The end of the post-Brexit transition period brought in new rules that affect how UK motorists drive in Europe.
This includes new driving licence and insurance requirements, which Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said in January 2021, marks a “historic moment for British motorists” and that those who wish to drive in the EU can “continue to do so with ease.”
This Insight explains the new requirements for driving in Europe, and for EU license holders driving in the UK. Some details are subject to change and should be read as correct at the time of writing.
Are UK driving licenses still valid in the EU?
UK photo-card driving licenses will continue to be valid while driving in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
Those with a paper driving license only, or a license issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man, may need to purchase an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive-in some EU countries and Norway.
The type of IDP a driver will need (there are three), depends on the countries in which they wish to drive. The UK Government recommends checking with the relevant embassy before traveling.
Those who live in an EU country – or in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland – and are currently using a UK driving license, will have to exchange it for a local one. The deadline for doing so depends on the country in which they live.
The situation is less certain for those who split their time between the EU and the UK.
Drivers can only hold one license at a time. The type of license a person has (either UK or EU) is ultimately a choice for them, although it may depend on the number of days each year they live in each country.