Driving In Europe After Brexit
Driving in a foreign country can be daunting, so we've compiled everything you need to know about keeping your driving licence and insurance up to date after Britain leaves the EU.
Green light for driving in Europe after Brexit The Department for Transport said the agreement meant continuation of existing insurance processes between the UK and EU. By John-Paul Ford Rojas. Driving In Europe: After Brexit If and when the UK leaves the EU it has been said that any motorists will need a 'green card' to get across borders. This 'green card' is really just an international insurance certificate proving you have the minimum level of cover. Driving and travelling in Europe after Brexit: Everything you need to know. From passports and visas to driving licences and health cards, this is everything you need to know if you have already.
Driving licences after Brexit
Currently, drivers with a UK driving licences can drive in Europe. In a no deal Brexit scenario, this may change.
You may need to apply for the relevant International Driving Permit (IDP).
An IDP is an official, multi-language translation of your driving licence and costs £5.50.
Which IDP will I need?
There are 3 types of IDPs and which one you'll need depends on which EU country you're visiting. You'll need to check which IDP applies to the country you're travelling to. Please note that you may need all types of IDP if travelling to multiple countries.
The government is seeking to put in place new arrangements with EU countries to recognise UK driving licences to avoid the need for IDP. Each EU country will decide independently if they need a visiting foreign driver to have an IDP to legally drive in their country. As these negotiations are ongoing we advise checking the gov.uk website prior to your trip to get the most up to date information on the country that you're visiting.
All types of IDP can be purchased from selected Post Offices. To see what documentation you need when applying for an IDP and for your nearest branch you can check the Post Office website.
GB stickers after Brexit
Following the UK's exit from the EU, the government recommends that you display a GB sticker on the rear of your vehicle, irrespective of whether you currently have a number plate which includes the GB identifier.
Vehicle insurance after the UK leaves the EU
At the moment, if you are planning to drive a car or a motorhome within the EU*, the EEA**, Andorra, Serbia or Switzerland, all you need to prove that you have insurance coverage is your regular UK certificate of insurance.
If you are travelling outside the EU, you’ll need extra proof of insurance, which comes in the form of a Green Card.
A Green Card is a physical document evidencing that you have the necessary third-party insurance cover in force for driving outside the above countries – which an insurer or insurance broker can provide.
This may change, depending on what happens with Brexit:
- If Brexit is postponed or delayed, nothing will change immediately, and the above situation will still apply;
- If the UK leaves the EU with a no deal Brexit, you will need a Green Card if you are driving anywhere in Europe. This includes travelling across the Northern Ireland / Republic of Ireland border.
- If the UK leaves the EU, but there is a withdrawal agreement, it is currently unlikely that the legislation for Green Cards will be included in the first draft of any withdrawal agreement. So, for the time being, we would recommend you request a Green Card.
So, if you are planning to travel anywhere in Europe and you'll be away on the scheduled leave date or in the first couple of weeks afterwards, the safest option is to get a Green Card.
If you are planning to travel anywhere in Europe and your trip doesn't begin until three or four weeks after the scheduled leave date, we suggest waiting and see what happens. You should think about applying for a Green Card after that date, should you need one.
Getting a Green Card:
Separate Green Cards are now required for cars, motorhomes and caravans. A Green Card for a car or motorhome needs to have Category A (“Car”) ticked; a Green Card for a caravan needs to have Category F (“Trailer”) ticked.
However, the Club cannot provide Green Cards as we are not regulated insurers.
Therefore:
- If you have motorhome or car insurance with the Club, Green Cards are issued by our partner brokers, Devitt Insurance Ltd. You can call Devitt on 0345 300 4290.
- If you have Caravan Cover with the Club AND Car insurance with the Club, once again, you can call Devitt, who will issue both Green Cards.
- If you have Caravan Cover with the Club but your car insurance is arranged through another insurance company, you will need to speak to your car insurance provider and ask them for both Green Cards.
Please note that Devitt will charge an administration fee for a Green Card, but it will be the same whether it’s one card or two.
What else do I need to take?
Driving In Europe After Brexit
All the usual rules will still apply when you're planning to travel to Europe. Take a look at our helpful tips about European driving regulations, documentation and insurance and other European driving tips.
The Eu After Brexit
* EU Countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, UK.
Dvla Driving In Europe After Brexit
** EEA Countries: All EU countries PLUS Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.