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How to Get an International Driving Permit in the UK

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Updated: Sep 19, 2024

Published: Jul 22, 2024

Driving yourself while abroad has several advantages. You can explore the landscapes at your own pace and manage your schedule without being dependent on public transport. If you’re a UK resident or citizen hoping to drive your vehicle or a rental car while abroad, you need an International Driving Permit (IDP). This article will explain the different types of IDPs you might need depending on your destination, and how to get one. 

Table of Contents

What is an International Driving Permit?

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that allows you to drive in over 140 countries worldwide when accompanied by a valid UK driving licence. It is an official translation of your driver’s licence in several languages, including English. An IDP helps local authorities verify your credentials, ensuring you can legally drive across international borders without facing language barriers or legal issues.

Types of International Driving Permits

As a UK resident, you can apply for any of these International Driving Permits, depending on your travel destination: 

1926 IDP

This permit is necessary for UK citizens who wish to travel to and drive in countries that obey the 1926 Paris International Convention on Motor Traffic, such as Mexico and Somalia.  

1949 IDP

This permit is required for driving in countries that comply with the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic, such as Albania, France, Egypt, etc. 

1968 IDP

This permit has the widest coverage globally and is required in countries that endorsed the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, including most EU countries, Brazil, and Russia. It is valid for three years or until your UK driving licence expires, whichever comes first.

Key facts about IDPs

  • Validity: Both the I926 and 1949 IDPs are valid for one year. The 1968 IDP lasts for three years or until your UK driving licence expires, whichever comes first. Make sure to renew it if your travels extend beyond this period.
     
  • Driving Licence Requirement: You need a valid UK driving licence to apply for an IDP.
     
  • Age Requirement: You must be 18 years or older to apply for an IDP. This age requirement ensures that all drivers holding an IDP have reached the adult age of driving responsibility in most countries.
     
  • Application Timing: You can only apply for an IDP up to three months before your intended travel date. 
     
  • Purpose of Use: An IDP is mainly for driving abroad while on vacation or tourism. If travelling to another country for work or to live as a resident, check if an IDP meets their driving requirements. Some countries or regions might require more documents or a local driver's licence.
     
  • Precautionary Measure: If you need clarification on the specific requirements for your travel or stay in a foreign country, consider applying for an IDP as a precautionary measure. It's better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

When Do I Need an International Driving Permit?

As a UK resident or citizen, you’ll need an IDP if you plan to drive a vehicle in a foreign country that does not recognise your domestic driving licence as a valid document. Note that an IDP does not replace your local driving licence; it merely supplements it. So, ensure to have both documents when travelling.

The table below shows the specific IDP you might need when travelling to countries in certain regions: 

RegionRequired IDP TypeAdditional Information
EU countries NoneYou do not need an IDP for stays up to certain durations, but a 1968 IDP may be required if you have a paper driving licence or a licence issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man
Non-EU European countriesDependsNorway requires a 1968 IDP for paper licences from the UK and driving licences from Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man. Other non-EU countries may have different requirements. 
United States and Canada1949 IDPAn IDP is often necessary depending on the state or province and the duration of your stay.
Australia and New Zealand1949 IDPAn IDP is generally required, especially for car rentals.
Asian countries1949 or 1968 IDPRequirements can vary widely across countries in the continent.
African countries1949 or 1968 IDPAn IDP is required, particularly for stays longer than 90 days.
Middle Eastern countries1968 IDPAn IDP is often necessary for car rentals and longer stays
Latin American countries1926 or 1949 IDPThe specific IDP type depends on the country.
The Caribbean Islands1949 IDPAn IDP is typically required for car rentals.

How to get an International Driving Permit in the UK

Getting an International Driving Permit (IDP) in the UK is quite straightforward. Here’s how you can secure one:

  1. Determine the Type of IDP You Need: Before applying, identify which type of IDP is required for your travel destination. As explained earlier, you have three options: 1926, 1949, and 1968.
     
  2. Verify Your Eligibility: You must be at least 18 years old, have a full UK driving licence and be a Great Britain or Northern Ireland resident to qualify for an IDP. 
     
  3. Gather the Required Documents: These include your driving licence, a passport-sized photograph (if you have a paper licence) and the IDP application fee of £5.50.
     
  4. Apply for the IDP: Visit any UK Post Office that issues IDPs in person and submit your documents. You may need to get more than one IDP if you’re visiting several countries with different IDP requirements. You should get your IDP within a few minutes of your application.

Documents required for driving abroad in Europe

When driving in Europe, there are specific documents you should carry to ensure you're complying with local regulations. These documents include:  

  • Your valid UK driver’s licence and an additional photo ID if you have a paper licence.
  • An International Driving Permit.
  • Your vehicle insurance (ensure that it covers driving in Europe).
  • Your Vehicle Registration Document (for personal vehicles) or a VE103 document (for hired or leased vehicles).

You must also display a UK sticker on your vehicle, except your number plate already includes a UK identifier with the Union flag. However, you must display a UK sticker regardless of your number plate if you’re driving in Spain, Cyprus, or Malta. Also, some trailers or caravans must be registered before you tow them into a European country. 

 

Other travel requirements you might need to drive in Europe

  • Your travel insurance documents. These are not specifically required for driving in Europe, but they can be helpful during travel-related emergencies.
     
  • If driving in cities with low-emission zones, ensure your car displays the required emission sticker. This is mandatory in several European cities to help control air pollution.
     
  • Many European countries require drivers to have reflective jackets, a first aid kit and a warning triangle. Always keep these safety items within reach inside your vehicle.
     
  • If your car's headlights are not adjusted for driving on the right side of the road, you'll need beam deflectors. These prevent your headlights from dazzling other drivers, making it safer for everyone on the road.

Do I need certified translations?

When you plan to drive abroad, you'll often need to present documents like your work visa (if required), proof of residence, or other legal papers along with your International Driving Permit (IDP). If these documents are not in the language of your destination country, you'll need certified translations.

If you're a UK resident or a foreign national in the UK, Translayte can help. As a leading provider of certified translations in the UK, we specialise in translating and certifying documents from various languages into English and vice versa, ensuring your paperwork is professionally translated and widely accepted abroad.

Related posts

International Driving Permit in Australia

Where Do Canadians Need International Driving Permits?

Do I Need an International Driving Permit for France?

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get an IDP in the UK?
You can obtain an IDP immediately at certain Post Office branches that offer this service. Just ensure you bring the necessary documents and you can walk out with your IDP in minutes.
The validity of an IDP depends on the type; a 1926 or 1949 IDP lasts for 12 months, and a 1968 IDP is valid for three years, or until your UK driving licence expires, whichever comes first.
An IDP costs £5.50. This fee is standard across various issuing outlets, including the Post Office.
Yes, you can apply for an IDP before your travel. However, do not apply earlier than three months before you need it, as the permit is typically valid from the date of issue.
Yes, you might need to apply for different types of IDPs depending on the countries you intend to visit, as countries may recognise different international road traffic agreements.
No, you must apply for an IDP in person. This is because you need to present identification and sign the application yourself.
Yes. Foreign nationals with a UK driving licence are eligible if they meet the other criteria such as age and residency.

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