driving & vehicles

This section includes details about documents needed for those driving in a foreign country. Also includes other vehicle document and driving related information.

Driving licence

If you want to drive in a foreign country, you need to possess a valid driving licence. For some countries, you may be able to drive for a limited period with just your national driving licence (i.e. driving on a UK licence is permitted for a limited period in certain other countries). If you apply for a driving licence in any other country, having your UK licence will often exempt you from any driving test. Therefore, take your original full national driving licence.

Further information about the UK driving licence and what it entitles you to drive whilst within or outside the UK can be obtained from the UK Driving and Vehicle Licensing Agency.

DVLA

Website: www.dvla.gov.uk/drivers/drivers.htm 
Email: drivers.dvla@gtnet.gov.uk
Tel: 0870 240 0009

International Driving Permit

In addition, an International Driving Permit is sometimes required or recommended. Details of where these are required and how to apply can be obtained from the AA. Make sure that you have all the boxes stamped for the relevant vehicles you are likely to be driving.

The AA

Website: www.theaa.com/getaway/idp
Email: customer.services@theaa.com
Tel: 0870 600 0371 or 0191 223 7071

Which side of the road do they drive on?

These sites have details about which countries drive on which side of the road (and why, if you're interested!)

www.seriousaccidents.com/legal-articles/Which-Side-of-the-Road-Do-They-Drive-On.php
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rules_of_the_road
www.brianlucas.ca/roadside
www.i18nguy.com/driver-side.html

Leaving a vehicle in the UK

If you are leaving a vehicle in the UK and it is not going to be used on the road, you can declare SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) and get a rebate on the road tax credit remaining.

DVLA

Website: www.dvla.gov.uk/vehicles/vehlicnc.htm
Email: vehicles.dvla@gtnet.gov.uk
Tel: 0870 240 0010