Driving abroad

    You need your Great Britain or Northern Ireland driving licence to drive abroad – you might also need an International Driving Permit in some non-EU countries.

    Driving in Europe

    You can use your Great Britain (GB) or Northern Ireland driving licence in all European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) countries, and Switzerland.

    The EU/EEA countries are:

    Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain and Sweden.

    Although the minimum age for driving a car in Great Britain and Northern Ireland is 17 other countries may have their own rules.

    Check with a motoring organisation like the AA or the RAC for rules in other European countries.

    Driving outside the EU/EEA

    You may need an International Driving Permit to drive outside the EU/EEA.

    Check first with the AA.

    Getting an International Driving Permit

    You can get an International Driving Permit directly from the AA, the RAC or the Post Office.

    International Driving Permits cost £5.50 and you must:

    • be a GB or Northern Ireland resident
    • have passed your driving test
    • be 18 or over

    Advice on driving in specific countries

    The AA and the RAC have advice on driving in specific countries, including information on compulsory equipment.

    Moving abroad

    If you move abroad, check with the driving licence authorities there to find out how to get a local driving licence.