
Millions of UK drivers heading abroad this summer told spend £6 NOW to avoid huge disappointment when you land
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MILLIONS of motorists planning on heading abroad this summer have been warned to spend £6 now to avoid a huge disappointment.
The DVLA issued the warning to motorists planning summer holidays in the European Union and beyond.
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The DVLA has urged drivers to check ahead before trying to rent a car abroad
Credit: Getty
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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Brits who only hold a paper driving licence must take another form of photographic ID with them
Credit: Getty
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.

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