Driving abroad

 Driving abroad

IN EUROPE

A valid UK driving licence is acceptable in all countries in the Economic European Area, which includes the EU plus Liechtenstein, Iceland and Norway. If you are in any doubt then an International Driving Permit (IDP) can accompany your UK licence (see below). Throughout Europe, many of the same rules apply on the roads as do in the UK, such as the wearing of seatbelts both in the back and front of a vehicle and the ban on speaking on a mobile phone while driving. Contravening these rules can result on hefty on the spot charges. In many countries it is also the law to have in the car a reflective jacket, a warning triangle and a first aid kit. Even if these items are not compulsory, they are definitely worth having on case of an accident. Make sure also that if you are driving a UK vehicle on the right hand side of the road at night you fit headlamp beam convertors to your lights to avoid dazzling on coming drivers, which is against the law. Note that in many countries the legal driving age is 18 so even if you have a full UK licence at the age of 17, this will not be valid and if you are caught driving you face hefty fines and your car could be impounded. Familiarise yourself with the age limits of those who are allowed to sit in the passenger seat of a car; often under 12s are not permitted to ride in the front. In some countries you must have held your licence for a minimum number of years to be allowed to drive on their roads.

Speed limits

Each country in Europe has different rules regarding speeds on different types of roads. For all full list of the different laws in Europe click here.

Outside the EU

If you intend to drive outside the UK, you may well need to acquire an IDP. These can be obtained at some Post Offices or through the AA. For more information on the IDP click here and for a list of all countries in which an IDP is required as well as which type, click here.