DfT advice on riding in Europe in event of no deal

The MCIA is circulating advice from the Department for Transport on riding in the EU, should the UK leave without a deal.

New requirements for documents you will need to ride in the EU

UK riders in EU countries may require new travel documents following EU Exit.

The Government is confident of securing an agreement with the EU which maintains the current, liberalised access presently enjoyed. However, we continue to prepare for all scenarios and have prepared advice for all possible outcomes.

Driving Licences and International Driving Permits

In the event that there is no EU Exit deal, you will need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your UK driving licence to drive in EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. You can get an IDP from your local Post Office at a cost of £5.50.

In the event that there is no EU Exit deal and the UK and EU reach no separate agreement, drivers of UK registered vehicles will need to carry a motor insurance Green Card when driving in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Andorra, Serbia and Switzerland.

Contact your vehicle insurance provider to obtain a motor insurance Green Card.

Number plates and national identifiers

Under international conventions, GB is the distinguishing sign to display on UK-registered vehicles when driving outside of the UK, including in the EU.

You can display the distinguishing sign as either a GB sticker or a GB sign on your number plate.

From 29 March 2019, if the UK leaves the EU without a deal, you will need a GB sticker even if your vehicle has a Euro-plate; a number plate displaying both the EU flag and a GB sign.

Driving Licence Exchange for UK Nationals Living in the EU

If you are a UK licence holder living in the EU you should exchange your UK driving licence for a local EU driving licence before 29 March 2019. From that date, in the event that there is no EU Exit deal, you may have to pass a driving test in the EU country you live in to be able to carry on driving there.

You should consider exchanging your UK driving licence for an EU driving licence as soon as possible. Increased demand may lead to longer processing times and delays to exchanging driving licences the closer it is to 29 March 2019.

Stay Informed

Visit gov.uk/euexitdriving to sign up for email alerts and for the latest information.