Am I eligible to drive abroad?
Driving abroad can have lots of challenges. However, there are many perks you can enjoy when driving abroad. You get to access areas that no one or not many people visit and inaccessible areas through public transport. Sometimes the most beautiful places are those that no one visits, such as unseen beautiful nature spots.
Also, you are independent and free to travel anywhere you wish. You feel as if you are on a road trip, whereby you can select music of your liking and enjoy the journey. You also get to enjoy your destination as a local. When driving abroad and eligible to do so, the best form of transportation in most cases would be a car due to its stability and control. Depending on your end destination, cars are the safest type of transportation, especially if you want to go into the countryside or on a cliff-road as examples.
In some adventures, you may prefer taking a motorcycle as the primary vehicle option due to its size however this could be dangerous depending on your experience and the terrain you're adventuring on. Knowing this, can you drive abroad?
Can I drive in another country with a UK driving licence?
You can drive in another country using a UK driving licence. However, the laws differ depending on the destination country. For example, you need a green card to drive in the countries such as Turkey, Belarus, Iran, Azerbaijan, Israel, Morocco, Moldova, Albania, Tunisia, Russia, and Ukraine. If you're planning on driving in any of these countries, it's important you obtain that green card to fulfil your dreams and adventures.
Also, you may require an international driving permit to drive in some countries. Unlike the countries listed above, you do NOT need a green card for any EU member state, in addition to Andorra, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Serbia, and Switzerland.
Please note you need valid vehicle insurance before driving your car abroad. Also, if you intend to use your UK driving licence, ensure it is not expired or about to expire. If it is about to expire, renew it a week before you travel.
Also, please note that if you are driving your car abroad, carry your logbook (V5C). If you are driving a hired car, have a VE103 certificate.
How old do you have to be to drive abroad?
The age you can drive your car differs on the destination country. Most of the countries require you to be at least 18 years. For example, if you are visiting a country whereby you require an international driving permit, you need to be at least 18 years to apply for it.
However, there are some countries where you can drive when you are at the age of 17 years if you own the vehicle. Many countries don't rent cars to people below 18. At the age of 18, one can hire cars in Germany, Sweden, Italy, and Morocco. In a country such as Malaysia, you have to be 23 to hire a car.
Please note that if you are hiring for a car, the hiring company may need your driving licence information. You can give them your licence information by acquiring a licence 'check code.' Please do this 21 days before travelling to your destination. Also, as you hire a car, ensure that your vehicle is covered by insurance. Ask your hiring company about the extent to which the vehicle is covered.
Which non-car vehicles can I drive?
You can also have a caravan or trailer that you are towing. For the trailer or caravan you are towing, you will need to register it before you move it abroad. To tow your caravan or trailer abroad, you don't need a green card in EU countries;
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Switzerland
- Norway
- Liechtenstein
- Iceland
However, if you are attempting to tow your caravan, you need a green card in other countries. Also, it would be best if you had additional insurance other than the one you have for your car. Ensure that you check with your insurers to know what you need before travelling.
If you don't particularly want to drive a car abroad, there will be other options in most countries, but these will mostly be buggies, mopeds or other types of smaller vehicles.
If you just want to have some fun driving abroad with family or your partner, why not go with an off-road buggy and enjoy the bumpy ride, it's fun! - Just be safe.
Conclusion
You can drive abroad with your UK licence. Driving alone can be rewarding as there are many benefits you enjoy. As you plan to go to another country, ensure that everything is in the correct order, so you don't get in trouble while driving abroad. Ensure that you have the car insurance ready. The regulations differ depending on the country, and you need to confirm the rules your destination country follows.