Driving licenses allowed in the Schengen Area

Thanks to the removal of internal borders within the Schengen Area, you can now freely travel across Europe from Seville to Helsinki or from Brest to Athens by car, van, motorcycle… And why not stay for a while or settle in one of the visited countries?
You will simply need to check before starting your European road trip if your driver's license allows you to drive everywhere or if you need to complete some formalities to stay compliant. This article is here to answer all your questions about legally driving on the European roads.

• What driver's licenses are valid for driving in the European Union?
• What conditions apply to driving in Europe with a license issued by an EU country?
• What conditions apply to driving in Europe with a license issued by a third country?
• Do I need to translate my license to drive in certain European countries?
• Is an international driving permit required for the United Kingdom?
• Is an international driving permit required for Switzerland?
• How to recognize or exchange a foreign license in Europe?
• How to obtain a driving license in an EU country?
• Can I rent a car in Europe with a non-European driver's license?
• What documents should be presented during a traffic check in Europe?
• What upcoming changes are there regarding the European driving license?

Which licenses are accepted for driving in the European Union?

There is no complete harmonization of legislation concerning driving licenses among European countries. Some rules are common, while others are specific to each country.

Moreover, the rules generally vary based on two criteria:

• The type of license you possess (issued or not by an EU country).

• The nature of your presence in the country (short stay or residence).

Note : it is essential to verify the legislation in force in each European country where you plan to drive.

What conditions apply to driving in Europe with a license issued by an EU country?

You can drive in all EU countries and the European Economic Area with a license issued by one of these states, in principle without a time limit, provided the following conditions are met:

• Your license must be valid according to local legislation.
• You must be at least the minimum age to drive a vehicle corresponding to your license category.
• You must drive vehicles corresponding to the category(ies) of your license.
• You must not have been sanctioned by restrictions, suspension, or cancellation of your license in its country of issuance.
• You must respect medical prescriptions indicated on your license (e.g., wearing glasses).

Attention!

• If your European driver's license was obtained in exchange for a license issued by a non-European country, the latter must be recognized through a reciprocity agreement between the third country and the European country where you intend to drive.
Since these agreements vary from country to country, we recommend checking directly with the authorities of the European state where you plan to drive.
If you plan to drive on French roads, you can consult the list of recognized licenses in France.

• Some countries require, if you settle there permanently, that you exchange your original driver's license for a local one.

Did you know?

Although legislation varies from one European country to another, the driver's license document has been harmonized at the European level since 2013. It takes the form of a credit card, includes an electronic chip, and presents uniform information across all countries. This license is gradually being deployed and will replace older paper licenses (which must be exchanged) by 2033.

What conditions apply to driving in Europe with a license issued by a third country?

You are allowed to drive with your license issued by a third country (neither an EU nor Schengen member) in all EU countries and Schengen zone, provided these conditions are met:

• Your license must be valid.
• It must be accompanied by an official translation or an international driving permit.
• Your stay in the country must not exceed 185 days.
• You must be at least the minimum age to drive vehicles of the category(ies) for which you hold a license and only drive vehicles within those categories.

Good to know:

• Foreign students with a valid residence permit ("student" visa) can drive with their original country license for the entire duration of their studies.

• The international driving permit (IDP) is simply a standardized translation of a national license. It has no value on its own and must always be presented along with the original license to be recognized.

• If you exceed a stay of 185 days per year or settle in the country, you will need to either request the exchange of your original license or pass the exams to obtain a local driving license (see below).

Do You Need to Translate Your License to Drive in Certain European Countries?

EU, EEA, UK, or Swiss Driver’s Licenses

If you hold a driver’s license issued by one of these countries, you can freely travel within these territories without needing to translate it.

Licenses from Other Countries

For licenses issued by other countries, it is important to check the rules in the country where you wish to drive. In some cases, an international driver’s permit or an official translation may be required.

Do I Need an International Driving Permit for the United Kingdom?

Licenses issued by an EU country

Although the UK left the European Union following Brexit (which came into effect on January 31, 2020), it continues to recognize driver’s licenses issued by EU member countries.
Therefore, you can travel on UK roads without an international permit or an English translation of your license.

Licenses issued by non-EU countries

The UK government offers an online tool to check if, and under what conditions, you can drive in Great Britain with a license issued by a non-EU country.
In any case, driving with a foreign license (outside the EU) is permitted only for 12 months. After this period, a UK license is mandatory.

Do I Need an International Driver’s Permit for Switzerland?

To drive in Switzerland (for stays shorter than 12 months), you must possess one of the following documents:

• A driver’s license written in French, German, Italian, or English.

• An official translation of your national driver’s license in one of these 4 languages.

• An international driver’s permit.

For a stay longer than 12 months in Switzerland, you must obtain a Swiss driver’s license to drive in the country.

How to Exchange or Recognize a Foreign Driver’s License in Europe?

If there is a recognition agreement between the issuing country and the country where you want to get a driver’s license, you must request an exchange of your license according to local procedures (otherwise, you will need to retake the driving test in that country).

You will be asked to:

• Provide a number of documents: original driver’s license, proof of identity, address, residence in the country, photograph, medical certificate, etc.
• In some cases, a medical examination may also be required.

Good to know!

• To learn about the procedures for exchanging your license according to your country of residence, visit the European Union website, which details the rules for each country.
• You can also contact the embassy or consulate of your country in the European country where you wish to drive.
• France provides an online simulator to check if your license can be exchanged for a French one.

How to Obtain a Driver’s License in an EU Country?

If you do not have a driver’s license or if your license is not recognized in the country where you want to drive.
In this case, the conditions to obtain a European driver’s license are as follows:

• Reside “habitually” (more than 185 days/year) in the country where you want to obtain your license.
• Be of minimum age required for the vehicle category you wish to obtain.
• Meet the medical requirements (sometimes a medical examination is required).
• Pass the local driving test (theoretical and practical exams).

To remember!
If you obtain it, your driver’s license will have a validity period of 10 or 15 years depending on the country.
Since 2013, the European Union has mandated that driver’s licenses have a limited validity period: lifetime licenses no longer exist!

Can You Rent a Car in a European Country with a Non-European Driver’s License?

There is no harmonized European legislation regarding the requirements related to driving licenses for renting a vehicle. Each rental company sets its own conditions, as specified in its General Rental Conditions.

1 - In practice:

• Minimum age required varies by agency, generally between 18 and 21 years old.
• A minimum license holding period is often required, usually at least one year.
• In principle, rental companies align with the legislation of the country where they operate: if your license is valid there, you can generally rent a car in that country.

2 - Special cases to anticipate

• Long-term stay: If you stay more than 185 days in the country where you rent a vehicle, the applicable rules are the same as if you were driving your own car there.

• Crossing borders: If you plan to drive in countries other than where you rented the vehicle, check that your license is recognized there and inform the rental company in advance.

What Documents Must Be Presented During a Road Check in Europe?

When driving a vehicle in Europe, you must be able to present, in case of traffic control:

• A piece of identification (the driver’s license is not recognized as an ID document).
• The recognized driver’s license (see above) corresponding to the vehicle category you are driving.
• The vehicle registration certificate.
• Proof of insurance for the vehicle.
• An accident report form in your language (and/or in English) and the language of the visited country.

What Upcoming Changes Are There Regarding the European Driver’s License (Digitalization, Reform)?

In March 2025, EU countries agreed on new measures to harmonize driver’s licenses across Europe, including:

• New requirements: Raising awareness about distractions while driving, safety of other users (pedestrians, cyclists), driving in difficult conditions, and automated driving aids.
• Development of accompanied driving, especially for professional licenses.
• Implementation of a digital license accessible via smartphone.
• Provisional period of 2 years for new drivers, with stricter rules and penalties.
• Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Reduction of the minimum age for obtaining a heavy vehicle license (from 21 to 18 years) and public transport licenses (from 24 to 21 years), subject to obtaining a professional qualification.
• Validity of licenses: 15 years for car and motorcycle licenses, and 5 years for heavy vehicle and public transport licenses.
• Mandatory medical check before issuing the license, via medical examination or self-assessment.
• When? These measures will be implemented within four years following their approval by the European Council and Parliament.

Don’t hit the road in Europe without us!

To drive confidently during your Eurotrip, make sure you are compliant not only with your driver’s license but also with Schengen visa formalities and mandatory travel insurance.
The good news? AXA Schengen insurances fully meet the criteria required by the EU to obtain your visa and protect your stay! So, are you ready to hit the road?

Articles You Might Also Like:

• Safety Tips for Traveling in Europe
• Requirements and Procedures to Obtain a Schengen Visa
• Understanding Europe from A to Z

FAQ

• Is my French driver’s license valid throughout Europe?

Yes. You can drive with a valid French license in all European countries and for short tourist stays in Switzerland, the UK, Andorra, Monaco, and San Marino.

• Can I drive in Europe with a provisional license?

No, a provisional license such as the exam certificate provided while waiting for the permanent license or a receipt of theft declaration issued in your home country does not allow you to drive in another EU country.
However, if you have lost or had your license stolen in a country other than your own, and you've reported it to the authorities, you can drive with the loss or theft declaration receipt.

• Is an international driver’s permit mandatory for foreign drivers (outside EU countries)?

No, not necessarily. You can travel with your home country license as long as you can present it along with an official translation (or with an international driver’s permit).