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20th March 2024
02:03pm GMT
An urgent warning has been issued to drivers in the UK after DVLA has confirmed new rules will be rolled out from 1st April.
If you are travelling abroad to any of 140 international destinations, you will need to be aware of the change in provider of International Driving Permits (IDP's).
From the beginning of April, IDP's will only be available from participating PayPoint stores across the UK.
You need to bring your current driving licence, UK passport and a passport photo to register for an IDP.
The countries in which you need a IDP to legally drive include the United States, Australia, Japan, Turkey, Brazil and Japan.
Those travelling to countries that are members of the EU are unlikely to require an IDP if they are in possession of a valid UK issued photocard.
There are three types of IDP and which one you need will depend on which country you’re visiting.
DVLA added: "Further information on where those stores are located will be available on GOV.UK from April 1."
Previously, IDP's had to be picked up from a Post Office branch.
DVLA have also clarified that anyone moving abroad should not apply for an IDP, as instead they will need to either exchange their UK licence or apply for a new one in the country they're moving to.
An IDP costs £5.50 to obtain, with people needing to live in Great Britain or Northern Ireland, have a full UK driving licence and be 18 or over to purchase one.
Last week, DVLA also warned motorists across the UK that they could be served £1,000 fines if they don’t declare if they are suffering from any one over 200 medical conditions.
They added that those who don’t declare their conditions could be prosecuted if they are involved in an accident.
You can see the list of conditions that need to be declared here.
They also warned drivers in the UK to check their driving licenses if they passed their test before 2015, as licenses run out every ten years.
Failing to return an expired licence to the DVLA is an offence under the Road Traffic Act 1988 and can be punished with a fine of up to £1,000.
The expiry date on your license is displayed in section 4b on the front of the card.
It costs just £14 to renew your license online, with applications for a new license usually processed within five days. Postal renewals cost £17, while doing it at a Post Office has a £21.50 fee.
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