{"id":1215,"date":"2026-05-04T09:32:09","date_gmt":"2026-05-04T08:32:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sterling-insurance.co.uk/blog\/?p=1215"},"modified":"2026-05-06T09:06:40","modified_gmt":"2026-05-06T08:06:40","slug":"drive-abroad-on-uk-licence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sterling-insurance.co.uk/blog\/driving-abroad\/drive-abroad-on-uk-licence\/","title":{"rendered":"Can you drive abroad on a UK licence?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

You probably remember that \u2018I can go everywhere now\u2019 feeling once you finally got your driving licence. It\u2019s hard to match that excitement, but going on a road trip abroad comes pretty close. However, if you are planning a trip overseas where you\u2019ll need to drive, you may realise that you actually can\u2019t go everywhere on just a UK licence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is where being in the know will come in handy, so your holiday plans aren\u2019t spoiled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this blog, we\u2019re taking a look at where you can drive abroad with a UK licence and what to do if you can\u2019t. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where can you drive with just your UK driving licence?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s important to remember that wherever you\u2019re heading off to, if you\u2019re driving, your UK driving licence should be on your list of things to bring with you<\/a>. It\u2019s essential for driving abroad. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This will obviously prove that you have passed your driving test in this country and, in many countries around Europe, will be enough to legally drive there. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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According to the government website, if you have a photocard driving licence issued in the UK<\/a>, you shouldn\u2019t have any issues driving in most of the EU, as well as Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In countries further afield, such as Canada and the USA, you can legally drive with just your licence, but there are a few caveats. You can drive for up to three months in America, but some car rental companies<\/a> may require you to have an international driving permit<\/a> (IDP), and it is preferable in certain states to have one, so make sure you check. Canada is similar, but you can drive there with just your licence for up to six months. You\u2019ll also have to be over 21 to rent a car in both countries, so that\u2019s something to bear in mind too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where do you need an IDP to drive?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This is subject to change, but currently, you will need an IDP to drive in most Latin American countries, including Argentina, Brazil and Mexico. You will also need one if you\u2019re planning to drive in the majority of Asia or Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Looking to visit popular tourist destinations like Turkey, Australia, Egypt, Jamaica and New Zealand? You\u2019ve guessed it, they\u2019ll require you to have an IDP too.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s also quite a few countries in Europe that will require (or at least recommend you have) some form of IDP to drive there. This includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n