Driving abroad
Driving abroad on holiday
You need to take your Great Britain or Northern Ireland driving licence with you to drive abroad. Check yours is still valid and renew your driving licence online if it’s expired or about to expire. You’ll need to apply to renew your licence at least a week before you travel.
If you’re taking your own vehicle, you also need to take your log book (V5C) and your insurance certificate.
If you’re taking a vehicle abroad that you’ve hired or leased in the UK, you’ll need a VE103 certificate.
Check if you need an international driving permit (IDP)
You might need an international driving permit (IDP) to drive in some countries. Check if you need an IDP.
You can get IDPs over the counter at the Post Office. You might need one for each country you’re visiting.
Do not apply for an IDP if you’re moving abroad. You’ll need to either exchange your UK licence or apply for a new one in the country you’re moving to.
Check the overseas driving rules
Make sure you follow overseas driving rules, including local speed limits and drink driving laws. You may be breaking the law and get a fine if you do not.
Depending on the country you’re visiting you may need:
- extra equipment - for example, you need a reflective jacket and a warning triangle in many countries
- emission stickers (permits) in some European cities - you may need to buy these weeks before you go abroad
- headlight converter stickers
- a GB sticker
If you’re hiring a car, it’s your responsibility to check you have the equipment you need.
Check what you need to do if you’re driving in the EU.
Check the travel advice for all countries.
Check your insurance if you’re taking your own vehicle
Your UK vehicle insurance gives you a minimum of third party cover to drive your vehicle in EU countries. Check with your insurer if your policy covers extra things like theft or damage.
You need to carry a physical copy of a ‘green card’ for your vehicle if you’re driving in:
- the EU (including Ireland)
- Andorra
- Iceland
- Liechtenstein
- Norway
- Serbia
- Switzerland
In other countries, you may need additional insurance and a green card to show you’re covered. Check the travel advice for the country you’re driving in.
Towing your trailer or caravan abroad
Check if you need to register your trailer before you can take it abroad.
When driving in the EU (including Ireland), Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Serbia and Switzerland, you need to carry a separate green card for both:
- the vehicle you’re driving
- the trailer or caravan you’re towing
In other countries, you may need additional insurance and a green card for each trailer or caravan you tow. Check what you need to bring with your insurer before you travel.
Hiring a car abroad
Your hire company may ask to see your driving licence information when you pick up the car. You can share this by getting a licence ‘check code’. You can do this up to 21 days before your trip.
If you’re hiring a car, insurance is included. Check what you’re covered for with the hire company.