Driving abroad gives you freedom to explore at your own pace, but UK drivers need the right documents and to know the rules, which changed after Brexit. Getting it wrong can mean fines or worse. This guide explains what UK drivers need to drive abroad, including the licence, UK sticker and insurance. Requirements vary by country and can change, so always check GOV.UK and your insurer for your specific destinations before you travel.
Your UK driving licence
Your full UK photocard driving licence is valid for driving in the EU and EEA countries, so for most European trips you can drive on your normal licence. You should check it is in date and valid before you travel. There are exceptions for some licence types, such as older paper licences or those issued in certain places, which may need an International Driving Permit. Confirming your UK photocard licence is valid, and checking whether your particular licence needs anything extra for your destination, is the first step before driving abroad.
International Driving Permit
An International Driving Permit, or IDP, is an official translation of your licence that some countries require. With a UK photocard licence you generally do not need an IDP for the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland, but you may need one for some other countries, or if you have a paper licence or one issued in a Crown dependency. IDPs are inexpensive and available from the Post Office, with different types for different countries. Checking on GOV.UK whether you need an IDP for your destination, and which type, avoids being caught out.
The UK sticker
Since changes after Brexit, UK vehicles driven abroad must display a "UK" identifier rather than the old "GB" sticker, which is no longer valid. If your number plate already shows the UK identifier with the Union flag, you usually do not need a separate sticker in most countries. However, some countries, such as Spain, Cyprus and Malta, require a UK sticker regardless of your plate. Checking the current rules and displaying a UK sticker where needed ensures you comply, as the wrong identifier, or none, can lead to problems abroad.
Insurance and the green card
You need valid motor insurance to drive abroad. A green card, which proves your insurance meets local requirements, is no longer needed for the EU and many European countries, though it may be required for some others, so check. Importantly, UK insurance often provides only the minimum third-party cover abroad even if you have comprehensive cover at home, so contact your insurer to confirm your cover and consider topping it up. Our guide on whether you need travel insurance covers the personal side. Confirming your motor cover for abroad is essential.
Vehicle documents
Carry your vehicle's documents when driving abroad, including the registration document, your insurance certificate and your licence. If you are driving a vehicle that is not yours, such as a hire car or a friend's, carry evidence you are permitted to drive it, such as a letter of permission or the hire agreement. Having the right paperwork to hand avoids difficulties if you are stopped. Checking exactly which documents you need to carry for your destinations, and bringing them, ensures you can prove you and your vehicle are legal to drive there.
Required safety equipment
Many countries require you to carry certain safety equipment in the vehicle, which can include items like a warning triangle, high-visibility vests, a first-aid kit, spare bulbs, or headlamp beam deflectors so your lights do not dazzle oncoming traffic when driving on the right. The exact requirements vary by country. Checking what equipment is mandatory for each country you will drive in, and carrying it, avoids fines, as travelling without legally required items can be penalised even if you never need to use them.
Country-specific rules
Each country has its own driving rules, and they can differ from the UK in important ways, including driving on the right, different speed limits, lower drink-drive limits, and requirements like low-emission stickers. France, for example, requires a Crit'Air emissions sticker to enter low-emission zones in some cities. Familiarising yourself with the rules for each country you will drive in, including local quirks and any stickers or permits needed, helps you drive legally and safely, and avoids fines for breaking rules you did not know existed.
Breakdown cover abroad
Consider arranging European breakdown cover before you travel, as a breakdown abroad can be expensive and difficult to deal with without it. Your existing breakdown policy may not cover you abroad, or may need an add-on, so check and arrange cover for the countries you will visit. Knowing you have assistance if your vehicle breaks down far from home gives valuable peace of mind. Sorting suitable European breakdown cover in advance ensures that a mechanical problem on your trip does not become a costly and stressful ordeal.
Check GOV.UK and your insurer
Because requirements vary by country and change over time, always check the current rules on GOV.UK for each country you will drive in, and confirm your motor insurance cover with your insurer, before you travel. What was required on a previous trip may have changed. Our guide on ferries to Europe covers getting your car across. Verifying the up-to-date requirements for your specific destinations, rather than assuming, is the only reliable way to ensure you have everything you need to drive abroad legally.
Driving on the right
In most European countries you will drive on the right, which takes adjustment if you are used to driving on the left in the UK. Take extra care at junctions, roundabouts and when pulling out, especially at first and when tired after a crossing. Headlamp deflectors may be needed so your lights do not dazzle oncoming traffic. Being prepared for driving on the right, and staying alert until it feels natural, helps you drive safely abroad, particularly in the early part of your trip when the change is most unfamiliar.
Plan your route and take breaks
Plan your route in advance and make sure you have reliable navigation, whether a sat nav set up for your destination or maps on your phone with offline access. On longer drives, plan regular breaks to stay alert, as driving tired is dangerous, and factor in tolls on some routes. Knowing your route and where you will stop makes driving abroad less stressful. Preparing your navigation and a sensible plan with breaks, rather than setting off and hoping, helps your driving holiday go smoothly and safely.
In short
To drive abroad, UK drivers generally use a valid UK photocard licence, which covers the EU and EEA, though some countries or licence types need an International Driving Permit. Display a "UK" identifier (not "GB"), required as a sticker in some countries even if your plate shows it. Check your motor insurance covers you abroad, carry your vehicle documents, and meet each country's equipment and driving rules. Be ready to drive on the right, plan your route with breaks, and consider European breakdown cover. Always check GOV.UK and your insurer for your destinations, as the rules vary by country and change over time.
Explore more travel advice in our Flights & Getting There guides.