DVLA issues urgent travel warning as Britons risk hefty fines abroad amid driving permit update
Drivers are required to have an IDP for more than 140 countries
PA
Motorists have been issued with an urgent travel warning ahead of the summer months which could see some drivers caught out when driving abroad.
Millions of Britons are expected to travel abroad this summer to soak up the sun and make the most of the time off, with the Paris Olympics seeing thousands head across the Channel to watch the Games.
However, before they set off, motorists are advised to check if they need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to travel in and around popular tourist destinations.
The AA has warned that drivers need to have an IDP if it is required in the country they are travelling in, alongside the UK licence, or they could risk a hefty fine.
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Drivers can get IDPs from participating PayPoint branches
GETTYPosting on social media site X, formerly known as Twitter, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) urged motorists to make themselves aware of the rules and whether they need the permit.
It wrote: "If you’re planning to drive abroad, you might need an international driving permit (IDP).
"IDPs are now exclusively available from participating PayPoint stores across the UK."
Rules were changed earlier this year to switch the official provider of IDPs. It was announced in March that they were now exclusively available from PayPoint, whereas drivers would have previously needed to visit participating Post Office branches.
Many popular tourist hotspots and more than 140 countries require Britons to have an IDP before they travel to ensure they can drive around the nation without being fined.
For example, a 1949 permit is needed for Australia, Canada and the United States, while Monaco, Russia and South Africa require a 1968 permit.
A 1926 IDP is only required for Britons who want to drive in Mexico and Somalia. Non-Britons may need the same IDP in Liechtenstein.
When applying for an IDP, drivers will need their full valid Great Britain or Northern Ireland driving licence, which can either be a photocard or an older paper licence.
They will also be required to bring the £5.50 application fee, a standard passport-sized image and an original valid passport as proof of identification.
Drivers with a licence from the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, a foreign country or driving under a diplomatic licence and not eligible to apply for the IDP.
Britons should also keep an eye on how long they are staying in certain countries as they may need the permit if they are staying there for an extended period.
Motorists do not need an IDP to drive in Cyprus unless they stay for longer than 30 days, in which case they need a 1949 IDP. Similarly, those staying longer than one year in Ireland may be required to have an IDP.
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Britons do not need an IDP when travelling in France
GETTYPeople with paper licences who stay in Norway for longer than 90 days will eventually need a 1968 IDP. The United States outlines that drivers will need another form of photo ID if they have a paper licence.
They may also need to show an IDP to their insurance company in the event that they are involved in an accident - namely a 1949 permit.