DVLA issues warning to every motorist heading on holiday this August

The DVLA has issued an urgent warning to every motorist heading away on a summer holiday this August. The experts stressed that individuals hoping to get behind the wheel abroad may need an International Driving Permit.

These permits are effectively translations of domestic driving licences, allowing the holder to drive a vehicle in foreign countries that recognise the document. Although IDPs are not required in many countries in the European Union, despite Brexit, the rules are still in place in many popular tourist destinations. Travelling without an IDP is a major risk, with motorists likely to pick up fines, penalty points, or risk having a vehicle seized.

Posting on social media site X, DVLA said: “If you’re hiring a car abroad, you should check with your car hire company if you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) before travelling.” GOV.UK stressed that securing an IDP will depend on which countries motorists are visiting and how long they intend to stay.

Officials explained that road users do not need an IDP to drive in most of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein if they have a driving licence issued in the UK. However, certain countries require road users to obtain one of three types of IDP: 1926, 1949, or 1968.

The 1968 IDP is one of the most popular ones and may be required to drive in countries such as Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, and Denmark.

The United States may also require individuals to hold a 1968 IDP to get behind the wheel.

GOV.UK added: “You should check if the individual state authority says you need an IDP. If you’re hiring a car, you should check if the car hire company says you need an IDP.

“You may need both your driving licence and an IDP to hire a car in the US. If you have a paper UK driving licence, you must take another form of photographic ID, such as your passport. You may need to show an IDP to your insurance company if you’re involved in an accident.”

Motorists can secure an IDP through participating PayPoint stores for just £5.50. Once secured, the document is usually valid for between one and three years, meaning it could cover future trips.