Since Brexit, the rules around using a UK driving licence overseas have become more confusing than they need to be. The short answer is that your UK photocard licence still works in most countries — but the details matter. Some countries now require an International Driving Permit (IDP) that they did not require before 2021. Others accept your UK licence but only for a limited period. And the rules around insurance, Green Cards, and vehicle registration have all shifted.
This guide cuts through the confusion with a clear, country-by-country breakdown of where your UK licence is valid, when you need an IDP, and what other documents you should carry.
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. Required by a handful of countries (notably Liechtenstein and some former colonies).
- 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). Required by many EU and Eastern European countries that do request an IDP.
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.
Pro tip: If you are visiting multiple countries that require different IDP types, you can hold all three simultaneously. At GBP 5.50 each, it is worth getting both the 1949 and 1968 permits if your itinerary spans several countries — the cost is negligible compared to the hassle of being turned away at a rental desk.
EU & EEA Countries: Post-Brexit Rules
Before Brexit, any EU/EEA country accepted a UK licence without question. The situation is now more nuanced. Most EU countries still accept the UK photocard licence for short visits, but some have introduced or may introduce IDP requirements.
Countries Where a UK Licence Alone Is Sufficient
The following major EU/EEA countries accept a UK photocard driving licence for tourist visits (typically up to 90 or 180 days) without requiring an IDP:
- France — accepted for stays up to 185 days. Explore Paris
- Spain — accepted for stays up to 6 months. Explore Barcelona
- Italy — accepted for stays up to 1 year. Explore Rome
- Germany — accepted for stays up to 6 months
- Portugal — accepted for tourist visits
- Netherlands — accepted for stays up to 185 days
- Belgium — accepted for tourist visits
- Austria — accepted for stays up to 6 months
- Greece — accepted for tourist visits
- Croatia — accepted for tourist visits
- Ireland — UK licences are recognised under a mutual agreement, no time limit for visitors
Countries That May Require an IDP
Requirements can change, and some countries have ambiguous or inconsistently enforced rules. To be safe, carry a 1968 Convention IDP if driving in:
- Hungary — officially requires an IDP for non-EU licence holders; enforcement varies
- Czech Republic — officially requires an IDP; in practice, UK licences are usually accepted
- Slovakia — similar to Czech Republic; IDP recommended
- Romania — IDP recommended
- Bulgaria — IDP recommended
- Poland — UK licence accepted, but an IDP avoids any potential complications
Pro tip: Even in countries where an IDP is not strictly required, having one can smooth interactions with police, rental companies, and — critically — insurance assessors if you have an accident. Think of it as a GBP 5.50 insurance policy against bureaucratic headaches.
Popular Non-EU Destinations
United States
A UK driving licence is accepted in all 50 states for tourist visits (typically up to 90 days on the Visa Waiver Programme). No IDP is legally required. 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 duration of your visa (up to 3 months on a tourist visa). 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 UK driving licences and does not recognise UK-issued IDPs. Instead, you need a Japanese translation of your UK licence, which can be obtained from the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) office after arrival, or in advance through the Embassy of Japan. This is a crucial detail that trips up many travellers.
Turkey
A UK driving licence is accepted for tourist visits of up to 90 days. An IDP (1968 Convention) is recommended as a backup, as some rental companies and local police may request it.
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
Before Brexit, UK motorists could drive anywhere in the EU with just their standard motor insurance policy. The situation has since evolved.
EU and EEA Countries
As of 2024, the European Commission confirmed that Green Cards are no longer required for UK-registered vehicles entering EU and EEA countries. Your standard UK motor insurance provides the minimum third-party cover required. However, you should still:
- Check that your insurance policy covers driving abroad (some basic policies do not)
- Request a letter of cover from your insurer confirming the countries covered — this is not the same as a Green Card but serves a similar purpose if questioned at a border
- 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
If you are driving your own UK-registered vehicle into the following countries, you must carry a valid Green Card:
- Serbia
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Montenegro
- Albania
- North Macedonia
- Moldova
- Turkey
- Russia and Belarus (where travel is currently advised against)
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 it is not expired — obvious but easily overlooked)
- Passport
- International Driving Permit(s) — if required or recommended for your destination
- Vehicle registration document (V5C) — if driving your own vehicle
- Motor insurance certificate or letter of cover — confirming overseas validity
- Green Card — if required for your route
- Rental agreement — if driving a hire car, including any cross-border authorisation
- Breakdown cover details — ensure your policy covers the countries on your route
- GB sticker or magnet — still required when driving a UK-registered vehicle abroad, unless your number plate displays the GB identifier in the Euro format
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 short-term tourist visits, your UK photocard licence remains valid in all EU countries. What has changed is the legal basis — you are now covered under each country's domestic rules for third-country licence holders rather than under EU mutual recognition. In practice, this means some countries could theoretically introduce an IDP requirement for UK licence holders at any time. Staying informed and carrying an IDP as a precaution is the best approach.
