International Driving Permit post-Brexit

[sciac2001]

Finding ourselves around Spain in the run up and beyond the official leaving date of 29th March 2019, I need to start looking at a worst-case scenario to enable me to be driver-licence legal throughout the period of travelling.

IDPs will be required and currently, postal applications (to the AA) can be made up to 31st January 2019. These IDPs have a validity of 12 months. However, their Application Guidelines state that “whilst we can issue IDPs in advance we cannot issue any IDP with an effective date later than 31st January 2019”.

Do funsters take the above to mean that:

(a) all IDPs issued before 31st January 2019 become invalid after that date?
or
(b) that the 12 month validity of the pre 31st January IDP will be honoured in full?

Thanks.

 

[sueandjohn]

Best ask the AA fir clarification

 

[Geo]

(a)For Sure

we cannot issue any IDP with an effective date later than 31st January 2019”.
Meaning after the 31st Jan any time left will be Ineffective ie not valid

 

[sciac2001]

I should have added that the AA website does not appear to have a link to email enquiries. They seem to have the annoying “Menu” for questions which people might want to ask and no selection of questions not covered by their selections.
It’s: choose from their dreaded FAQ list or lump it.

 

[ShiftZZ]

Will the same apply to Johnny Foreigner coming here?

All those ex pats who have moved to foreign lands, given up their UK drivers licence, now having to apply for an idl, oh the irony.

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[sciac2001]

Will the same apply to Johnny Foreigner coming here?

Uh-oh! That’ll be me too!!

 

[ShiftZZ]

Uh-oh! That’ll be me too!!

Indeed, send €50 by PayPal, I'll fix it for you.

 

[Deleted member 57092]

I’ve read that there are two different idp’s based on international agreements from different years ? One of them covers some countries ,the other the rest. So to drive everywhere you actually need two ,however the post office can only do one of them at the moment ?
The Spanish one is the one that they can’t yet do over the counter but will be able to do in february allegedly.

 

[The Wino]

Sounds to me more like it starts from 31st Jan and expires a year later so you can't get a full year.

 

[The Wino]

Why not wait it says they will be available soon at 2500 post offices over the counter and you will then get a full year

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[The Wino]

Just looked its a right pain the post office site lists all the branches near you and you have to look at each one to see if they offer the service!!!!!!!

 

[sciac2001]

Why not wait it says they will be available soon at 2500 post offices over the counter and you will then get a full year

Unfortunately I am already abroad and will not be back in uk until well after the 29th March deadline.

 

[Speve]

Surely there will be a transitional period after 29 th March for people that are caught in limbo to get back to UK?

 

[gus-lopez]

Why not wait it says they will be available soon at 2500 post offices over the counter and you will then get a full year

Err, could be because he is in Gibraltar at the mo & will be travelling back then ?

 

[sciac2001]

I’ve read that there are two different idp’s based on international agreements from different years ? One of them covers some countries ,the other the rest. So to drive everywhere you actually need two ,however the post office can only do one of them at the moment ?
The Spanish one is the one that they can’t yet do over the counter but will be able to do in february allegedly.

Yes there are two, but only one available before 31st January. I am t present only interested in the 1949 IDP Convention version which is valid for Spain and which is available now. This would give me the option of shipping out from Spain without going through France which will need the 1968 Convention version.
That’s why I would like to know whether a 1949 version issued now would hold for 12 months.

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[sciac2001]

Err, could be because he is in Gibraltar at the mo & will be travelling back then ?

Si senor!

 

[sciac2001]

Surely there will be a transitional period after 29 th March for people that are caught in limbo to get back to UK?

I doubt it. No deal will probably mean no favours. It would be nice though!

Its all down to the complete incompetence/sabotage of the government who has (deliberately?) left it so late.

 

[Speve]

Its all down to the complete incompetence/sabotage of the government who has (deliberately?) left it so late.

Yes a total shambles

 

[sciac2001]

(a)For Sure

we cannot issue any IDP with an effective date later than 31st January 2019”.
Meaning after the 31st Jan any time left will be Ineffective ie not valid

I was hoping that any IDP issued by the AA would not be a UK- specific document in that it is a formal document issued in accordance with an Internationally agreed legal Convention. Hence it should be honoured in the spirit of the Convention.
Phew! What a confusing mess!

 

[Lot lover]

@ShiftZZ - I have a French driving licence - why would I need an IDP?

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[gus-lopez]

Will the same apply to Johnny Foreigner coming here?

All those ex pats who have moved to foreign lands, given up their UK drivers licence, now having to apply for an idl, oh the irony.

Yes technically it will now as the UK with no deal will be the same as Zimbabwe
can be done on line here but I don't know why you are all worried about wanting a 1968 one for France as Spain only offers the 1949 one for everywhere.

Uh-oh! That’ll be me too!!

Is your licence Uk?

 

[Khizzie]

 

[sciac2001]

Yes technically it will now as the UK with no deal will be the same as Zimbabwe
can be done on line here but I don't know why you are all worried about wanting a 1968 one for France as Spain only offers the 1949 one for everywhere.

Is your licence Uk?

Si.

 

[pappajohn]

Will the same apply to Johnny Foreigner coming here?

What do you think......

We wouldn't dare impose such restrictions for fear of being called anti European.

And seriously, the answer is no, there will be no restrictions.
European drivers won't need an IDP to drive here.

 

[gus-lopez]

View attachment 272676

That's existing.

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[nicholsong]

It is going to be very difficult to get an IDP if one is out of the UK.

Does anyone know of any organisations in Europe that will issue on production of a UK Driving Licence?

 

[Khizzie]

That's existing.

That's the latest info from France was issued two days ago. From the minister of the interior

 

[sciac2001]

Thats why I need the current postal application to be valid for 12 months. Even so, as I am already away, I will have to make arrangements to have it sent to a family member.
Even the Camping and Caravanning Club cannot confirm for sure whether the IDP currently available from the AA will be valid for the 12 months. I will still apply and have it just in case. Only £8 or so.

 

[tuscancouple]

I really don't understand why you would need anything other that your licence? Before the UK joined the EU we lived in Belguim for three years, our UK licence was all that was required. Also on many trips to the US and SA over the years only ever needed licence.

Mick

 

[boxerdog]

i agree only ever used old fashioned paper licence for years no problem stopped once by the police they just took a look and were satisfied and away we went

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