In 2006 we had a thread about this: Do I need an IDP for driving in England? The conclusion seemed to be - not sure!

I am researching this topic again and found THIS PAGE on the Visit Britain site that says that you need an IDP when driving in Great Britain (remember to also bring your driver's license - the IDP is a translation, but you also need the original license).

I know that the IDP is a translation of your license, but since we have so many types of licenses in the US (they are different for each state), I can see why even in an English speaking country you need another document, the IDP, to show that it is a valid license.

You do not need an IDP to rent a car and I have never been stopped by the police in England, so do not know if they ask to see your IDP as well as your license. Does anyone have any experience with this?

I looked at that page and it reads to me as if the IDP is a valid alternative to a national licence - not an additional requirement. If you look at the Driver and Vehicle Licencing Agency on www.dvla.gov.uk it says that for non-EU drivers, you may drive on your full, valid national licence for up to 12 months. This is for cars or vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes - not sure about motorhomes and other larger vehicles , unless they are registered abroad and driven into UK.

I thought "national license" meant an UK license, but I think I am wrong.

On the Directgov - Motoring page it says you can drive with your license from another country:

>>Driving licences issued in any other country

you can drive any small vehicle eg cars and or motorcycles, shown on your driving licence, for a period of 12 months from the date that you last entered the country, as long as it remains full and valid

you can only drive larger vehicles eg lorries and buses, shown on your licence, that have been registered outside of GB which you have driven into the country <<

But, to be sure, I emailed DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency). I will post if I get a reply.

Did you know you don't actually have to carry your licence with you when driving in the UK ? It's not a legal requirement - although obviously it's a good idea in case of an accident/incident when the police might be involved. I keep mine with my AA card (the Automobile Association, not the other kind!)so with an elderly car, always now have them with me.

The police can ask to see it, and if you don't have it with you, you have 7 days to produce it at a police station. For UK licences they can verify it on the spot by contacting the DVLA with your details.

I read about that yesterday when searching for IDP information. In the US you have to have your driver's license with you when driving.

They had a cute name for it - having to show your license to the police within 7 days - but I can't remember what it was and can't find it googling.

(Steve just commented that isn't it easier to carry your driver's license with you than to have to report to a police station to show it?)

You get a form known as a 'producer' - don't know if there is another slang term for it. I had to 'produce' my documents (including license, insurance, MOT) after a minor 'prang' (collision) once - made me feel very guilty to go to the police station, even though I was proved to be in the right eventually(truthfully, less in the wrong - we were both trying to sqeeze through a small space )

I think most people do usually have it with them, in wallets, handbags etc., - it's just that it isn't an offence and you can't get into trouble for just for not having it on you. I would urge all visitors to have theirs on them when driving , though, as it could make matters much more complicated.

I got an answer from the DVLA:

"I can confirm that as a visitor you will be covered to drive for 1 year from date of entry in to the country on a valid US licence."

So, that answers it - you do not need an IDP in England!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Pauline,

Thank You Pauline; I am working down my checklist for our Aug 14th trip and IDP was next on my list; that saves hubby a trip to AAA to get it and the cost. We have actually stopped getting an IDP the last few trips to Europe and India and so far so good...