Hold an IDP to be on the safe side
If you have the time, we always recommend to purchase an IDP, even if the information on our website says with confidence that you won't need one.
While renting a car in England, Australian drivers are uncertain whether their license will be accepted. We will clear the uncertainty in this article.
To determine with confidence whether you need an IDP or not, we check multiple data sources. Please review the following legal terms of: the Australian laws, the local laws in England, the rental company requirements and real life reports we collected from other Australian travelers in England.
The laws in England say the following:
You can drive any type of small vehicle (for example cars or motorcycles) listed on your full and valid licence for 12 months from when you last entered Great Britain (GB)
Source: Gov.uk
It means that:
You can drive any small vehicle (up to 9 passengers) in England with the Australian Driving License for up to 12 months since you entered GB. The International Driving Permit is not mentioned at all.
Different rental agencies might still require an IDP even while the local laws do not require it. Please find your appropriate local supplier in the list above to verify.
We don't have any real life reports by Australian travelers in England.
If you've been there and was pulled over by the local officials, please share your experience with us and we will publish it to help others.
Facts check reviewed on 16 September 2024 at 1:51 pm by international-drivers.org researchers team.
Have you found a mistake or rented a car and can report with an up-to-date status?
Please help us helping other travelers with recent actual requirements of your rental agency or after being pulled over by the local police.
If you have the time, we always recommend to purchase an IDP, even if the information on our website says with confidence that you won't need one.