Whether you are driving your own car or hiring one, you might need to acquire an International Driving Permit to legally drive in a foreign country. Here’s what you need to know.
What Is an International Driving Permit?
The International Driving Permit (IDP) is an official legal document that essentially translates your driving licence into a variety of languages so it can be understood in non-English speaking countries. It is different from an International Driving Licence, which is not a legally recognised document.
An IDP is required or recommended when driving in about 140 countries, including Australia, Hong Kong, and the USA. In the event that an IDP is not a legal requirement, you might still need to have one for car rental or for insurance cover purposes. You need to be 18 years or older to apply for one, be a resident of the UK, and hold a full UK driving licence.
Do I Need an IDP for Driving in Europe?
You'll be pleased to know that for lots of common holiday destinations, such as France, Spain and Italy, you don't need to worry, at least for the moment. If you have a driving licence issued in the United Kingdom and are planning to drive in the EU, EEA (European Economic Area), or Switzerland, you are not required to have an IDP. However, this might change in 2021 due to the potential Brexit-related rule changes.
However, if you hold an older green driving licence card rather than the more recent pink one, it is still worth applying for an IDP even if travelling within the EU, just to be certain you comply with local laws.
Cost
You can apply for an IDP in person through many branches of the Post Office. The cost is £5.50, which you can pay for with cash or a debit or credit card, and you’ll need to bring your driving licence photocard, a passport photo, and proof of identity, such as your passport. It lasts for 12 months and can be bought up to three months before you travel.
What Happens If I’m Caught Without an IDP?
Turn up to a car hire desk without an IDP and there’s a risk you won’t be insured to drive the car, and thus won’t be able to drive it away. More serious still, if you are stopped by the police and fail to produce an IDP, you could face a fine or have your car confiscated, depending on local rules.
Similarly, if you drive with just an IDP but not your UK licence, you could also be fined, so remember to carry both at all times.
Countries Where an IDP Is Required
You can find a list of countries where an IDP is recommended or required by law on the Government's website. If in doubt or if you require further information, contact the relevant tourist board before travelling.
Note that there are three types of IDP:
- The first corresponds to the 1949 Geneva Convention, and is required in the following countries: Algeria, Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Bangladesh, Barbados, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, Congo, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), Fiji, Ghana, Guam, Guatemala, Haiti, India, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Laos, Lebanon, Lesotho, Libya, Macau, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Mali, Namibia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, St Lucia, St Vincent, Syria, Taiwan, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad & Tobago, Uganda, United States of America, Vatican City and Venezuela.
- The second is an older type of IDP, which corresponds to the 1926 Convention on Motor Traffic. Countries that require the 1926 IDP are Mexico and Somalia.
- In most other countries, and most non-EU European countries, you will need the newer 1968 Vienna Convention IDP. These countries are: Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Ivory Coast, Cuba, Democratic Republic of Congo, French Polynesia, Georgia, Guyana, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Liberia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Myanmar, Niger, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, South Africa, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vietnam and Zimbabwe.
These three different types of IDP are more commonly known simply by the year of the convention to which they relate, i.e. a 1926, 1949 or 1968 IDP. You can specify which IDP you need, or ask for all three, at the time of ordering.
At the time of writing, the following countries do not require an IDP: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.