What do I need to drive in Europe

From January 1st 2021 the rules regarding driving in the Europe may change. Short trips such as holidays and business trips may not affect your current UK driving licence. If your licence was issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man or if you have a paper licence, you might need an IDP  (International Driving Permit). You do not need an IDP if you are visiting Ireland. IDPs can be purchased at your local Post Office for £5.50

There are different IDPs you might need to get depending on the country you are visiting. There are 3 types:

• 1926
• 1949
• 1968

Remember if you are traveling through more than one country in Europe you might need more the one IDP. Use this table to find out which permit you will need. If you don’t see the permit number then you should contact the Embassy of the country you will be traveling through.

Documents you will need

If you drive in Europe and are traveling in your own vehicle for less than 12 months in Europe you will need to carry a log book (V5C) or a VE103 to show you’re allowed to use your hired or leased vehicle abroad. (Current Information) Use a GB sticker on the back of your vehicle even if you have a GB on your number plate.

Green Card Insurance

A green card proves you have insurance cover on you’re vehicle. You will need to carry a physical copy with you when you drive in Europe. Contact your insurer or ask them where to download it. If your insurer posts it allow up to 6 weeks. You may have to show you’re green card at the border, if you are involved in an accident or stopped by the police. You do need to have a green card and additional insurance if you are towing a caravan or trailer.

If you Break Down Abroad

It is always wise to have breakdown cover whenever you travel, even more so when you drive in Europe. Most of the well established companies in the UK will offer competitive breakdown cover. In some countries in Europe having a reflective jacket and a warning triangle are compulsory pieces of equipment you must carry in you’re vehicle. There are large fines if you don’t and saying I didn’t know is no defence.

If you have lost your driving licence you will need a new one. Also if your licence was damaged or destroyed you will need a new one. If it was stolen you need to inform the police. The DVLA handle all these matters and this is the government department you need to deal with to replace your licence.

To replace your lost driving licence you will need to:

• be a resident of Great Britain, there is a different service for Northern Ireland.
• not be disqualified from driving for any reason
• provide an address where you have lived for the last 3 years
• provide your driving licence number, national insurance number and passport number if you know them
• pay £20 by MasterCard, Visa, Electron or Delta debit or credit card

Your new photo driving licence

The DVLA will use your passport photo if you have a valid UK passport, you will need to provide your passport number, give permission for the DVLA to use your photo and if your driving licence is due to expire in 2 years. If you have all this information the DVLA can use your passport photo. The DVLA will inform you if an electronic photo is not available. They will send you a form so you can send a new one.

Change the photo on your driving licence

For photocard licences, the photo must be renewed every 10 years. It cost £14 to update the photo on your licence, this is because you are renewing your driving licence. You can apply online with the DVLA if you have a valid UK passport and want to use your passport photo. The DVLA will send you a confirmation email once you have applied. Remember you need a valid passport for the DVLA to be able to use the photo and signature from your passport. You will not be able to change your photo online if your passport is out of date.

Renew my passport

It will cost £75.50 to renew or replace an adult passport. It can take up to 3 weeks to receive your new passport. It is always quicker to renew online. To renew you will need a digital photo, a credit card or debit card and your passport. If you are applying for the first time you have to be a British national aged 16 or over and have never had a British passport before. It can take up to 6 weeks to arrive. Passports are valid for 10 years.

Licence check code

You can use this service to check your driving records such as penalty points and vehicles you can drive. Create a licence check code to share your records with other parties such as insurance companies or car hire firms. Your check code is valid for 21 days. You will need a national insurance number a driving licence number first 16 characters and your postcode on your licence to start your check.

Having problems with the licence check code

If you are having problems with getting your check code such as the DVLA not recognising your details you can use a personal check DVLA page. This will probably still come back with we don’t see your details. Click on verify my details you will be then asked to verify your details using a company that meets government privacy and security standards. Pick a company to verify you and follow the instructions. You should be then able to get your licence check code.