Driving in Europe: UK licence is sufficient

A UK driving licence is accepted throughout the EU, so ensure yours is valid before you go.

It's also worth noting the DVLA advises any driver travelling abroad to carry a photocard licence, rather than the older all-paper version. Whilst this isn't obligatory, it may make your journey easier where required; see above for how to upgrade a paper licence.

Outside this, don't assume you're automatically covered if you're taking your car to the continent. Follow these tips to ensure you're fully prepared:

• Car insurance: Some comprehensive policies become third party outside the UK (ie, they'll pay if you damage another car but not your own) and you may need to notify your insurer of your trip, so check your policy or call to confirm.
• Breakdown cover: Go outside the UK and often your breakdown cover isn't valid, do a check and if not you can either upgrade to a Euro policy or buy special one-off temporary cover.
• Do a maintenance check: Do all maintenance before you go, and ensure you've got manuals and the numbers to call if you breakdown.
• Driving rules: Check the country-by-country overseas driving regulations on the AA website to make sure you're familiar with the local rules before you go.

Driving outside EU: may need extra permit

A UK driving licence is accepted throughout the EU, but if planning a road trip further afield, check if you'll need an International Driving Permit (IDP).

These are required or recommended in about 140 countries, including the USA, Thailand and India. Drive without one where it's needed and you risk trouble with the authorities, and may be refused a hire car.

The AA website also reports a high number of calls from its members who've been fined up to £350 on the spot for not carrying an IDP in Croatia, so it's well worth making sure you're covered.

They're in booklet format, and contain several translations of your driving licence. There are two types, known as the 1926 and 1949 Conventions, and both are the same price. Which you'll need depends on where you're off to.

It's also worth noting that the DVLA advises any driver travelling abroad to carry a photocard licence, rather than the older all-paper version. Whilst this isn't obligatory, it may make your journey easier where required; see above for how to upgrade a paper licence.

Will I need a permit?

Before you leave, check the full list of countries where it's required or recommended on the AA website; it'll also tell you which type to get. You'll need to be 18 or over to get an International Driving Permit, and hold a full driving licence (see above for how to renew).

How to apply

There are two ways to get an IDP:

• It's £5.50 in person from selected Post Office branches.
• Alternatively, you can get one by post at £7.50 from the RAC or £8 from the AA.

The IDP lasts a year, and you can apply up to three months in advance of going away so there's no need to leave it to the last minute. It doesn't replace a driving licence though, as you'll need to show both when required. Only buy an IDP via the methods above though ...

Beware websites selling 'international driving licences' - these aren't legally recognised documents, so don't get caught out.

An AA spokesperson told us: "Some people mistakenly refer to International Driving Permits (IDP) as international driving licences. However, there is no such thing as an international driving licence - they are not legally recognised - so don't be fooled into buying one, as they are not worth the paper they are printed on.

"An IDP, on the other hand, is required or recommended in 139 countries and is recognised internationally - they are issued in accordance with Road Traffic Conventions, which stipulate that they can only be issued by motoring organisations or motoring authorities."

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Last Updated on Wednesday, 27 July 2011 14:36