RAC highlights important changes in applying for International Driving Permits
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The RAC is warning travellers wanting to drive in many countries
outside of Europe that as of 1 February 2019 they will only be
able to purchase International Driving Permits (IDPs) that enable
them to do so from the Post Office. This means motoring
organisations such as the RAC will no longer issue IDPs – the
official document that effectively validates UK driving licences
internationally – as they have done for many years. While an IDP is
not a replacement for a UK...Request free trial
The RAC is warning travellers wanting to drive in many countries
outside of Europe that as of 1 February 2019 they
will only be able to purchase International Driving Permits (IDPs)
that enable them to do so from the Post Office.
This means motoring organisations such as the RAC will no longer issue IDPs – the official document that effectively validates UK driving licences internationally – as they have done for many years. While an IDP is not a replacement for a UK driving licence, which still must be carried if hiring or driving a car abroad, UK drivers may require one to drive legally in many countries and independent states worldwide. However, there are three separate international conventions – 1926, 1949 and 1968 – that countries requiring IDPs may work to so it is important to ensure the right IDP is obtained for each country drivers are planning on visiting. Currently, the UK is only able to issue IDPs to the 1926 and 1949 conventions, but as of 28 March it will formally ratify the more widely recognised 1968 Vienna Convention. This means any UK driver with an existing International Driving Permit may find from 28 March 2019 it is not valid in many non-EU countries that operate to the 1968 IDP convention. Carrying the wrong documentation may result in not being able to drive when abroad. Anyone needing a 1968 IDP to use soon after 28 March will only have a small ‘window’ of time to obtain the correct documentation as they can only be bought over the counter from the Post Office from 1 February and only become valid for travel on 28 March. A 1968 IDP has the added benefit of being valid for three years from the issue date as opposed to the 1926 and 1949 ones which are only valid for a year. The decisions to ratify the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic and for the Post Office to be the sole issuer of IDPs arose as part of the Government’s preparations for the UK to leave the European Union on 29 March. While the requirement to obtain an IDP for travel within European Union countries after the UK formally leaves the bloc will depend on what the Government agrees with the EU, the ratification of the 1968 convention will also bring changes to drivers heading to non-EU states. RAC spokesperson Nicholas Lyes said: “It is important for those planning to drive abroad from 28 March 2019 that they check they have the correct documentation. There are some countries where previously UK driving licence holders required a 1926 or 1949 IDP, but after this date that version will be superseded by the 1968 IDP. Anyone with an existing IDP for the country they want to drive in who is travelling and returning before 28 March 2019 is not affected. “Documentation for travel within EU states once the UK formally leaves is dependent on negotiations between the UK Government and the EU. In the event of a ‘no-deal’ Brexit, the RAC has issued advice to drivers on which EU states would require which version of IDP. “The Post Office will become the sole issuer of International Driving Permits which can only be obtained over the counter in 2,500 branches. Motorists should check which Post Offices will issue IDPs before going into a branch. “It’s also important to remember that different IDPs are valid for different lengths of time and that IDPs complement the UK driving licence when abroad rather than replace it.”
Notes to Editors * https://www.gov.uk/guidance/international-driving-permits-for-uk-drivers-from-28-march-2019 ** If drivers have recently purchased an International Driving Permit from the RAC (or the AA), please note that the new 1968 IDP will supersede older versions (both 1926 and 1949 versions) in many non-EU countries from the 28 March 2019. Countries requiring a 1968 IDP are listed within the release.
Driving in EU states: The UK will leave the European Union on the 29 March 2019. The requirement for International Driving Permits in EU member states from this date remains unknown. The requirement for IDPs in EU member states is dependent on the travel arrangements that are agreed with the EU prior to the UK leaving the European Union. If the UK leaves without a deal, a 1968 version may be required in all EU member states with the exception of the following states, where a 1949 version may be required:
If drivers are travelling and returning to the UK prior to the 28 March 2019, your current documents will remain valid. |
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