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Brexit: Preparation for driving in the EU for a living
2 October 2019
Check what you need to do to stay on the road when driving for a living after Brexit
As the UK leaves the EU there will be implications for all drivers. Professional drivers should check carefully to see what documentation you need to drive in the EU and EEA and for changes to your usual ways of working.
The GOV.UK website has more information on general driving implications and alerts to help you to stay informed.
Requirements for UK bus and coach drivers
After Brexit bus and coach drivers from the UK will need extra documentation to drive in the EU and EEA.
In the event that the UK leaves the EU without a deal, UK bus and coach drivers may also need an international driving permit (IDP) to drive in the EU and EEA.
There may also be implications for:
- community licences and the Interbus Agreement
- driver CPC for bus and coach drivers
- driving licences and international driving permits
- driving licence exchange for UK nationals living in the EU
- number plates and national identifiers
- vehicle registration documents
- vehicle insurance and road traffic accidents
- EU bus and coach operations in the UK after EU Exit
Find out more about the requirements for UK bus and coach drivers.
Requirements for UK goods vehicle drivers
After Brexit lorry and truck drivers from the UK will need extra documentation to drive in the EU and EEA.
This includes registering certain trailers with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and carrying a trailer registration certificate.
In the event that the UK leaves the EU without a deal, UK lorry and truck drivers may also need an international driving permit (IDP) to drive in the EU and EEA.
There may also be implications for:
- Community licences and ECMT permits
- Driver CPC for lorry drivers
- Driving licences and international driving permits
- Driving licence exchange for UK nationals living in the EU
- Number plates and national identifiers
- Vehicle registration documents
- Vehicle insurance and road traffic accidents
Find out more about the requirements for UK goods vehicle drivers.
Trailer registration
After Brexit you must register commercial trailers over 750kg and all trailers over 3,500kg before they can travel through countries that have ratified the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic.
This means that these trailers making international journeys will need to:
- be registered with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)
- display their own registration plate (separate from the vehicle towing them)
- be able to present the Trailer Registration Certificate to a foreign authority on request
Find more details on the GOV.UK website: