International Driving License UK
ITCA International Driving License UK is recognised in 175 countries, translated into 17 languages and approved under UN Conventions on Road Traffic 1949 & 1968. Apply online in minutes.
International Driving License UK
ITCA International Driving License UK is recognised in 175 countries, translated into 17 languages and approved under UN Conventions on Road Traffic 1949 & 1968. Apply online in minutes.
International Driving Permit UK
Whether you are a UK resident planning to drive abroad or an international visitor looking to drive in the United Kingdom, securing the right driving documentation is essential. ITCA provides UN Convention on Road Traffic 1949 & 1968 approved International Driving Permits accepted in over 175 countries globally.
An ITCA International Driving Permit UK converts your national driving licence into a multilingual credential, translated into 17 languages. This ensures legal driving privileges across borders and eliminates communication barriers with traffic authorities and car rental agencies worldwide.
Choose validity coverage from 1 to 10 years depending on your travel patterns, ideal for frequent international travellers and those planning occasional trips abroad.
The International Driving Permit online application requires just two documents:
- Your valid national driving licence
- A recent passport-size photograph
After submitting through ITCA, you will receive a digital copy within 30 minutes for immediate use (soft copy only). Your official physical booklet is delivered via express worldwide shipping.
International Driving Permit UK — Application Process
- Fill Form
Submit your application with the basic details
- Eligibility Check
We will review your form and check your license authenticity
- Drive Legally in 175+ Countries
We offer 30-min soft copy processing, express shipping for hard copy worldwide.
Apply for International Driving License UK Online
Applying through ITCA takes less than 5 minutes. Start by entering your basic personal information, then upload your valid UK driving licence and passport-size photograph. After completing payment, our team reviews your application and delivers your International Driving License to your inbox within 30 minutes. Since the entire process is online, you can apply from anywhere in the UK — or even from abroad.
- UN Convention Recognized
- Easy car Rentals
- Accepted in 175 countries
- Money Back Guarantee*
International Driving License UK — Online vs PayPoint
Since 31 March 2024, the Post Office no longer issues International Driving Permits in the UK. Consequently, UK drivers now have two options — apply through a PayPoint store or apply online through an authorised platform like ITCA. Here is a clear comparison to help you decide:
| Feature | ITCA | PayPoint Store |
|---|---|---|
| Processing time | 30 minutes (digital) | Instant but in-store collection only |
| Application | Online application | In-person visit required |
| Documents | Upload online | Physical copies required |
| Delivery | Digital in 30 mins or express shipping | Collect in person |
| Valid in | 175 countries | 150 countries |
| Languages | 17 languages | Limited languages |
| Availability | 24/7 online* | Office hours only |
| Support | WhatsApp & email | Counter only |
Important note: PayPoint IDPs cannot be issued online or by post — you must apply in person as signature and identification checks are required. Therefore, if you are already travelling abroad or cannot visit a store, ITCA is your most convenient online alternative.
Countries UK Drivers Can Drive With an IDP
ITCA International Driving License UK is recognised in 175 countries worldwide under the UN Conventions on Road Traffic 1949 and 1968. Consequently, you can drive legally across the globe, from the America to Europe, Asia, Africa and beyond.
Some of the most popular destinations for UK drivers include:
🇺🇸 USA · 🇦🇺 Australia · 🇳🇿 New Zealand · 🇦🇪 UAE · 🇹🇭 Thailand · 🇲🇾 Malaysia · 🇯🇵 Japan* · 🇿🇦 South Africa · 🇮🇳 India · 🇫🇷 France · 🇩🇪 Germany · 🇮🇹 Italy
View all 175 accepted countries →
*Note: Japan requires a specific translation, check country requirements before applying. ITCA do not issue fot Japan
Countries Where UK Drivers Do NOT Need an IDP
While an IDP is required in most countries outside the EU, there are destinations where UK drivers can drive using only their valid UK driving licence:
- EU countries — UK photocard licence holders do not need an IDP to drive in EU countries, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein
- Republic of Ireland — UK licence fully accepted, no IDP required
- Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey, Isle of Man — Special rules apply, check local requirements before travel
Important note: Even where an IDP is not legally required, many car rental companies will still ask for one. Therefore, carrying your ITCA IDP is always recommended regardless of your destination.
Countries Where an IDP is NOT Valid
- 🇯🇵 Japan — Requires a Japanese translation of your licence, not an IDP
- 🇰🇷 South Korea — Requires a Korean translation of your licence
- 🇨🇳 China — Does not recognise IDPs for foreign drivers
Driving in the UK with a Foreign Driving Licence
If you are visiting the UK with a foreign driving licence, here is what you need to know:
After 12 months of residence in the UK, you must apply for a UK driving licence through the DVLA regardless of your licence type. Furthermore, always carry both your original driving licence and your ITCA IDP whenever you drive in the UK to avoid complications with local authorities and rental agencies.
Road Laws UK Drivers Should Know Abroad
Before driving in a foreign country, UK drivers should be aware of key differences in local road rules. Since traffic laws vary significantly from country to country, being prepared ensures a safe and legal experience abroad.
- Driving side: UK drives on the left. However, USA, Canada, Europe and UAE drive on the right, adjustment required.
- Always carry: both your UK driving licence and your ITCA IDP together
- Alcohol limits: UK limit is 80mg per 100ml blood. However, many European countries have stricter limits of 50mg. UAE has zero tolerance
- Speed limits: Always posted in km/h in Europe, mph in USA. Do not assume UK speeds apply
- Mobile phones: Strictly prohibited while driving in most countries
- Seat belts: Mandatory for all passengers in virtually every country
- Speed cameras: Common across Europe — fines can be sent to rental companies and charged back to you
Road Laws in the UK for Foreign Drivers
Foreign licence holders and visitors driving in the UK should be aware of the following:
- Drive on the left: UK follows left-hand traffic, unlike most of Europe
- Speed limits: 30 mph in urban areas, 60 mph on single carriageways, 70 mph on motorways
- Alcohol limit: 80mg per 100ml blood in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Scotland has a stricter limit of 50mg
- Mobile phones: Strictly prohibited while driving, minimum £200 fine
- Seat belts: Mandatory for all passengers at all times
- Congestion charges: London operates a congestion charge zone — check before driving in central London
- Always carry: your foreign licence, ITCA IDP and valid insurance documents at all times
International Driving License UK — Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for an International Driving License online in the UK?
Yes. Since the Post Office stopped issuing IDPs in March 2024, ITCA offers a fully online alternative. Simply upload your valid UK driving licence and a passport-size photograph, complete payment, and receive your digital International Driving License within 30 minutes, no in-person visit required.
How long does it take to get an International Driving Permit in the UK?
With ITCA, you can receive a digital soft copy within 30 minutes of completing your application. For a physical hard copy booklet, express worldwide shipping is available with delivery times depending on your location. If you apply through a PayPoint store, you can collect your IDP instantly in person, however this requires a physical visit and cannot be done online or from abroad.
Do UK Drivers Need an IDP to Drive in Europe After Brexit?
In most cases, no. UK photocard licence holders do not need an IDP to drive within the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein. However, there are exceptions. If you hold a paper driving licence rather than a photocard, or if your licence was issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man, an IDP may be required in some EU countries. Furthermore, even where it is not legally required, many European rental companies will request an IDP before releasing a vehicle. In these cases, an ITCA International Driving Permit ensures you are fully covered without any complications at the border or rental counter.
Can I use my International Driving License in the UK?
Yes. If you hold a foreign driving licence and an IDP, you can drive legally in the UK for up to 12 months from your date of entry. Your IDP must always be carried alongside your original driving licence — it is not a standalone document. If your licence is not in English, an ITCA IDP is essential as it translates your licence into 17 languages, ensuring smooth interactions with UK authorities and rental agencies.