We hate to bring up the B word again, but we have noticed that lots of people are anxious about what will happen if we end up leaving the EU with a no-deal Brexit.
If there is a no deal Brexit...
You may need an IDP to allow you to drive legally in the EU and EEA. Here’s an overview of what you need to know.
What is an IDP?
An IDP (International Driving Permit) permits you to drive abroad. Currently, there are several countries outside of the EU and EEA that require drivers to carry both their driving licence and an IDP. While the UK remains in the EU, an IDP isn’t required for driving within Europe.
Types of IPD
There are three types of IDP: 1926, 1949 and 1968. The type that you need depends on the country or countries that you plan on visiting and driving in.
How do I get an IDP?
Getting an IDP couldn’t be simpler: just head to your local post office and fill in an application form. Each IDP costs £5.50, so for £16.50 you can make sure that you can legally drive in any country.
Driving outside of the EU and EEA
It’s not just EU and EAA driving that is seeing changes; some countries have changed the type of IDP that they require for you to drive or hire a car. With effect from 28th March 2019, some countries no longer recognise the UK’s 1926 and 1949 IDPs, and have switched to the 1968 IDP. If you are in doubt, check before you leave the country.
Post-Brexit IDPs
The UK is leaving he EU on 31st October 2019. If a deal is agreed upon, people holding a full UK driving licence will be able to drive in EU and EAA countries as before. However, if there is a no-deal Brexit, the government will need to negotiate for UK drivers to have the same rights as before. This might happen, but in the meantime, you will need a 1968 IDP for driving in some EU and EAA countries. If you are planning on visiting more than one country, you may need more than one IDP, for example, for Liechtenstein, you will need a 1926 IDP, Netherlands a 1968 IDP and Andorra a 1949 one.
Different countries have different policies on international drivers; some only require an IDP for stays over a certain length of time, while others don’t require IDPs at all (people with non-UK driving licences are free to drive in the UK without an additional permit).
Follow us on Facebook or Twitter for next week’s blog, where we will provide you with a list of the European countries, which IDPs they require, and any other useful information. If you are nervous about driving abroad check out our directory of trusted, rated driving instructors for a few confidence-building lessons.