IDP post hard Brexit?
 

If we hard Brexit in March then we will be treated as non-EU citizens. According to briefings there could be different IDP versions for different countries. Eg Spain accepts 1949 convention but France (and most of the EU according to briefings) accept 1968 convention. So if you drive to Spain via France you will need to carry both. However, Portugal is not specified in the briefings so you might assume it comes under "rest of the EU". But is this correct? If you rent from Faro for use in Spain will you need 2 IDPs?
However, looking at the UN 1949 convention, Portugal is listed, so will Portugal accept the 1949 version?
Or would it be safer to get both anyway? I suspect in practical terms you could probably get away with either but you never know when you will meet a jobsworth!

PS: I have just found that Portugal are signatories to the 1968 Vienna convention. Does this supercede the 1949?

Re: IDP post hard Brexit?
 

I saw this from the RAC https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/travel/driving-abroad/international-driving-permits-and-brexit/

But it doesn't answer the Portugal or the convention questions. But perhaps its best to get both anyway, as you often drive in - its a case of 'CYA!'. You can imagine the mad-frustration of arriving abroad and cant drive! :wub:

Here is a more comprehensive article from the Algarve press concerning all aspects of ne-deal preparation. ''Are you Brexit proof'

https://algarvedailynews.com/legal/14969-are-you-brexit-proof

Jon

Re: IDP post hard Brexit?
 

That's what I am going to do. Got photos done today and will go to the Post Office tomorrow after my hospital visit. Unfortunately only 90 POs in the UK can issue them at the moment. It changes after 1st Feb when AA/RAC cannot issue them but more POs will. I trying to beat the rush! 😜🐘

Re: IDP post hard Brexit?
 

:Well, I've got the 1949 IDP which means I'll be OK in Spain but the 1968 IDP will only be available in Post Offices (no longer AA or RAC) after 31st January 2019

Re: IDP post hard Brexit?
 

Re: IDP post hard Brexit?
 

Gosh, thats a walk down memory lane! I havent seen one of those since the mid 80's when I worked in the USA. I wish I still looked like I did in the photo!

So Martin, did you also get the other one as well?

I recall that it wasn't a big deal getting this ''back in the day" so whilst this is a 'newish' change, it isnt IMO, a huge hassle. In a no deal scenario we have the timeframe Feb 1 - 29/3 to get these including at the PO as an extra option by then. The minority of Brits travel abroad too. So us cross-border travellers have an additional thing on the checklist. Youve done it to save far bigger hassles in case of a no-deal as an 'insurance'. Mike will get both, for hassle-free travel too.

Also did I read somewhere that validity will become 3 years? The 1968 IDP will cover the whole of the base UK licence, I think. So, again IMO, more of an admin matter to check off. (For us)

I do see problems with the occasional traveller who hasnt checked the IDP regs, though.

Jon

Re: IDP post hard Brexit?
 

Re: IDP post hard Brexit?
 

The only ones you can get at the moment are 1926 (some South American countries) and 1949 version - which is OK for Spain and Malta but not 1968 Vienna protocol which include Portugal and France. The 1968 protocol IDP will be available in UK Post Offices from 1st Feb 2019. Unfortunately Spain has not yet ratified the 1968 protocol so if you want to be legal in Spain and Portugal and/or France you will need both.. You will no longer be able to get IDP from AA or RAC after 31st Jan.
All in the event of a no-deal Brexit of course.

Re: IDP post hard Brexit?
 

Re: IDP post hard Brexit?
 

Unless you're getting it by post from the AA before 31st Jan, then you will able only be able to get it over 2000 Post Offices for £5.50 after 1st Feb. Post Office don't have an online service so no idea how a non-UK resident gets one if they are still driving on a UK Drivers Licence??

Re: IDP post hard Brexit?
 

Re: IDP post hard Brexit?
 

Although the application form you have shown is 1926 and 1949 and NOT for 1968 (which is what I said in my previous post)
If you look on the back of the paper application form it gives a list of the countries for each of the 1926 and 1949 protocols and indeed Portugal is on the '49 BUT
If you look at the UN (Vienna) protocol on Transport and Travel it lists Portugal as having ratified the 1968 protocol and that this supersedes the 1949 protocol.

I'm not sure how the AA have been getting away with not actually issuing the latest IDP for so long but maybe most travelers went to the EU and didn't need one (or maybe nobody actually noticed and nobody actually asked to see one, which is probably more likely!).

Re: IDP post hard Brexit?
 

Because the UK only ratified the 1968 protocol in March as part of its No Deal Brexit planning.

Re: IDP post hard Brexit?
 

Morning All
This may be obvious but anyone intending to apply for the new IDP from the post office ASAP check on the branch finder to find your nearest office .You may well find the closest branch is miles away ,mine certainly is

Chris

Re: IDP post hard Brexit?
 

Surely it's when the foreign country ratifies the convention because that's where it will be used. (according to the UN, which says that ratification supercedes the 49)
In any case it was part of the UN Vienna treaty which was ratified a lot earlier than March 2019!

I can understand that they have set up the Post Office to be able to issue 1968 IDP in time for Brexit otherwise we might have realised that those of us who needed 68 IDPs in the past were being flogged useless (if challenged) IDPs.

Up until now The Post Office could not issue IDPs except as an agent of the AA which is/was the authorised issuer. Interesting factoid! I wonder if the AA have lost their monopoly franchise?

Re: IDP post hard Brexit?
 

After 1st Feb most main POs will have them. Up until then there are only 90 branches. And it's not until then the The Post Office can issue the 1968 version (which might be need for Portugal). From 1st Feb you get a choice of 3 different IDPs: 1949; 1926; 1968 conventions each will probably cost £5.50 but may have different duration - the final details were not available at the PO I visited although it was obvious that the staff had been briefed.
Theoretically you will need 1968 for Portugal and 1949 for Spain in the event of a hard Brexit.

PS: For those of you who think I've become a bit of a knowall having been an ignoramus when I OP'd. As I didn't get a definitive answer I resorted to doing some serious research (by Google!,,) and legwork.
And I hope that my responses may have been of use to someone.

Re: IDP post hard Brexit?
 

Re: IDP post hard Brexit?
 

:goodpost: Mike :goodpost: Martin

Its only through discussion like this that we can get to the bottom of this. Its clearly not easy!!!

Thanks Mike for opening the discussion

Now UK license holders can plan, and it might be that its a few quid '''insurance" to give peace of mind for the "new adopters" adapting to the (possible) change in the driving rules vs horrible trouble abroad.

Reading this I continue to feel concerned for the occasional traveller, who hasnt read this thread or done a similar detailed investigation/discussion.

Hopefully before high season the message will have gotten out.

Jon

PS I have no idea what UK expats abroad need to do to actually get the IDP(s) if they still have a UK DL.

Re: IDP post hard Brexit?
 

Hi Jon, the Spanish citizens advice bureau advise that British expats living here exchange their driving licence for a Spanish one prior to March 29th. If they dont then the procedure is more than likely to be they will have to complete a Spanish driving test.
There are quite a few publications by the Spanish citizens advice bureau, and then there is loads of info on H.M.Govt site as well.
Here's one link re driving licence:
https://www.citizensadvice.org.es/br...iving-licence/
As I understand it, one has to apply for residency in Spain if you have lived here for 6 months, but one cannot apply to exchange the driving licence until you have lived here two years. I could be wrong on that but Im sure I read it somewhere in the reams of info that is on the internet.
Im currently going through the process of changing my driving licences to Spanish ones so if anyone needs any advice or help, please message me. There are conflicting requirements, eg. some places say you need a medical, some say you dont. But the medical is nothing to worry about, costs about 40 euros each and is a simple eyesight test and a stethoscope inspection and a few questions, one of which amazingly was - "do you snore"!! Then some particular sized photographs are needed similar to passport photos, all your documents as listed on the Trafico site and up to Huelva for the actual exchange. [Thats my next stage]
Not a hard process and Id rather that than do a Spanish driving test!

Re: IDP post hard Brexit?
 

Hi
Re; the Spanish driving test,
I am told it is an automatic failure if you use your indicators.
Fiberite

Re: IDP post hard Brexit?
 

Thanks Neil

Gosh that is difficult (if I understand it - I may well have it wrong) . Subject to: IF there is a no-deal Brexit

1 Expats who meet the residency criteria before March 29 need to get their skates on! (like you are doing) - or get an IDP. I completely understand why you don't want to sit a Spanish driving test!

2: Those 'expats' that don't - need to get the IDPs. Which they need to pick up if they are going to the UK before 29/3. I haven't seen any info on getting the IDP outside of the UK ( AA, PO's etc) Likewise for visitors (non-expat Spanish)

3. Those 'expats' that have passed the residency requirements but for various reasons, don't want residency (some not to be discussed on a public forum!) need to go to step 2.

Bottom line (I think) is IF there is a no-deal Brexit, effectively all UK DL holders (who don't want to - or cant get a Spanish licence) will somehow need to get their hands on the IDPs (plural) before 30/3.

Simple - yes ? :sarcasm:

Jon

Re: IDP post hard Brexit?
 

;)

Re: IDP post hard Brexit?
 

You are allowed to use them so long as it is in no conventionally recognised way or they transmit useful information to any other road user.

Re: IDP post hard Brexit?
 

Re: IDP post hard Brexit?
 

Drivers must also be able to demonstrate thier skill at , double parking, parking on rounabouts and crossings and when negotiating a roundabout use only the right hand lane irrespective of where they exit ( no use of indicators of course)

Re: IDP post hard Brexit?
 

Conversely, does anyone know whether with a Spanish Licence we will be able to drive in UK after Brexit. I assume it is possible to acquire an IDP in Spain, but have no idea how.

Re: IDP post hard Brexit?
 

Re: IDP post hard Brexit?
 

Yes, you will be able to drive in the UK with a Spanish licence, even after a no deal Brexit. This is what the UK Government official guidance note says on the topic:
"From 29 March 2019, in the event that there is no EU Exit deal, arrangements for EU licence holders who are visiting or living in the UK will not change.
Visitors with EU driving licences will not need an IDP to drive in the UK."
(Source: Guidance note "Prepare to drive in the EU after Brexit" published 25 Oct 2018, revised today, 1 Feb 2019).

Re: IDP post hard Brexit?
 

I should add that you are required by Spanish law to change your UK licence to a Spanish Licence once you have been resident for 2 years.

As I went to the DGT (Director General of Traffic) in Huelva yesterday to start the process I thought it might be useful to others to know the process so here's an up-to-date step by step guide for anyone based around Ayamonte. (For those who speak and read Spanish here's their key page online: https://sede.dgt.gob.es/es/tramites-...-europea.shtml)

1) You need a Fit to Drive - medical certificate - which you get from the Specialist Doctor opposite the Zoo entrance in Ayamonte. No appointment required. Costs €40 Opening Times available on Google Maps but mostly 10 - 11:30am
RECONOCIMIENTOS MÉDICOS
Av. Ramón y Cajal, 9, 21400 Ayamonte, Huelva
676 47 62 41
https://g.co/kgs/ugQBBw

2) All the data / forms listed here (in English version) -https://sede.dgt.gob.es/Galerias/tra...ega_Ingles.pdf
3) The Photograph must be on photographic paper - not printed on paper from your photos like I did but you don't need it for your first appointment at the DGT.
4) The completed Form here: https://sede.dgt.gob.es/Galerias/tra.../Mod.03-ES.pdf
You can complete it online then "save as" a PDF and print it out.
5) Make an appointment to attend the DGT in Huelva and take all the documents required plus your photo and Medical Certificate. (I was lucky and the Administrator at the Doctor's Surgery made my appointment online for me on the day and time of my choosing. She speaks good English. You can do it online too at https://sedeapl.dgt.gob.es/WEB_NCIT_...itarCita.faces if you speak Spanish and / or can cope with the IT bit and google translate.)

At the appointment your documents will be checked and you will be given a dated receipt.

The next stage I have not reached yet but the lady at DGT explained to me what would happen next.

a) You then wait until the DGT contact you - they are checking with DVLA in the meantime that your Licence is valid and current, etc. - by email or phone to say you can return for the licence. This will be about a month - more or less. (Please note that the system that DVLA have of providing the info online that you can use to share your Licence data with third parties is not sufficient for their purposes so don't waste the paper.)

b) Make an appointment for your return - same link as above - and then return for the Licence with your UK driving licence and your photograph. This SHOULD all be explained in the email they send you.

c) Go to the appointment - don't know what happens then but you will either get you new Licence or a piece of paper to say you can drive while you wait for the new Licence to arrive in the post.

It was all quite painless and everyone was very nice and very helpful. It helped that I am TRYING to speak Spanish but as it is very slow for me still, inevitably I resorted to google translate app and they were all fine with that too once I mad the initial effort.

Hope this helps.

Re: IDP post hard Brexit?
 

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/british...dc59eec209.jpg
How easy was that
Takes 5 mins , no forms ,only need driving licence , passport photo & money the post office do the rest

Re: IDP post hard Brexit?
 

:thumbup:

Very nice. My current 1949 IDP is about to expire so I’ll furnish myself with a nice new set like yours. Good to have confirmation that the 1968 IDP is valid for three years.

Re: IDP post hard Brexit?
 

:goodpost::goodpost:

Re: IDP post hard Brexit?
 

Update on exchange of UK Licence to Spanish Licence
My initial post indicated that it would take about a month for the DVLA check for my Licence. Well, that took less than a week (maybe the DVLA are prioritising requests until 29th March) and I received an email from the DGT yesterday and am returning next Friday for the next stage. Will keep you updated on development for anyone interested in the process and timeline.
Elizabeth

Re: IDP post hard Brexit?
 

PS. I noticed in an earlier post by neil77 that he said, "As I understand it, one has to apply for residency in Spain if you have lived here for 6 months, but one cannot apply to exchange the driving licence until you have lived here two years. I could be wrong on that but Im sure I read it somewhere in the reams of info that is on the internet."

The bold underlined section is incorrect, you can apply to exchange your driving licence at anytime. You don't have to have lived here for 2 years. (neil77 did say he could be wrong so no criticism intended - just a clarification.)
Hope this helps.
Elizabeth

Re: IDP post hard Brexit?
 

Slight snag. Went to PO for IDPs. OH, no problems, issued in 5 mins. However, they will only issue the IDP if your DL is valid. Unfortunately mine is due for renewal shortly so they would only give me 2 months!!.
However, one can renew the DL up to 90 days in advance. So I should be able to get my IDP in time for our Easter trip. If we don't have a hard B then I can save £5.50😁

Re: IDP post hard Brexit?
 

Torrevieja TranslatorsLike Page
· We are noticing more and more people who have laminated Residencia cards. Please do not do this, share and warn all your friends also not to do this. It makes your card invalid and so for example as we are doing Driving Licence Exchanges at the DGT (Tráfico) they are rejecting the application due to Laminated Residencia as manipulating official documents in any way, including lamination, makes the document invalid to all authorities and you can find yourself having to re-apply for residencia in order to get a duplicate document. When you're in your bank, ask them if you can get a plastic wallet for your bank card and use this to store your credit card sized Residencia card.

As you can see in this picture, this Residencia card has been completely enclosed in a layer of plastic from which the original paper cannot be removed for verification.

The original document usually has a very thin layer of laminate on the back as standard, so do not worry if yours has this. So long as the front and back has not been changed from the way it was issued to you, you have a valid document.


Found this on the N332 site - so if you have laminated your residenci, look out

Re: IDP post hard Brexit?
 

Ohmigosh ... What a uturn on hard Bredit... I cant believe he has changed his tune... Note even though this is the Express... He is quoted in this article

Jon
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.exp...free-trade/amp

Re: IDP post hard Brexit?
 

Not really a U - turn more a possible cross roads. Maybe a new world order after tremendous upheaval and damage to the UK or (more likely given Trump policies) a return to protectionism, nationalism and trade barriers. Neither of which roads looks appealing.🤔🙂

Re: IDP post hard Brexit?
 

Its interesting how the news is reported in different papers depending on which side they are on.... And likewise how we read it ! I see positive indications here.... But IMO Carney has already lost credibility in his past comments... So I take it with a pinch of salt.

I've never been a conspiracy theorist but with all our internet privacy gone I wonder if this whole thing has been an exercise of mass manipulating the population.... On both sides. ... By 'evil powers' :). I see a big guy smiling and stroking his white cat :getcoat:

Who/what can we believe??? ... And no wonder the country is divided and in confusion!

Well both of us have picked our 'side' ..

We have already been forced to.... ' enter the twilight zone' :amen:
:)
Jon

Re: IDP post hard Brexit?
 

His name is Paul Dacre and his paymaster Viscount Rothermere.