may need an IDP in addition to their UK driving licence to drive when visiting EU and EEA countries.
Note: You may need more than one IDP if driving between countries.
Updates to IDP requirements will be posted on the Department for Transport website.
