International Driving Permit - Do You Need One?

Planning a motoring holiday?  Don’t forget your breakdown cover (www.vehicle-rescue.com). Out of curiosity we looked into the requirements for driving abroad and whether or not an International Driving Permit is always needed. We’re passing on some of the information we found out. This is just a brief summary so you should check your personal requirements before planning a trip. 

To be on the safe side, the best advice seems to be to get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Just as with purchasing travel insurance, it’s better to be safe than sorry and there’s really no reason not to get the IDP as it’s not expensive.  A UK IDP is an internationally recognized document which allows you to drive a private motor vehicle overseas when accompanied by a valid UK driving license. IDP’s can be issued to UK residents aged 18 and over who hold a valid full UK driving license (England, Scotland, Wales and N. Ireland) or who can obtain a license based upon a pass certificate (within the last two years). An IDP is valid for twelve months from the date of issue and obviously will not be issued to those who hold only provisional UK licenses without a pass certificate.

No additional test is required to obtain an IDP because it is basically just a translation of your original UK license printed in nine languages: English, Spanish, French, Russian, Portuguese, German, Chinese, Arabic and Japanese.  The license also acts as proof of your identity and confirms the terms and conditions of your UK driving license.

Check the details on your UK license are up to date and notify the issuing authority immediately if they are not. (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency: www.dvla.gov.uk.)

If you are stopped by the police in a foreign country and asked for identification you can present both documents - your IDP and valid UK license - and they will be able to understand the IDP in their language.  This seems like a lot less trouble than possible alternatives.  Remember you will also need to have valid registration and insurance documents.

In some countries you’ll need an IDP to rent a car so if you are booking in advance ask the company about driving license requirements.  Remember that the IDP is to be used along with your valid UK license, not as a substitute for it, and that some companies require you to have held a full license for 12 months. You could risk fines or worse if you don’t comply.

IDP’s are available from main post office branches as well as motoring clubs and organizations. The fee is currently £5.50.  An IDP can be bought over the counter at some post offices – but you have to apply in person. Visit www.postoffice.co.uk. (Click on ‘Passports’ under ‘Travel’ to get to the relevant section where you will find International Driving Permits).

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