Do I need an international driving licence?

What documents do you need to take with you when you drive abroad? And is there such a thing as an international driving licence?

Driving licences and their restrictions are normally straightforward, as you can usually find out what you can drive on the licence itself, but when driving in another country it's not always as clear whether you licence is still valid or how long for.

Here we look at what you need to accompany your driving licence when driving abroad and what you need to consider when driving in the UK with a foreign licence.

Read our latest driving in Europe guide.

What is an international driving licence?

There isn’t actually such a thing as an international driving licence. It’s not a legally recognised document, so be wary of websites claiming to sell it.

It’s often confused with an international driving permit (IDP), which is a recognised document allowing you to drive in more than 140 countries.

An IDP is used in conjunction with your UK driving licence, not instead of it – so make sure you carry both with you when you drive abroad in the countries you need it in.

You can find out a full list of what countries you need an IDP to drive in here.

An IDP is slightly larger than a passport and includes photo ID as well as driver information.

It translates your licence details into several languages and is valid for 12 months.

If you are driving in the UK and have an EU licence you can drive any type of venicle that is listed on your licence.

But, if you have a licence from outside of the EU you are only legally permitted to drive a small vehicle in the country for 12 months before you will have to pass a UK driving test. You will also need to have held the licence for at least a year before driving in the UK.

Remember if your licence isn't in English or another latin-based language, you will need to have an accompanying International Driving Permit with your licence. Arabic and Chinese are not latin-based.

What documents do I need to drive in Europe?

While you don’t need an international driving licence to drive in Europe, there are other documents you’ll need to have with you.

You may be asked to produce your documents at any time. If they’re not in order you could be fined or even have your car seized.

It’s also vital that your car is insured in all the countries you plan to visit, so check with your insurance company that you’re fully covered. If you’re not, you might be able to enhance your existing insurance for the duration of your trip or take out separate insurance.

Required documents:

• Full and valid driving licence
• Proof of insurance
• Proof of ID (passport)
• Original V5C certificate to prove you are the registered keeper of the vehicle
• European breakdown cover policy number and documents
• Check our specific country guides to see what each nation requires from visitors and drivers

Download our driving in Europe checklist

What documents do I need to drive in the US?

Dreaming of cruising down Route 66 with the wind in your hair? Or going for a spin along the dazzling Pacific Coast of California? You can rent a car in the US with your UK licence as long as you’ve held it for at least a year.

In most instances you have to be aged 21 or over to be given the keys to a rental car, but some companies require you to be at least 25. You’ll need a passport and ESTA to enter the US, and these will also be needed to rent a car.

Although an international driving permit is not a legal requirement in the US, it’s recommended having one because some insurance companies will want to see one if you have an accident.

Required documents:

• Full and valid driving licence
• Proof of insurance
• Proof of ID (passport)