Coronavirus isn’t the only consideration when planning a holiday in 2021. If you intend to drive in Europe next year, Brexit could also affect your travel plans.
While it depends on the outcome of the UK government’s ongoing negotiations with the EU, the days of driving onto the Eurotunnel or ferry with just your passport and driving license may be over. That is, unless you want to risk a hefty fine.
British drivers may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if they’re driving in an EU country from 1 January 2021. The only way to get an IDP is over the counter at the Post Office, but just three in 10 UK Post Offices currently provide IDPs, meaning some consumers in rural areas may have to drive miles and face long queues to get one.
People living in Allenheads (Northumberland) or Belleek (County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland), for example, will need to drive more than half an hour each way to get an IDP. While in Achnasheen in the Scottish Highlands, the nearest Post Office with IDPs is more than 30 miles away in Dingwall, leaving residents facing a 90-minute round-trip to get one.
That’s not all. As well as the IDP, depending on whether you want to hire a car or drive your own car in Europe, you may also need to apply for a Green Card or a VE103 certificate a few days before you travel.
So, if you’re planning on travelling in the New Year (COVID-19 restrictions permitting), it pays to be prepared. Find out how Brexit could affect driving in the EU:
- Can I still use my UK driving license?
- How do I apply for an International Driving Permit?
- How long does an International Driving Permit last?
- Do I need a Green Card for driving my own car?
- Hiring a car in Europe
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Can I still use my UK driving license in Europe?
Yes, up until 31 December 2020, your UK driving license will be sufficient to drive in EU countries. But additional rules may apply after that, depending on the outcome of the Brexit negotiations.
From 1 January 2021, you may need an IDP to drive in Europe, regardless of whether you’re driving your own vehicle or a rental. This is in addition to your full UK driving license, which you must carry with you at all times.
There are three different types of IDP (1262, 1949 and 1968), so you’ll need to check which one is required in the European country you’re visiting. And if you’re visiting multiple EU countries as part of the same trip, you’ll need to take multiple IDPs with you to ensure you have the correct type for each one.
How do I apply for an International Driving Permit?
The only way to get an IDP is over the counter at the Post Office, but you can do it as much as three months before you’re due to travel.
Of the 11,500 branches nationwide, only around 3,000 Post Offices provide the IDP service, so it’s worth using the Post Office’s branch finder service to locate your nearest one and calling ahead to check whether they actually have any IDPs available, otherwise you risk a wasted trip.
Thankfully, once you’ve found a Post Office that offers it, applying for an IDP is easy. You just need to bring:
- Your full UK driving license;
- A standard passport photo;
- Your passport (if you have an older paper driving license).
You’ll need to pay £5.50 per IDP and then you’ll be given your permit(s) there and then. Someone can also apply for an IDP on your behalf, provided they have the correct documents.
How long does an International Driving Permit last?
It depends on what type of IDP you have and how long your UK driving license is valid for.
A 1926 or a 1949 IDP expires after 12 months, while a 1968 expires after three years. But all three types of IDP also expire automatically when your UK driving license expires, regardless of when you bought them.
So, if your driving license expires in a few months, you may want to think about renewing it before applying for an IDP.
Do I need a Green Card for driving my own car in Europe?
One of the biggest potential changes to driving in the EU after 31 December 2020 relates to using your own car.
As well as taking your vehicle’s log book (VC5) with you to prove you own the vehicle, in the event of a no-deal Brexit you’ll also need to take a Green Card, which is an International certificate of insurance that proves you’re insured to drive abroad.
This must be requested from your vehicle insurer and you’ll need an additional Green Card if you’re planning on towing a trailer or caravan.
A Green Card is free and valid for 90 days, so we recommend applying for one well in advance of when you’re due to travel, just in case it takes longer than expected.
You could be asked to show your Green Card from 1 January 2021 onwards, so even if you’re departing the UK in December 2020, you need to take one with you if you’re not going to be returning from Europe until the New Year.
Hiring a car in Europe
As well as potentially needing an IDP to drive in the EU after Brexit, there are further considerations if you’re hiring a car.
While you won’t need a Green Card if you’re driving in the EU with a car hired in the UK, you’ll need a VE103 certificate to prove you’re allowed to drive it abroad. Get one through either RAC Motoring Services or the BVRLA.
Or, if you’re hiring a car when you get to Europe, the rental firm may ask to see a digital record of your driving license. Get a free license check code for this purpose from the DVLA’s website up to 21 days before your trip.
Bear in mind it’s your responsibility to check you have the equipment you need, which could include things like a reflective jacket and a warning triangle.
See which are the best and worst car hire companies.
source https://www.which.co.uk/news/2020/12/driving-in-the-eu-after-brexit-what-you-need-to-know/