Do you need an International Driving Permit in the UK?

United Kingdom and the road traffic conventions

Which vehicles your permit covers in the UK

United Kingdom applies the vehicle classes set out by the 1968 Vienna Convention. Your permit only covers the classes that are already on your national licence, so a category you do not hold at home is not granted by the permit.

• A
• B
• C
• D
• BE, CE, DE

What each category covers under the 1968 Vienna Convention

What to carry when you drive in the UK

An International Driving Permit never replaces your national licence. It is a standardised translation that local police and rental desks can read, and it is only valid alongside the licence it was issued against. Carry both, and keep your passport handy at rental pickup, since most rental companies ask to see all three before releasing a vehicle.

Our document reproduces your licence details across 12 languages in the booklet format the conventions describe, so an officer who reads none of them in your alphabet can still find your name, date of birth and vehicle classes:

• English
• French
• Spanish
• Portuguese
• Italian
• German
• Russian
• Arabic
• Chinese
• Japanese
• Thai
• Vietnamese

What the road rules say in the UK

The Government of Canada advises that a foreign national licence is accepted for a limited period in United Kingdom, for stays of up to 365 days.

Traffic drives on

The left

Emergency services

general 999

Common questions about driving in the UK

How long is an International Driving Permit valid in the UK?

Up to 3 years. United Kingdom joined the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic on 28 March 2018 by ratification, and that convention sets the maximum at 3 years from the date of issue, or until your national licence expires if that comes first.

Can I drive in the UK on my national licence alone?

The Government of Canada states: "You can drive with a valid Canadian licence for up to 12 months from your date of entry." Rules differ by the country that issued your licence and by how long you stay, so confirm with United Kingdom's road authority before you travel.

Which side of the road does United Kingdom drive on?

The left. If you normally drive on the right, take extra care at junctions and roundabouts for the first few days, and consider an automatic hire car so you are not also changing gear with the other hand.

What do I dial in an emergency in the UK?

Reach general on 999. The Government of Canada publishes these numbers for United Kingdom. Save them before you drive, since you will not want to be searching for them at the roadside.

Does the permit replace my driving licence in the UK?

No. It is a translation of the licence you already hold and has no effect on its own. You must carry your original national licence with it at all times.