
Millions of UK drivers heading abroad this summer told spend £6 NOW to avoid huge disappointment when you land
The DVLA issued the warning to motorists planning summer holidays in the European Union and beyond.
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Drivers were told they may need an international driving permit (IDP) before travelling to their holiday destination.
Anyone hoping to hop in a hire car while enjoying a summer break has been urged to check if they'll need a permit before they fly.
Drivers could face disappointment after landing and trying to pick up their hire car if they don't have a permit.
To avoid missing out on motoring abroad drivers have been instructed to purchase an IDP for just £5.50 from certain shops that have a PayPoint.
To get hold of a permit you must be 18 or over, live in the Great Britain or Northern Ireland and hold a full UK driving licence.
The DVLA said you should check if the individual state authority says you need an IDP.
If you're planning on hiring a car, you should check with the car hire company if you need an IDP.
In the US drivers might require a driving licence and an IDP to hire a motor for their holiday.
Motorists who only hold a paper driving licence must take another form of photographic ID with them.
Brits planning to move abroad who want to continue driving may need to get a local driving licence.
Our rental car burst into FLAMES – we escaped by the skin of our teeth
In some countries you can exchange your UK licence without taking another driving test.
Rules in EU countries vary and the DVLA has encouraged motorists to check the rules for exchanging your licence in the EU.
In some countries, like Cyprus, you can use a UK photocard driving licence for up to 30 days without an IDP.
But if you're hiring a car you should always check with the hire company before travelling.
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If you hold a driving licence from Gibraltar, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man, you may need an IDP for any length of visit.
The DVLA said: 'If you're hiring a car abroad, you should check with your car hire company if you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) before travelling.'
Brit motorists could face disappointment at the car hire desk if they forget to check.
IDPs last for a while so it's worth getting one before jetting off for a holiday.
A 1926 or 1949 permit lasts for 12 months while a 1968 permit lasts for three years or until your UK licence expires, whichever comes first.
The Centre Line: Ensure you're staying in lane by lining up the central road marking with the left-hand corner of your car's windscreen.
Use Your Sat-Nav: Your navigation system will guide you where to turn and serve as a helpful reminder on roundabouts. It's especially useful for navigating one-way systems with unfamiliar road signs, and it will alert you to changes in speed limits.
Dual Carriageways: Stick to the right-hand lane, as this is the normal driving lane unless overtaking. Remember, your blind spot will now be over your left shoulder.
Turning Left: This manoeuvre involves cutting across traffic, so give way to oncoming vehicles – similar to making a right turn in the UK. On fast-moving roads, you may need to pull over to the right before crossing at a right angle to avoid blocking traffic. Pay attention to the signs.
Roundabouts: Give way to the left rather than the right at roundabouts and don't forget to signal right when exiting.
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