Driving abroad

Get an international driving permit (IDP)

An IDP costs £5.50.

You must:

A 1926 or 1949 permit lasts for 12 months. A 1968 permit lasts for 3 years or until your UK driving licence expires, whichever comes first.

Step 1 Check where you can use your licence
1. Check the rules for using your driving licence abroad
You may need an international driving permit (IDP) to drive outside the UK.
1. Check if you need an IDP
Step 2 Apply for an international driving permit (IDP)
1. Get an IDP in person from certain shops that have PayPoint £5.50
Step 3 Get insurance
1. Check if your vehicle insurance covers you for the countries you're driving through
Check this with your car hire company if you’re hiring a vehicle.
Step 4 Prepare the documents you need to take with you
1. Check what documents you need to take a vehicle out of the UK
If you're hiring a car you may need to share your driving licence information with the hire company.
1. Get a 'check code' to share your driving licence information
If you got your licence in Northern Ireland, you’ll need to show the rental company your paper counterpart instead.
Step 5 Check the rules for the country you're travelling to
The rules for driving may be different in the country you're going to. For example, drink-driving rules might be different or you might need to carry extra equipment in your car.
When you have your documents, insurance and any extra equipment you need you can drive abroad.