BREXIT AND LEASING A CAR PART 2

HOW TO PREPARE FOR DRIVING IN THE EU POST-BREXIT

Ok, we have yet another Brexit deadline extension - and so the uncertainty continues.. At this point we are almost sure that we are leaving the EU, we just don’t know when or exactly how.

But what do we know about changes to driving in Europe?

AN INTERNATIONAL DRIVING PERMIT (IDP)

If you hold a Great Britain or Northern Ireland driving licence, then it is currently valid in all EU or EEA countries (and Switzerland) for a stay of up to 12 months.

After Brexit, especially in the event of no deal – it is likely that you will need an IDP. These can be obtained from the post office for £5.50. But which of the 3 versions will you need?

The 1926: Won’t be affected by Brexit: Permit to drive in Mexico and Somalia.

The 1949: Valid for 1 year. Permit to drive in Spain, Malta, Cyprus & Iceland:

• Spain: For the first 9 months following Brexit you will not need an IDP. After this period, you will only need an IDP if you are staying for more than 9 months.
  
• Malta: If you do not have a Photo Licence you will need an IDP.
• Cyprus: You will only need an IDP in the event of no deal.
  
• Iceland: Only in the event of no deal and if your stay is longer than 1 month.

The 1968: Valid for 3 years. Permit to drive in all other EU countries, plus Norway and Switzerland:

• You will not need an IDP after Brexit for: The Netherlands, Slovakia, Liechtenstein, Switzerland and Finland.
  
• You will only need an IDP after Brexit if you don’t have a Photo Licence for: Sweden, Latvia, Hungary, Greece and Estonia.
  
• You will only need an IDP after Brexit in the event of no deal for: Romania and Italy.
  
• If you have a photo licence, you will only need an IDP after Brexit in the event of no deal and if the stay is over 90 days for: Norway, Denmark, Czech Republic and Bulgaria.
  
• You will only need an IDP after Brexit in the event of no deal and if the stay is over 90 days for: Denmark and Slovenia.
  
• If you have a photo licence, you will only need an IDP after Brexit in the event of no deal and if the stay is over 6 months for: Germany and Austria.
  
• If you have a photo licence, you will only need an IDP after Brexit in the event of no deal and if the stay is over 185 days for: Lithuania, Poland and Portugal.
  
• You will only need an IDP after Brexit in the event of no deal and if the stay is over 185 days for: Luxembourg and Belgium.

If you are visiting several countries, we would recommend getting both the 1949 and 1968 IDPs just to be on the safe side. Please remember to carry both your driving licence and IDP with you while travelling.

You will not need an IDP for travel in the Republic of Ireland.

A GREEN CARD:

Car insurance that is currently valid for travel in Europe, will no longer cover you in the event of a No Deal Brexit. To ‘upgrade’ your insurance you will need a Green Card.

Where can I get a Green Card?

You can get them through your insurers. Make sure that you apply as soon as possible, because they can take a month to issue.

Do I need a Green Card for car hire?

If you are hiring the car in the EU, then it will be covered in all EU territories. But if you hire a car in the UK you will need a green card extension – you must discuss these requirements with the car hire company.

If I don’t need an IDP for the Republic of Ireland, do I not need a Green Card either?

You will need a green card to drive in the Republic of Ireland; so, if you are travelling from Northern Ireland to the Republic then you will require one.

DRIVING LEASED CARS ABROAD:

• Leased cars need to follow the same rules as any other car, so you will require the correct IDP and Green Card for travel.
  
• You will need a VE103 (Vehicle on Hire) form to prove that you have the right to take the vehicle out of the country. You must request these from the leasing company before you travel and carry them with you throughout your trip.