ritish tourists and travellers currently enjoy unfettered access to the European Union and its 27 member states. But while driving to France and beyond will still be possible after the end of the ‘transition period’, Brexit brings with it new requirements that UK motorists must follow before embarking on a road trip in the EU. These obstacles are far from insurmountable but driving in Europe will become more expensive and complicated than it was before. Most of these changes will come into force at the start of next year; until then, British drivers in the EU will continue to enjoy the same access and protections as they did before Brexit. What is an International Driving Permit, or IDP? An international driving permit (IDP) is essentially a translation of a national driving licence. It enables the holder of a domestic driving licence to drive a car or ride a motorcycle overseas. Until now, British drivers have enjoyed access to all EU and EEA countries, plus Switzerland, without the need for any extra documentation. But starting next year, UK drivers will need an international driving permit to use their cars in most European countries. There are three types of IDP, however, and not all are recognised by every country. The two you’ll need for European trips are known as the 1968 Vienna Convention IDP and the 1949 Paris Convention IDP, which last for three years and twelve months respectively. Most of Europe uses the 1968 permit, but driving in Spain over longer periods of time (for example) might require the 1949 permit as well. You’ll need the correct document for each of the countries you plan to drive through. Some countries, like Denmark and Belgium, won’t require an IDP at all, though you’ll need one for any countries that you drive through on your way there. Where do I get an IDP? British motorists can obtain an IDP from the Post Office. You’ll need to go to one of the Post Office branches that provides international driving permits with your photocard licence and a passport photo. If you only have a paper licence, you’ll also need a valid passport as proof of identification. Each version of the IDP costs £5.50, so if you need both you’ll need to pay £11. A 1968 IDP lasts for three years, while the 1949 IDP will need renewing after just one year. Not having an IDP in a country where you need one could land you with a fine. Will I need a visa to travel to the EU? Probably. At the moment, British people can travel without restrictions across every country in the EU. Brexit puts an end to that, and brings with it the prospect of buying a visa – or at least a document similar in function to a visa – to visit the Schengen area. British travellers will probably need to obtain approval via the planned European Travel Information and Authorisation System, and will be subject to security checks. If you are approved to travel, the permit will be valid for three years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes soonest. If your application is rejected, you will be given details on how to appeal. Which other documents will I need to drive in Europe? British drivers will now need a “green card” to prove that they are insured to drive their car abroad. You will need to contact your insurance company to obtain this, well in advance of your trip, as anybody driving in Europe without one could be breaking the law – penalties include not just fines and prosecutions, but having your vehicle seized too. In some European countries, a separate green card is needed for a trailer, in addition to the green card for the vehicle towing it. Contact your insurer to obtain two green cards; checks might take up to a month, so make sure you have this sorted well in advance of your trip.