DRIVING LICENCE AND INSURANCE

​Are you planning a vacation to another EU country in your car?
So before you go, pay attention to this article. Let's read!
When you travel by car in another EU country, make sure your driving licence and car insurance are valid in the countries you will be visiting.

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DRIVING LICENCE RECOGNITION AND VALIDITY
EU DRIVING LICENCES
If your licence was issued in an EU country, you could use it anywhere in the EU.
Before you travel abroad, make sure your driving licence is still valid. If your driving licence expires during a trip abroad, it automatically becomes invalid and may not be recognised in other countries.
Be aware that you cannot drive in another country on a provisional driving licence or certificate.
Standard format
Since 2013, all driving licences issued in the EU have a standard format – a plastic, credit card-sized photocard with better security features.
You can still use your old-style licence, but it will be changed to the new format when you renew it (or by 2033).
The following driving licence categories are recognised throughout Europe: AM, A1, A2, A, B, BE, B1, C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E, D and DE.

EU DRIVING LICENCES ISSUED IN EXCHANGE FOR A NON EU LICENCE

If you have exchanged your non‑EU licence for an EU licence in the country where you now live, you can drive with it throughout the EU.

Non-EU driving licences

If you want to drive in the EU by licence issued in a country outside the EU, you should contact the authorities of the country you are visiting or your embassy or consulate in that country.

LOST OR STOLEN DRIVING LICENCE

If your driving licence is lost or stolen while travelling abroad, contact the local police and your consulate or embassy to report the matter.
Your consulate will contact the national authorities that issued your driving licence (check it was not restricted, suspended, cancelled or revoked).
Based on the information received from the consulate, the police may issue a provisional document that allows you to drive in that country for a limited time.
You can only apply for a replacement driving licence in the country where you have your usual residence.
Provisional licences and certificates issued to replace lost or stolen claims are not automatically recognised in other EU countries.

CAR INSURANCE VALIDITY
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Your car insurance policy in your home country covers you throughout the EU.
Check with your insurer before you travel. Your car's number plate is proof that you have liability insurance. This means that police in another country will not usually stop you from checking if you are insured. If you travel with a trailer, it needs to be insured too. In some EU countries, you must have separate insurance for a trailer.
Always take your insurance papers with you. It may make things easier if you have an accident or are stopped by the police.

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