No-deal Brexit could mean UK driving licences are invalid
If you’re thinking about taking a road trip across Europe post 31st October, your driving licence might not be valid.
That’s the warning from the Government, which has just published its advice to motorists on what could happen if the UK crashes out of the EU without a deal.
A so-called “no-deal Brexit” could mean motorists heading into Europe after October 31st 2019 will need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to validate their licence.
And drivers face being turned away at the border and the possibility of enforcement action if they’re found traveling without the necessary permit.
International Driving Permit
There are currently two types of IDP required by EU countries, depending on whether they have ratified either the 1926, 1949 or the 1968 conventions on road traffic.
This means that some motorists traveling across France, Lichtenstein and Spain will need to apply for all three permits before they start their trip.
The Department for Transport estimates that up to seven million IDPs could be requested in the first year alone in the result of a no-deal Brexit.
IDPs have been available from the Post Office since February 2019 at a cost of £5.50 for every permit issued.
Worries about the impact of Brexit on drivers
In response to the official warnings, the RAC called on MPs to do more to help ease the worries of drivers who don’t know what to expect after Brexit.
RAC spokesman Rod Dennis said: “Drivers are concerned that the ease, and relative affordability, of driving across the Channel will be eroded.
“While the majority would like certainty that costs and inconvenience will not increase (59% and 57% respectively), four in 10 (41%) of drivers believe it will get more expensive and 55% think there will be more hassle.
“For the 2.6m private motorists and lorry drivers that head to EU countries each year, we would hope that any Brexit agreement makes travel as seamless and straightforward as possible.”
You can find all the latest on motoring laws in our Rules of the Road section, go on take a look.
