appman999

Does anybody have any information whether the UK paper driving licence is still acceptable for driving in Spain (as a non resident) without a IDP.

.gov.uk says an IDP may be required but check with Embassy (very useful).

I have looked on www.dgt.es but with no success.

spainrico

Thought they had gone the way of the dodo.

No idea who this guy is but he says you need an IDP

https://www.petebarden.co.uk/news/ar...20(see%20below).

appman999

Thanks, still about but extinct when you get to 70.

I saw that page but he says 'likely' to need and was looking for an official notice if possible.

Fred James

I cannot believe that there are still people driving with a paper licence.

missile

Why take the chance?

bobd22

The UK paper driving licence is as far as I am aware still a valid UK driving licence. It has been some time since they introduced photo card licences, however unless someone has needed to exchange paper licence for photo licence they are not by law required to but can if they wish. I would guess main reason for changing will be a change of address when they would be issued the photo licence or reaching age 70. Main advantage of paper licence is unlike the photo licence it's valid until age 70 photo licence needs updating every 10 years. Driving abroad with old paper licence could be an issue but it is a legal licence in the country of issue so I suppose it will depend on agreements between UK and other country. This link is UK government link and all it says is the same as the previous link and that is some EU countries May require an international drivers permit if you only have a paper licence. It doesn't as far as I can see define which of the EU countries have that requirement.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/driving-...riving-permits

bobd22

If you follow the link to see if an international drivers permit is required for country you are visiting it informs you to contact the relevant embassy. It then outlines the different agreements by year for differing eu countries so that if required you can obtain the IDP. Strikes me probably far simpler to obtain a photo licence unless there is some reason not to?
https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad/in...driving-permit

Listen Very Carefully

This article from Which seems pretty up to date even though it does mention a green card
It would appear that you can get an IDP over the post office counter at the cost of £5.50 and it lists the docs required
For that cost it must be worth getting one just to save you any hassle or worry
https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/new-...E&gclsrc=aw.ds

bobd22

[QUOTE=Listen Very Carefully;13035614]This article from Which seems pretty up to date even though it does mention a green card
/QUOTE]
I was told by my Spanish insurer Liberty Seguros that I should have a green card to visit the UK as a result of Brexit. They issued me one free of charge for a trip last winter, I presume same will apply for drivers from UK visiting Spain?

appman999

Green card not required to drive in Spain from 2 Aug (Wednesday), GB sticker replaced by UK sticker (!!) from 28 Sept.

bobd22

That's progress thanks for update

bolton wanderer

I only changed my paper licence 3 years ago when I reached 60. The advantage is that they last until you're 70 and are valid while you still live at your original address.

You will probably need an IDP if using a paper licence in Europe to provide photo ID. Although, I guess you could always use your passport?

DLC

There is a table here.

While some other EU countries need an IDP if you have a paper licence, it seems Spain doesn't (if this info is right...).

Notdunroamin

I'm afraid the UK gov. web site has made too many mistakes to be trusted so for the modest cost (£5.50) it would be sensible to just get the IDP and KNOW that you are covered.

Ditto a green card.

spainrico

Updated August 2nd

Driving licences and international driving permits

You need to carry your UK driving licence with you.

You do not need an international driving permit (IDP) to visit and drive in the EU, Switzerland, Iceland or Liechtenstein.

You might need an IDP to drive in some EU countries and Norway if you have:

• a paper driving licence
• a licence that was issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man

Check if you need an IDP.

You will not need an IDP to drive when visiting Ireland if you have a UK driving licence.

You can get an IDP over the counter at the Post Office.

An IDP costs £5.50 and drivers must:

• be a resident of Great Britain or Northern Ireland
• have a full UK driving licence
• be 18 or over

Driving licence exchange

If you live and drive in an EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland, you need to exchange your driving licence for a local one.

Check the deadlines and rules for licence exchange in the country you live in.

Insurance for your vehicle, caravan or trailer

All UK vehicle insurance provides the minimum third party cover to drive in the EU (including Ireland).

You do not need to carry a green card when you drive in the EU (including Ireland), Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Serbia, or Switzerland. You still need valid vehicle insurance.

More about vehicle insurance.

Vehicle registration documents

If you’re taking your vehicle to the EU for less than 12 months, carry one of the following documents:

• your vehicle log book (V5C), if you have one
• a VE103 to show you’re allowed to use your hired or leased vehicle abroad

Trailer registration

You need to register some commercial and non-commercial trailers before towing them to or through most EU and EEA countries.

Find out more about trailer registration.

GB stickers and number plates

You do not need a GB sticker if your number plate includes the GB identifier on its own or with the Union flag (also known as the Union Jack).

You do not need to display a GB sticker to drive in Ireland.

You must display a GB sticker clearly on the rear of your vehicle if your number plate has any of the following:

• a Euro symbol
• a national flag of England, Scotland or Wales
• numbers and letters only – no flag or identifier

If you’re in Spain, Cyprus or Malta, you must display a GB sticker no matter what is on your number plate.

What to do if you’re involved in a road accident

If you’re involved in a road accident in an EU country, you should, in the first instance, contact your insurance provider.

Any legal proceedings against either the responsible driver or the insurance provider of the vehicle will need to be brought in the EU or EEA country where the accident happened. You might have to make your claim in the local language.

You will not get compensation in some countries if the accident is caused by an uninsured driver or if the driver cannot be traced.

Get legal advice if you need more information about this.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/driving-...riving-permits