The short answer: with a UK photocard licence you don't need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in any EU or EEA country, or in Switzerland. You may need one if you have an old paper licence, a licence from Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man, or you're driving further afield. This guide covers where you need an IDP and which type, popular non-EU destinations, Green Cards and the UK sticker.
Understanding International Driving Permits (IDPs)
An IDP is not a standalone licence. It is an official translation of your existing driving licence into multiple languages, formatted in a way that is internationally recognised. You still need to carry your UK photocard licence alongside it.
Types of IDP
There are three types of IDP, based on different international conventions:
- 1926 Convention IDP: valid for one year. Needed in only a small number of countries outside Europe.
- 1949 Convention IDP: valid for one year. This is the most widely accepted type and the one you need for most countries outside the EU.
- 1968 Convention IDP: valid for three years (or until your licence expires, whichever is sooner). Used in many countries that ask for an IDP, though not needed in the EU or EEA with a UK photocard licence.
Where to Get an IDP in the UK
IDPs are available over the counter at Post Office branches that offer the service. You need your UK photocard driving licence and a passport-sized photo. The cost is GBP 5.50 per permit. You cannot apply online. Processing is instant at the counter.
If you are visiting several non-EU countries that need different IDP types, you can hold more than one. At GBP 5.50 each, it's cheap insurance against being turned away at a rental desk.
EU & EEA Countries: Post-Brexit Rules
The UK government's advice is clear: you do not need an IDP to drive in the EU, Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Norway if you have a UK photocard licence. Country rules on how long a visitor can drive on a foreign licence differ, but for a holiday or road trip that doesn't matter. If you move abroad, you'll need to exchange your licence.
Countries Where a UK Licence Alone Is Sufficient
That includes all the countries UK drivers visit most, for example:
- France (see driving in France for the road rules)
- Spain (see driving in Spain)
- Italy, Germany, Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Greece and Croatia
- The Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Bulgaria
- Ireland, where UK licences are recognised under a long-standing agreement
When You Might Still Need an IDP in Europe
- You have a paper licence (issued before photocards were introduced): check the GOV.UK country guidance, as some countries require an IDP with it
- Your licence was issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man: different rules apply
- You're driving outside the EU and EEA, for example into the non-EU Balkans or Turkey (see below and our multi-country planning guide)
Outside the EU, even where an IDP isn't strictly required, having one can help with police, rental desks and insurers after an accident. At GBP 5.50, it's cheap.
Popular Non-EU Destinations
United States
A UK driving licence is accepted for tourist visits in the US (typically up to 90 days on the Visa Waiver Programme). An IDP isn't generally required by law. However, a 1949 Convention IDP is useful if you are pulled over in a state where officers are less familiar with foreign licences, or if your rental company's local branch requests one.
Canada
Accepted in all provinces for visits of up to 3–6 months (varies by province). No IDP required. British Columbia and Ontario are the most generous, allowing up to 6 months.
Australia
Your UK licence is valid while you are a temporary visitor (typically the length of your visa or visitor stay). Because the licence is in English, an IDP is not required. If you stay longer and become a resident, you must obtain an Australian licence within 3–6 months depending on the state.
Japan
Japan does not accept a UK licence on its own. You need a 1949 Convention IDP from the Post Office, carried with your UK licence. (The JAF translation route applies to licences from countries such as France, Germany and Switzerland, not the UK.) Rental companies in Japan check this strictly.
Turkey
A UK driving licence is generally accepted for short tourist visits. An IDP is a sensible backup, as some rental companies and local police may ask for one.
South Africa
Your UK photocard licence is accepted as long as it includes a photograph and is in English, which all UK photocard licences are. No IDP is needed for tourist visits. If you hold an older paper licence without a photo, you will need an IDP.
Green Card Insurance: Post-Brexit Requirements
EU and EEA Countries
Since 2 August 2021, Green Cards are not required for UK-registered vehicles in the EU and EEA (and also Andorra, Serbia and Switzerland). Your UK motor insurance must provide at least the minimum third-party cover required. You should still:
- Check that your insurance policy covers driving abroad (some basic policies do not)
- Ask your insurer for confirmation of cover abroad, to carry with your documents
- Consider upgrading to fully comprehensive overseas cover, as your policy may reduce to third-party only outside the UK
Non-EU Countries Where Green Cards Are Still Required
According to GOV.UK, you need a Green Card to drive your own UK-registered vehicle in these countries (check the current list before you go):
- Albania
- Azerbaijan
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- Morocco
- Tunisia
- Turkey
- Ukraine
Request your Green Card from your insurer at least two weeks before travel. Ensure the specific country codes are listed and not struck through.
Practical Checklist: Documents to Carry
Before any overseas driving trip, assemble this document pack:
- UK photocard driving licence (check the photocard hasn't expired; it needs renewing every 10 years)
- Passport
- International Driving Permit(s), only if required for your destination
- DVLA check code, if you're hiring a car: some rental desks ask for one so they can see your endorsements (see our car rental tips)
- Vehicle registration document (V5C), if driving your own vehicle
- Motor insurance certificate, plus confirmation of cover abroad
- Green Card, if required for your route
- Rental agreement, if driving a hire car, including any cross-border authorisation
- Breakdown cover details: make sure your policy covers the countries on your route
- UK sticker: needed unless your number plate shows the UK identifier. GB stickers and GB Euro-symbol plates have not been valid since September 2021. In Spain, Cyprus and Malta you need a UK sticker whatever your plate shows
Ready to start planning? Plan a European road trip and see distances, border crossings, and documentation requirements mapped out for your route.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive in Europe with a UK provisional licence?
No. A UK provisional licence is not valid for driving abroad. You must hold a full UK driving licence. Some countries also set a minimum age for car hire (usually 21–25) regardless of your licence status. If you hold a full licence but are under 25, expect to pay a young driver surcharge at most rental companies.
What happens if I drive without an IDP in a country that requires one?
Penalties vary. In some countries, police will issue a fine and allow you to continue. In others, particularly if you are involved in an accident, driving without the required IDP could be treated as driving without a valid licence, which is a serious offence and may invalidate your insurance. At a rental desk, staff may simply refuse to hand over the keys. Given that an IDP costs GBP 5.50 and takes five minutes to obtain, there is no good reason to risk it.
Has Brexit changed whether my UK licence is valid in the EU?
For visits, your UK photocard licence remains valid across the EU and you don't need an IDP. What changed is the legal basis: UK licences are now recognised as non-EU licences rather than under EU membership, which mainly matters if you move to an EU country and need to exchange your licence. Check GOV.UK before you travel in case anything changes.
