🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 173 (from laksa077)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa173.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/driving-abroad","crawl_time":1774283958,"first_indexed_time":1375978880,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"uk,gov,www!\/driving-abroad s443","src_root_hash":"12544360876807614373","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Driving abroad: Overview - GOV.UK","meta_descriptions":["Check if you need an international driving permit (IDP) to drive abroad on holiday and how to exchange your licence if you move abroad - including driving in the EU after Brexit."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"You need to take your Great Britain or Northern Ireland driving licence with you to drive abroad. Check yours is still valid and\nrenew your driving licence online\nif it’s expired or about to expire.\nIf your driving licence has been lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed,\nyou’ll need to get a new one before you can drive abroad\n.\nIf you apply online, you should receive your new driving licence within 5 days. If you apply by post, it will take longer.\nIf you’re taking your own vehicle, you also need to take your log book (V5C) and your insurance certificate.\nIf you’re taking a vehicle abroad that you’ve hired or leased in the UK, you’ll need a\nVE103 certificate\n.\nCheck if you need an international driving permit (\nIDP\n)\nYou might need an international driving permit (\nIDP\n) to drive in some countries.\nCheck if you need an international driving permit (\nIDP\n)\n.\nYou can\nget an\nIDP\nin person from certain shops that have PayPoint\n. You might need one for each country you’re visiting.\nDo not apply for an\nIDP\nif you’re moving abroad. You’ll need to either\nexchange your UK licence or apply for a new one in the country you’re moving to\n.\nCheck the overseas driving rules\nMake sure you follow overseas driving rules, including local speed limits and drink driving laws. You may be breaking the law and get a fine if you do not.\nDepending on the country you’re visiting you may need:\nextra equipment - for example, you need a reflective jacket and a warning triangle in many countries\nemission stickers (permits) in some European cities - you may need to buy these weeks before you go abroad\nheadlight converter stickers\na UK sticker\nIf you’re hiring a car, it’s your responsibility to check you have the equipment you need.\nCheck what you need to do if you’re driving in the\nEU\n.\nCheck the travel advice for all countries\n.\nIf you’re taking your own vehicle\nYou’ll need to check if you have the right vehicle insurance for the countries you’re driving through and what proof you need to carry.\nFind out more about\nvehicle insurance when you’re driving abroad\n.\nTowing your trailer or caravan abroad\nBefore towing your trailer abroad, check if you need to:\nget category BE added to your driving licence\nregister your trailer\ncarry a green card or additional insurance\nGet category BE added to your driving licence\nIf you want to tow a trailer over 750kg abroad, update your licence to show that you can drive\ncategory BE\n. You do not need to do this if your licence already shows you can drive category BE.\nYou need to complete form D1 ‘Application for a driving licence’ and send it to DVLA with:\na letter to say you are travelling abroad and you need BE added to your licence\nyour driving licence\nYou can get form D1 from most\nPost Offices\n.\nIt’s free to do this.\nCheck if you need to register your trailer\nCheck if you need to\nregister your trailer\nbefore you can take it abroad.\nCheck if you need a green card or additional insurance\nBefore driving your vehicle, trailer or caravan abroad,\ncheck if you need a green card or additional insurance\nfor the country you’re going to.\nHiring a car abroad\nYour hire company may ask to see your driving licence information when you pick up the car. You can share this by\ngetting a licence ‘check code’\n. You can do this up to 21 days before your trip.\nIf you’re hiring a car, insurance is included. Check what you’re covered for with the hire company.","attrs_markdown":"## Cookies on GOV.UK\nWe use some essential cookies to make this website work.\n\nWe’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.\n\nWe also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.\n\nYou have accepted additional cookies. You can [change your cookie settings](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/help\/cookies) at any time.\n\nYou have rejected additional cookies. You can [change your cookie settings](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/help\/cookies) at any time.\n\nAccept additional cookies\n\nReject additional cookies\n\n[View cookies](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/help\/cookies)\n\nHide cookie message\n\n[Skip to main content](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/driving-abroad#content)\n\n## Navigation menu\n[Menu](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/browse)\n\nMenu\n\n### Services and information\n- [Benefits](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/browse\/benefits)\n- [Births, death, marriages and care](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/browse\/births-deaths-marriages)\n- [Business and self-employed](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/browse\/business)\n- [Childcare and parenting](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/browse\/childcare-parenting)\n- [Citizenship and living in the UK](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/browse\/citizenship)\n- [Crime, justice and the law](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/browse\/justice)\n- [Disabled people](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/browse\/disabilities)\n- [Driving and transport](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/browse\/driving)\n- [Education and learning](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/browse\/education)\n- [Employing people](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/browse\/employing-people)\n- [Environment and countryside](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/browse\/environment-countryside)\n- [Housing and local services](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/browse\/housing-local-services)\n- [Money and tax](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/browse\/tax)\n- [Passports, travel and living abroad](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/browse\/abroad)\n- [Visas and immigration](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/browse\/visas-immigration)\n- [Working, jobs and pensions](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/browse\/working)\n\n### Government activity\n- [Departments](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/organisations)\n  Departments, agencies and public bodies\n- [News](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/search\/news-and-communications)\n  News stories, speeches, letters and notices\n- [Guidance and regulation](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/search\/guidance-and-regulation)\n  Detailed guidance, regulations and rules\n- [Research and statistics](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/search\/research-and-statistics)\n  Reports, analysis and official statistics\n- [Policy papers and consultations](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/search\/policy-papers-and-consultations)\n  Consultations and strategy\n- [Transparency](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/search\/transparency-and-freedom-of-information-releases)\n  Data, Freedom of Information releases and corporate reports\n\nSearch GOV.UK\n\n×\n\n[Search GOV.UK](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/search)\n### Search\n\n**Part of**  [Drive abroad: step by step](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/drive-abroad)\n\n# Driving abroad\n[Skip contents](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/driving-abroad#guide-contents)\n\n## Contents\n1. Overview\n2. [Check if you need an international driving permit (IDP)](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/driving-abroad\/international-driving-permit)\n3. [Get an international driving permit (IDP)](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/driving-abroad\/get-an-idp)\n4. [Driving if you move abroad](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/driving-abroad\/driving-if-you-move-abroad)\n\n# Overview\nYou need to take your Great Britain or Northern Ireland driving licence with you to drive abroad. Check yours is still valid and [renew your driving licence online](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/renew-driving-licence) if it’s expired or about to expire.\n\nIf your driving licence has been lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed, [you’ll need to get a new one before you can drive abroad](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/apply-online-to-replace-a-driving-licence).\n\nIf you apply online, you should receive your new driving licence within 5 days. If you apply by post, it will take longer.\n\nIf you’re taking your own vehicle, you also need to take your log book (V5C) and your insurance certificate.\n\nIf you’re taking a vehicle abroad that you’ve hired or leased in the UK, you’ll need a [VE103 certificate](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/taking-vehicles-out-of-uk\/for-less-than-12-months).\n\n## Check if you need an international driving permit (IDP)\nYou might need an international driving permit (IDP) to drive in some countries. [Check if you need an international driving permit (IDP)](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/driving-abroad\/international-driving-permit).\n\nYou can [get an IDP in person from certain shops that have PayPoint](https:\/\/www.paypoint.com\/dvla). You might need one for each country you’re visiting.\n\nDo not apply for an IDP if you’re moving abroad. You’ll need to either [exchange your UK licence or apply for a new one in the country you’re moving to](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/driving-abroad\/driving-if-you-move-abroad).\n\n## Check the overseas driving rules\nMake sure you follow overseas driving rules, including local speed limits and drink driving laws. You may be breaking the law and get a fine if you do not.\n\nDepending on the country you’re visiting you may need:\n\n- extra equipment - for example, you need a reflective jacket and a warning triangle in many countries\n- emission stickers (permits) in some European cities - you may need to buy these weeks before you go abroad\n- headlight converter stickers\n- a UK sticker\n\nIf you’re hiring a car, it’s your responsibility to check you have the equipment you need.\n\n[Check what you need to do if you’re driving in the EU](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/guidance\/driving-in-the-eu-from-1-january-2021).\n\n[Check the travel advice for all countries](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/foreign-travel-advice).\n\n## If you’re taking your own vehicle\nYou’ll need to check if you have the right vehicle insurance for the countries you’re driving through and what proof you need to carry.\n\nFind out more about [vehicle insurance when you’re driving abroad](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/vehicle-insurance\/driving-abroad).\n\n## Towing your trailer or caravan abroad\nBefore towing your trailer abroad, check if you need to:\n\n- get category BE added to your driving licence\n- register your trailer\n- carry a green card or additional insurance\n### Get category BE added to your driving licence\nIf you want to tow a trailer over 750kg abroad, update your licence to show that you can drive [category BE](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/driving-licence-categories). You do not need to do this if your licence already shows you can drive category BE.\n\nYou need to complete form D1 ‘Application for a driving licence’ and send it to DVLA with:\n\n- a letter to say you are travelling abroad and you need BE added to your licence\n- your driving licence\n\nYou can get form D1 from most [Post Offices](https:\/\/www.postoffice.co.uk\/branch-finder).\n\nIt’s free to do this.\n\n### Check if you need to register your trailer\nCheck if you need to [register your trailer](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/guidance\/trailer-registration) before you can take it abroad.\n\n### Check if you need a green card or additional insurance\nBefore driving your vehicle, trailer or caravan abroad, [check if you need a green card or additional insurance](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/vehicle-insurance\/driving-abroad) for the country you’re going to.\n\n## Hiring a car abroad\nYour hire company may ask to see your driving licence information when you pick up the car. You can share this by [getting a licence ‘check code’](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/view-driving-licence). You can do this up to 21 days before your trip.\n\nIf you’re hiring a car, insurance is included. Check what you’re covered for with the hire company.\n\n[Next:Check if you need an international driving permit (IDP)](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/driving-abroad\/international-driving-permit)\n\n[View a printable version of the whole guide](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/driving-abroad\/print)\n\n## This page is Part of  [Drive abroad: step by step](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/drive-abroad)\n1. ### Step 1:     Check where you can use your licence\n   1. [You are currently viewing: Check the rules for using your driving licence abroad](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/driving-abroad#content)\n   \n   You may need an international driving permit (IDP) to drive outside the UK.\n   \n   1. [Check if you need an IDP](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/driving-abroad\/international-driving-permit?step-by-step-nav=51d1433e-893f-4424-8408-8427c1b6aba1)\n2. ### Step 2:     Apply for an international driving permit (IDP)\n   1. [Get an IDP in person from certain shops that have PayPoint £5.50](https:\/\/www.paypoint.com\/dvla)\n3. ### Step 3:     Get insurance\n   1. [Check if your vehicle insurance covers you for the countries you're driving through](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/vehicle-insurance\/driving-abroad?step-by-step-nav=51d1433e-893f-4424-8408-8427c1b6aba1)\n   \n   Check this with your car hire company if you’re hiring a vehicle.\n4. ### Step 4:     Prepare the documents you need to take with you\n   1. [Check what documents you need to take a vehicle out of the UK](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/taking-vehicles-out-of-uk\/for-less-than-12-months?step-by-step-nav=51d1433e-893f-4424-8408-8427c1b6aba1)\n   \n   If you're hiring a car you may need to share your driving licence information with the hire company.\n   \n   1. [Get a 'check code' to share your driving licence information](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/view-driving-licence?step-by-step-nav=51d1433e-893f-4424-8408-8427c1b6aba1)\n   \n   If you got your licence in Northern Ireland, you’ll need to show the rental company your paper counterpart instead.\n5. ### Step 5:     Check the rules for the country you're travelling to\n   The rules for driving may be different in the country you're going to. For example, drink-driving rules might be different or you might need to carry extra equipment in your car.\n   \n   1. [Check if you need to display a country sticker on your vehicle](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/displaying-number-plates\/flags-identifiers-and-stickers?step-by-step-nav=51d1433e-893f-4424-8408-8427c1b6aba1)\n   2. [Check what you need to do if you’re driving in the EU, Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Norway](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/guidance\/driving-in-the-eu?step-by-step-nav=51d1433e-893f-4424-8408-8427c1b6aba1)\n   3. [Check the travel advice for all countries](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/foreign-travel-advice?step-by-step-nav=51d1433e-893f-4424-8408-8427c1b6aba1)\n   \n   When you have your documents, insurance and any extra equipment you need you can drive abroad.\n\n## Is this page useful?\n- [Maybe](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/contact\/govuk)\n- Yes this page is useful\n- No this page is not useful\n\nThank you for your feedback\n\nReport a problem with this page\n\n## Help us improve GOV.UK\nTo help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. [Please fill in this survey (opens in a new taband requires JavaScript)](https:\/\/www.smartsurvey.co.uk\/s\/gov-uk-banner\/?c=no-js).\n\nCancel\n\n## Services and information\n- [Benefits](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/browse\/benefits)\n- [Births, death, marriages and care](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/browse\/births-deaths-marriages)\n- [Business and self-employed](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/browse\/business)\n- [Childcare and parenting](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/browse\/childcare-parenting)\n- [Citizenship and living in the UK](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/browse\/citizenship)\n- [Crime, justice and the law](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/browse\/justice)\n- [Disabled people](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/browse\/disabilities)\n- [Driving and transport](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/browse\/driving)\n- [Education and learning](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/browse\/education)\n- [Employing people](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/browse\/employing-people)\n- [Environment and countryside](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/browse\/environment-countryside)\n- [Housing and local services](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/browse\/housing-local-services)\n- [Money and tax](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/browse\/tax)\n- [Passports, travel and living abroad](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/browse\/abroad)\n- [Visas and immigration](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/browse\/visas-immigration)\n- [Working, jobs and pensions](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/browse\/working)\n\n## Government activity\n- [Departments](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/organisations)\n- [News](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/search\/news-and-communications)\n- [Guidance and regulation](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/search\/guidance-and-regulation)\n- [Research and statistics](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/search\/research-and-statistics)\n- [Policy papers and consultations](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/search\/policy-papers-and-consultations)\n- [Transparency](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/search\/transparency-and-freedom-of-information-releases)\n- [How government works](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/how-government-works)\n- [Get involved](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/get-involved)\n***\n## Support links\n- [Help](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/help)\n- [Privacy](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/help\/privacy-notice)\n- [Cookies](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/help\/cookies)\n- [Accessibility statement](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/help\/accessibility-statement)\n- [Contact](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/contact)\n- [Terms and conditions](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/help\/terms-conditions)\n- [Rhestr o Wasanaethau Cymraeg](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/cymraeg)\n- [Government Digital Service](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/organisations\/government-digital-service)\n\nAll content is available under the [Open Government Licence v3.0](https:\/\/www.nationalarchives.gov.uk\/doc\/open-government-licence\/version\/3\/), except where otherwise stated\n\n[© Crown copyright](https:\/\/www.nationalarchives.gov.uk\/information-management\/re-using-public-sector-information\/uk-government-licensing-framework\/crown-copyright\/)","attrs_readable_markdown":"You need to take your Great Britain or Northern Ireland driving licence with you to drive abroad. Check yours is still valid and [renew your driving licence online](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/renew-driving-licence) if it’s expired or about to expire.\n\nIf your driving licence has been lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed, [you’ll need to get a new one before you can drive abroad](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/apply-online-to-replace-a-driving-licence).\n\nIf you apply online, you should receive your new driving licence within 5 days. If you apply by post, it will take longer.\n\nIf you’re taking your own vehicle, you also need to take your log book (V5C) and your insurance certificate.\n\nIf you’re taking a vehicle abroad that you’ve hired or leased in the UK, you’ll need a [VE103 certificate](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/taking-vehicles-out-of-uk\/for-less-than-12-months).\n\n## Check if you need an international driving permit (IDP)\nYou might need an international driving permit (IDP) to drive in some countries. [Check if you need an international driving permit (IDP)](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/driving-abroad\/international-driving-permit).\n\nYou can [get an IDP in person from certain shops that have PayPoint](https:\/\/www.paypoint.com\/dvla). You might need one for each country you’re visiting.\n\nDo not apply for an IDP if you’re moving abroad. You’ll need to either [exchange your UK licence or apply for a new one in the country you’re moving to](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/driving-abroad\/driving-if-you-move-abroad).\n\n## Check the overseas driving rules\nMake sure you follow overseas driving rules, including local speed limits and drink driving laws. You may be breaking the law and get a fine if you do not.\n\nDepending on the country you’re visiting you may need:\n\n- extra equipment - for example, you need a reflective jacket and a warning triangle in many countries\n- emission stickers (permits) in some European cities - you may need to buy these weeks before you go abroad\n- headlight converter stickers\n- a UK sticker\n\nIf you’re hiring a car, it’s your responsibility to check you have the equipment you need.\n\n[Check what you need to do if you’re driving in the EU](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/guidance\/driving-in-the-eu-from-1-january-2021).\n\n[Check the travel advice for all countries](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/foreign-travel-advice).\n\n## If you’re taking your own vehicle\nYou’ll need to check if you have the right vehicle insurance for the countries you’re driving through and what proof you need to carry.\n\nFind out more about [vehicle insurance when you’re driving abroad](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/vehicle-insurance\/driving-abroad).\n\n## Towing your trailer or caravan abroad\nBefore towing your trailer abroad, check if you need to:\n\n- get category BE added to your driving licence\n- register your trailer\n- carry a green card or additional insurance\n### Get category BE added to your driving licence\nIf you want to tow a trailer over 750kg abroad, update your licence to show that you can drive [category BE](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/driving-licence-categories). You do not need to do this if your licence already shows you can drive category BE.\n\nYou need to complete form D1 ‘Application for a driving licence’ and send it to DVLA with:\n\n- a letter to say you are travelling abroad and you need BE added to your licence\n- your driving licence\n\nYou can get form D1 from most [Post Offices](https:\/\/www.postoffice.co.uk\/branch-finder).\n\nIt’s free to do this.\n\n### Check if you need to register your trailer\nCheck if you need to [register your trailer](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/guidance\/trailer-registration) before you can take it abroad.\n\n### Check if you need a green card or additional insurance\nBefore driving your vehicle, trailer or caravan abroad, [check if you need a green card or additional insurance](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/vehicle-insurance\/driving-abroad) for the country you’re going to.\n\n## Hiring a car abroad\nYour hire company may ask to see your driving licence information when you pick up the car. You can share this by [getting a licence ‘check code’](https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/view-driving-licence). You can do this up to 21 days before your trip.\n\nIf you’re hiring a car, insurance is included. Check what you’re covered for with the hire company.","meta_canonical":null}

3. Robots.txt Check

Query:

Response:

4. Spam/Ban Check

Query:

Response:

5. Seen Status Check

ℹ️ Skipped - page is already crawled

📄

INDEXABLE

✅

CRAWLED

15 days ago

🤖

ROBOTS ALLOWED

Page Info Filters

Filter	Status	Condition	Details
HTTP status	PASS	`download_http_code = 200`	HTTP 200
Age cutoff	PASS	`download_stamp > now() - 6 MONTH`	0.5 months ago
History drop	PASS	`isNull(history_drop_reason)`	No drop reason
Spam/ban	PASS	`fh_dont_index != 1 AND ml_spam_score = 0`	ml_spam_score=0
Canonical	PASS	`meta_canonical IS NULL OR = '' OR = src_unparsed`	Not set

Page Details

Property	Value
URL	https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad
Last Crawled	2026-03-23 16:39:18 (15 days ago)
First Indexed	2013-08-08 16:21:20 (12 years ago)
HTTP Status Code	200
Meta Title	Driving abroad: Overview - GOV.UK
Meta Description	Check if you need an international driving permit (IDP) to drive abroad on holiday and how to exchange your licence if you move abroad - including driving in the EU after Brexit.
Meta Canonical	null
Boilerpipe Text	You need to take your Great Britain or Northern Ireland driving licence with you to drive abroad. Check yours is still valid and renew your driving licence online if it’s expired or about to expire. If your driving licence has been lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed, you’ll need to get a new one before you can drive abroad . If you apply online, you should receive your new driving licence within 5 days. If you apply by post, it will take longer. If you’re taking your own vehicle, you also need to take your log book (V5C) and your insurance certificate. If you’re taking a vehicle abroad that you’ve hired or leased in the UK, you’ll need a VE103 certificate . Check if you need an international driving permit ( IDP ) You might need an international driving permit ( IDP ) to drive in some countries. Check if you need an international driving permit ( IDP ) . You can get an IDP in person from certain shops that have PayPoint . You might need one for each country you’re visiting. Do not apply for an IDP if you’re moving abroad. You’ll need to either exchange your UK licence or apply for a new one in the country you’re moving to . Check the overseas driving rules Make sure you follow overseas driving rules, including local speed limits and drink driving laws. You may be breaking the law and get a fine if you do not. Depending on the country you’re visiting you may need: extra equipment - for example, you need a reflective jacket and a warning triangle in many countries emission stickers (permits) in some European cities - you may need to buy these weeks before you go abroad headlight converter stickers a UK sticker If you’re hiring a car, it’s your responsibility to check you have the equipment you need. Check what you need to do if you’re driving in the EU . Check the travel advice for all countries . If you’re taking your own vehicle You’ll need to check if you have the right vehicle insurance for the countries you’re driving through and what proof you need to carry. Find out more about vehicle insurance when you’re driving abroad . Towing your trailer or caravan abroad Before towing your trailer abroad, check if you need to: get category BE added to your driving licence register your trailer carry a green card or additional insurance Get category BE added to your driving licence If you want to tow a trailer over 750kg abroad, update your licence to show that you can drive category BE . You do not need to do this if your licence already shows you can drive category BE. You need to complete form D1 ‘Application for a driving licence’ and send it to DVLA with: a letter to say you are travelling abroad and you need BE added to your licence your driving licence You can get form D1 from most Post Offices . It’s free to do this. Check if you need to register your trailer Check if you need to register your trailer before you can take it abroad. Check if you need a green card or additional insurance Before driving your vehicle, trailer or caravan abroad, check if you need a green card or additional insurance for the country you’re going to. Hiring a car abroad Your hire company may ask to see your driving licence information when you pick up the car. You can share this by getting a licence ‘check code’ . You can do this up to 21 days before your trip. If you’re hiring a car, insurance is included. Check what you’re covered for with the hire company.
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Accept additional cookies Reject additional cookies [View cookies](https://www.gov.uk/help/cookies) Hide cookie message [Skip to main content](https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad#content) ## Navigation menu [Menu](https://www.gov.uk/browse) Menu ### Services and information - [Benefits](https://www.gov.uk/browse/benefits) - [Births, death, marriages and care](https://www.gov.uk/browse/births-deaths-marriages) - [Business and self-employed](https://www.gov.uk/browse/business) - [Childcare and parenting](https://www.gov.uk/browse/childcare-parenting) - [Citizenship and living in the UK](https://www.gov.uk/browse/citizenship) - [Crime, justice and the law](https://www.gov.uk/browse/justice) - [Disabled people](https://www.gov.uk/browse/disabilities) - [Driving and transport](https://www.gov.uk/browse/driving) - [Education and learning](https://www.gov.uk/browse/education) - [Employing people](https://www.gov.uk/browse/employing-people) - [Environment and countryside](https://www.gov.uk/browse/environment-countryside) - [Housing and local services](https://www.gov.uk/browse/housing-local-services) - [Money and tax](https://www.gov.uk/browse/tax) - [Passports, travel and living abroad](https://www.gov.uk/browse/abroad) - [Visas and immigration](https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration) - [Working, jobs and pensions](https://www.gov.uk/browse/working) ### Government activity - [Departments](https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations) Departments, agencies and public bodies - [News](https://www.gov.uk/search/news-and-communications) News stories, speeches, letters and notices - [Guidance and regulation](https://www.gov.uk/search/guidance-and-regulation) Detailed guidance, regulations and rules - [Research and statistics](https://www.gov.uk/search/research-and-statistics) Reports, analysis and official statistics - [Policy papers and consultations](https://www.gov.uk/search/policy-papers-and-consultations) Consultations and strategy - [Transparency](https://www.gov.uk/search/transparency-and-freedom-of-information-releases) Data, Freedom of Information releases and corporate reports Search GOV.UK × [Search GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/search) ### Search Part of [Drive abroad: step by step](https://www.gov.uk/drive-abroad) # Driving abroad [Skip contents](https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad#guide-contents) ## Contents 1. Overview 2. [Check if you need an international driving permit (IDP)](https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad/international-driving-permit) 3. [Get an international driving permit (IDP)](https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad/get-an-idp) 4. [Driving if you move abroad](https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad/driving-if-you-move-abroad) # Overview You need to take your Great Britain or Northern Ireland driving licence with you to drive abroad. Check yours is still valid and [renew your driving licence online](https://www.gov.uk/renew-driving-licence) if it’s expired or about to expire. If your driving licence has been lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed, [you’ll need to get a new one before you can drive abroad](https://www.gov.uk/apply-online-to-replace-a-driving-licence). If you apply online, you should receive your new driving licence within 5 days. If you apply by post, it will take longer. If you’re taking your own vehicle, you also need to take your log book (V5C) and your insurance certificate. If you’re taking a vehicle abroad that you’ve hired or leased in the UK, you’ll need a [VE103 certificate](https://www.gov.uk/taking-vehicles-out-of-uk/for-less-than-12-months). ## Check if you need an international driving permit (IDP) You might need an international driving permit (IDP) to drive in some countries. [Check if you need an international driving permit (IDP)](https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad/international-driving-permit). You can [get an IDP in person from certain shops that have PayPoint](https://www.paypoint.com/dvla). You might need one for each country you’re visiting. Do not apply for an IDP if you’re moving abroad. You’ll need to either [exchange your UK licence or apply for a new one in the country you’re moving to](https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad/driving-if-you-move-abroad). ## Check the overseas driving rules Make sure you follow overseas driving rules, including local speed limits and drink driving laws. You may be breaking the law and get a fine if you do not. Depending on the country you’re visiting you may need: - extra equipment - for example, you need a reflective jacket and a warning triangle in many countries - emission stickers (permits) in some European cities - you may need to buy these weeks before you go abroad - headlight converter stickers - a UK sticker If you’re hiring a car, it’s your responsibility to check you have the equipment you need. [Check what you need to do if you’re driving in the EU](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/driving-in-the-eu-from-1-january-2021). [Check the travel advice for all countries](https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice). ## If you’re taking your own vehicle You’ll need to check if you have the right vehicle insurance for the countries you’re driving through and what proof you need to carry. Find out more about [vehicle insurance when you’re driving abroad](https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-insurance/driving-abroad). ## Towing your trailer or caravan abroad Before towing your trailer abroad, check if you need to: - get category BE added to your driving licence - register your trailer - carry a green card or additional insurance ### Get category BE added to your driving licence If you want to tow a trailer over 750kg abroad, update your licence to show that you can drive [category BE](https://www.gov.uk/driving-licence-categories). You do not need to do this if your licence already shows you can drive category BE. You need to complete form D1 ‘Application for a driving licence’ and send it to DVLA with: - a letter to say you are travelling abroad and you need BE added to your licence - your driving licence You can get form D1 from most [Post Offices](https://www.postoffice.co.uk/branch-finder). It’s free to do this. ### Check if you need to register your trailer Check if you need to [register your trailer](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/trailer-registration) before you can take it abroad. ### Check if you need a green card or additional insurance Before driving your vehicle, trailer or caravan abroad, [check if you need a green card or additional insurance](https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-insurance/driving-abroad) for the country you’re going to. ## Hiring a car abroad Your hire company may ask to see your driving licence information when you pick up the car. You can share this by [getting a licence ‘check code’](https://www.gov.uk/view-driving-licence). You can do this up to 21 days before your trip. If you’re hiring a car, insurance is included. Check what you’re covered for with the hire company. [Next:Check if you need an international driving permit (IDP)](https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad/international-driving-permit) [View a printable version of the whole guide](https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad/print) ## This page is Part of [Drive abroad: step by step](https://www.gov.uk/drive-abroad) 1. ### Step 1: Check where you can use your licence 1. [You are currently viewing: Check the rules for using your driving licence abroad](https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad#content) You may need an international driving permit (IDP) to drive outside the UK. 1. [Check if you need an IDP](https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad/international-driving-permit?step-by-step-nav=51d1433e-893f-4424-8408-8427c1b6aba1) 2. ### Step 2: Apply for an international driving permit (IDP) 1. [Get an IDP in person from certain shops that have PayPoint £5.50](https://www.paypoint.com/dvla) 3. ### Step 3: Get insurance 1. [Check if your vehicle insurance covers you for the countries you're driving through](https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-insurance/driving-abroad?step-by-step-nav=51d1433e-893f-4424-8408-8427c1b6aba1) Check this with your car hire company if you’re hiring a vehicle. 4. ### Step 4: Prepare the documents you need to take with you 1. [Check what documents you need to take a vehicle out of the UK](https://www.gov.uk/taking-vehicles-out-of-uk/for-less-than-12-months?step-by-step-nav=51d1433e-893f-4424-8408-8427c1b6aba1) If you're hiring a car you may need to share your driving licence information with the hire company. 1. [Get a 'check code' to share your driving licence information](https://www.gov.uk/view-driving-licence?step-by-step-nav=51d1433e-893f-4424-8408-8427c1b6aba1) If you got your licence in Northern Ireland, you’ll need to show the rental company your paper counterpart instead. 5. ### Step 5: Check the rules for the country you're travelling to The rules for driving may be different in the country you're going to. For example, drink-driving rules might be different or you might need to carry extra equipment in your car. 1. [Check if you need to display a country sticker on your vehicle](https://www.gov.uk/displaying-number-plates/flags-identifiers-and-stickers?step-by-step-nav=51d1433e-893f-4424-8408-8427c1b6aba1) 2. [Check what you need to do if you’re driving in the EU, Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Norway](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/driving-in-the-eu?step-by-step-nav=51d1433e-893f-4424-8408-8427c1b6aba1) 3. [Check the travel advice for all countries](https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice?step-by-step-nav=51d1433e-893f-4424-8408-8427c1b6aba1) When you have your documents, insurance and any extra equipment you need you can drive abroad. ## Is this page useful? - [Maybe](https://www.gov.uk/contact/govuk) - Yes this page is useful - No this page is not useful Thank you for your feedback Report a problem with this page ## Help us improve GOV.UK To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. [Please fill in this survey (opens in a new taband requires JavaScript)](https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/gov-uk-banner/?c=no-js). 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Readable Markdown	You need to take your Great Britain or Northern Ireland driving licence with you to drive abroad. Check yours is still valid and [renew your driving licence online](https://www.gov.uk/renew-driving-licence) if it’s expired or about to expire. If your driving licence has been lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed, [you’ll need to get a new one before you can drive abroad](https://www.gov.uk/apply-online-to-replace-a-driving-licence). If you apply online, you should receive your new driving licence within 5 days. If you apply by post, it will take longer. If you’re taking your own vehicle, you also need to take your log book (V5C) and your insurance certificate. If you’re taking a vehicle abroad that you’ve hired or leased in the UK, you’ll need a [VE103 certificate](https://www.gov.uk/taking-vehicles-out-of-uk/for-less-than-12-months). ## Check if you need an international driving permit (IDP) You might need an international driving permit (IDP) to drive in some countries. [Check if you need an international driving permit (IDP)](https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad/international-driving-permit). You can [get an IDP in person from certain shops that have PayPoint](https://www.paypoint.com/dvla). You might need one for each country you’re visiting. Do not apply for an IDP if you’re moving abroad. You’ll need to either [exchange your UK licence or apply for a new one in the country you’re moving to](https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad/driving-if-you-move-abroad). ## Check the overseas driving rules Make sure you follow overseas driving rules, including local speed limits and drink driving laws. You may be breaking the law and get a fine if you do not. Depending on the country you’re visiting you may need: - extra equipment - for example, you need a reflective jacket and a warning triangle in many countries - emission stickers (permits) in some European cities - you may need to buy these weeks before you go abroad - headlight converter stickers - a UK sticker If you’re hiring a car, it’s your responsibility to check you have the equipment you need. [Check what you need to do if you’re driving in the EU](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/driving-in-the-eu-from-1-january-2021). [Check the travel advice for all countries](https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice). ## If you’re taking your own vehicle You’ll need to check if you have the right vehicle insurance for the countries you’re driving through and what proof you need to carry. Find out more about [vehicle insurance when you’re driving abroad](https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-insurance/driving-abroad). ## Towing your trailer or caravan abroad Before towing your trailer abroad, check if you need to: - get category BE added to your driving licence - register your trailer - carry a green card or additional insurance ### Get category BE added to your driving licence If you want to tow a trailer over 750kg abroad, update your licence to show that you can drive [category BE](https://www.gov.uk/driving-licence-categories). You do not need to do this if your licence already shows you can drive category BE. You need to complete form D1 ‘Application for a driving licence’ and send it to DVLA with: - a letter to say you are travelling abroad and you need BE added to your licence - your driving licence You can get form D1 from most [Post Offices](https://www.postoffice.co.uk/branch-finder). It’s free to do this. ### Check if you need to register your trailer Check if you need to [register your trailer](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/trailer-registration) before you can take it abroad. ### Check if you need a green card or additional insurance Before driving your vehicle, trailer or caravan abroad, [check if you need a green card or additional insurance](https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-insurance/driving-abroad) for the country you’re going to. ## Hiring a car abroad Your hire company may ask to see your driving licence information when you pick up the car. You can share this by [getting a licence ‘check code’](https://www.gov.uk/view-driving-licence). You can do this up to 21 days before your trip. If you’re hiring a car, insurance is included. Check what you’re covered for with the hire company.
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