However, if you're driving your own car, you will need some additional documents. You don't usually need an international driving permit (although there are some exceptions, which we explain below). You can still drive in all EU and EEA (European Economic Area) countries using just your UK driving licence. Driving in Europe after Brexitĭespite the UK leaving the EU in 2020, very little has changed regarding driving in Europe with a UK licence. Looking to hire a car for your trip? Here are the best and worst car hire companies. The IDP should not be confused with an international driving licence – a document that can be bought online but is not an official certificate and won’t be accepted globally. If the permit is compulsory in the country you're planning to drive in, make sure you also carry your licence along with your IDP – the permit will not be valid without it. Most people don't need an IDP to drive in European Union (EU) countries (plus Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein) even now the UK has left the EU. But like many other road laws, IDP requirements depend on the country you plan to drive in. You need one to drive in many countries throughout the world, including a number of US states.
An international driving permit (IDP) is a multi-language translation of your driving licence.