Brexit is a subject that certainly divides opinion across the UK. However, regardless of your political stance, most people would agree that they are uncertain about how their lives in the UK will be affected post Brexit. Many Brits enjoy driving over to the continent for holidays or for business. Unfortunately, how driving in the EU will differ for those of us with UK driving licenses is one of those areas of uncertainty. To give a little more clarity, we’re giving you the latest update on what you need to know if you plan to drive on the continent if there is a no-deal Brexit. Spoiler alert: For those of us who remember the days before the UK was in the European Union, some of the new requirements may feel quite familiar.
International driving permit
In order to drive legally on the continent post Brexit if there is no deal you will need to have an International Driving Permit. Your regular UK driver’s licence will no longer be sufficient. You will be able to apply for the International Driving Permit at your local post office. There are two different types of International Driving Permit when driving in Europe and which one to get depends on the country that you are visiting. A 1968IDP is required for the following countries:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden.
A 1949IDP is required for the following countries:
Cyprus, Iceland, Malta, Spain.
You will be able to obtain your International Driving Permit from a post office at a cost of £5.50*. Not all post offices are able to issue these driving permits, so check which post office in your area offers this particular service.
Green card
A green card shows proof that you have valid insurance to allow you to drive in Europe. The green card will be available from your vehicle insurance provider.
Country of origin stickers
Your vehicle will need to clearly show that you are from Great Britain. Even if you have a GB identifier on your licence plate, you will still need to have a sticker on your vehicle showing that you are travelling from Great Britain.
Legal requirements for driving in the EU with a dog
Regardless of whether there is a deal or not, for most countries in Europe you will need to ensure that your dog is securely positioned in your vehicle. In Spain you are legally required to travel with a dog guard in place if you have a dog in the car. Adding the Travall Guard, is a fit-and-forget approach to ensuring that your vehicle meets the legal requirements in that country, but makes sense as an addition to the vehicle if you are travelling to other countries in Europe too.
Requirements do change rapidly, so for the most current information about driving in the EU post Brexit visit the government website.
*Price correct at time of blog posting
