New regulations impacting Uk Driving Licensetravel through Europe came into effect after the post-Brexit transition period.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps stated in January 2021 that this represents a “historic moment for British motorists” and that those who choose to drive in the EU can “continue to do so with ease.” This includes a new driving license and insurance requirements.
The new rules for driving in Europe and for EU license holders driving in the Uk Driving License are explained in this Insight. Although some information is subject to change, it should be taken as accurately as the writing date.
Will my driver’s license still be good?
Yes, most Uk Driving License are still permitted to drive in EU nations using their regular driving licenses.
There are some exceptions, and you could need what is known as an International Driving Permit (IDP).
IDPs cost £5.50 each and are available at post offices.
People with only paper licenses, not photocard ones, and those with licenses granted in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man, are the exceptions.
Over three million people in the UK only have a paper license, according to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), which revealed this to BBC News last year.
If you are a member of one of these organizations, the government advises contacting the embassy of check to check if you’ll need an IDP for the nation you intend to travel to by car. Additionally, it has released specific advice for particular nations.
In Europe, you can need one of two different types of IDP. A 1968 IDP will be required by some of those people for France and Germany, for instance.
A 1949 IDP is also available; it, for instance, covers travel to Andorra.
You may discover a complete list of the IDPs you require globally on this page.
Your UK photocard driver’s license will remain valid in the UK until the expiration date is printed, even if it has an EU flag on it.
Which types of auto insurance are required to drive in Europe?
All UK vehicle insurance now includes the required third-party coverage for travelling throughout most of Europe, including all EU member nations, and drivers are no longer required to show an insurance “green card” as proof of coverage.
This is due to the UK’s participation as a third country in the Green Card Free Circulation Zone (GCFCZ) since August 2021. Following Brexit, the UK lost automatic membership in the GCFCZ, but the European Commission effectively restored it in August 2021.
All of the EU and EEA members, including Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, and Switzerland, are included in the GCFCZ.
The government recommends that drivers always have a vehicle logbook or other proof of registration. (V5C) when travelling by car. If a trailer or caravan is commercial or exceeds a particular weight limit, drivers must register it to tow it in Europe.
What concerning GB stickers?
GB stickers are required until late September unless your license plate displays GB, either by itself or with a union flag. You still require a GB sticker even if the GB is displayed next to the EU flag or the flags of England, Scotland, or Wales.
No matter what is on your number plate, it would be best if you had a GB sticker to drive in Spain, Cyprus, or Malta.
However, starting on September 28, the required sticker will change from GB to UK; even if GB is displayed on your license plate, you will need a sticker to drive abroad.
If you are the car’s owner, you must also bring your V5C logbook. To prove you have the authorization to take the car outside of the UK, if it is one you have rented or leased, you will need to obtain a VE103 form.
What laws are in place for drivers who work?
When driving in Europe, bus and coach drivers, as well as operators of heavy trucks, are required to carry their Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) cards.
They do not need insurance or green cards when operating a vehicle in the GCFCZ, just like non-professional drivers.
For any overseas trips that UK companies are permitted to take, drivers who work for a UK company and have a CPC card may continue to use their card to drive to or via EU nations.
Drivers with UK CPC cards employed by EU companies should check with their employers to see if their cards are still accepted in EU nations.
What about people who have EU licenses who drive in the UK?
Visitors from the EU with valid driving licenses may continue using them in the UK without needing an IDP. Even if a person’s car has insurance in the EU, Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Serbia, or Switzerland, they still need to drive in the UK with either an insurance green card or another form of proof of insurance.
Subject to UK license renewal regulations, EU residents who hold valid licenses may continue to drive in the UK. Accordingly, at the later of age 70 or three years after the driver first becomes a resident, whichever comes first, an EU license must be converted to a UK license.
Residents of the UK who possess an EU driver’s license may exchange it for aUK 1 without requiring a new test if they choose to do so.