Driving licence or IDP?

[John Roberts]

This is really following on from Narcoda's thread; according to my Michelin guide you don't actually need an International Driving Licence/IDP (International Driving Permit) to drive in Europe if you are an EU resident, but I'm sure I've read somewhere that it's better to have an IDP if you get caught and fined because your UK driving licence will not necessarily get endorsed. It's a long time since I read that and I suspect that it could well be complete bollox, does anyone know any different?

 

[wessie]

It's bollox.

You won't get an endorsement on your UK licence from the French authorities. However, they will happily impose a fine and may even impound your motorcycle and/or ban you from riding in France, should you be caught flouting their laws.

An IDP is only a translation of your UK licence. By itself it has no validity but will ease your transit if travelling outside the EU, where the standardised symbols or Latin alphabet may not be understood. The official may ask to see your national licence in addition to the IDP translation.

 

[sparkplug]

Wot wessie said - although I'd add that for some countries the IDP is a legal requirement.

However, you don't need it in Europe. A waste of £12 unless you're going to a country that legally requires one.

You can bore yourself silly about the topic here.