Driving Abroad from the UK — Permits & Rules Guide

International Driving Permits, vehicle insurance green cards, equipment requirements by country.

International Driving Permit (IDP)

Not needed for EU with UK photocard licence. Required for: Turkey, UAE, Thailand, Japan, Australia, and many non-EU countries. Cost: £5.50 from Post Office. Take your driving licence + passport photo + passport. Valid 12 months.

Vehicle Insurance Green Card

Free from your insurer — request 6 weeks before travel. Proves minimum insurance cover abroad.

Equipment by Country

France: Crit’Air sticker (£4.50, certificat-air.gouv.fr), warning triangle, reflective jacket. Spain: Two warning triangles, reflective jacket per occupant. Germany: Warning triangle, first-aid kit. Italy: Warning triangle, reflective jacket.

UK Sticker

Now required instead of GB sticker, unless number plate already shows UK with Union flag.

Contact

DVLA: 0300 790 6801
Website: gov.uk/driving-abroad

Last updated: June 2026.