Driving Abroad on GB Licence

Your GB driving licence is valid in European Community and European Economic area member states. However, you must satisfy the minimum age requirements for each country – and this varies. The relevant countries are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Republic of Cyprus, 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.

For other countries an International Driving Permit may be required. These are issued by the Automobile Association and the Royal Automobile Club (AA/RAC). This permit translates your existing licence into several languages, so the foreign authorities can interpret your entitlements. Permits are issued to UK residents aged eighteen plus. The fee is £5.50. If you emigrate, exchange your licence for local documentation. This is also valid for twelve months if you return to the UK. You must then reacquire your GB licence.

By Stephen Turvil, motoring.co.uk