Driving Permits for the EU no longer needed, numberplate law changes, new film seeks old Fords, plus Rusty Corner, Back In The Day and more.

Feared red tape banished for planned trips to EU countries in your classic Ford this summer

Good news if, like us, you’re a fan of heading outside of the UK in your classic Ford — especially on our annual Classic Ford Tours. In a welcome update, transport secretary Grant Shapps has confirmed motorists do not need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive abroad for short stays. The UK government has secured agreement with all 27 EU member states to recognise UK driving licences without an IDP.

However, a small number of drivers may still need an International Driving Permit (IDP) for trips in the EU and Norway if they still have a paper driving licence or a licence that was issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man. In these cases, the government advises to check with the embassy of the country you are visiting – an IDP costs £5.50 and can be bought over the counter at the Post Office. You will not need an IDP to drive when visiting Ireland if you have a UK driving licence.

There are still some extra things to consider, however. When it comes to driving in the EU and some other European counties, you will need an insurance green card for your vehicle, caravan or trailer. To obtain this, you’ll need to contact your insurance company at least a month before your intended European visit (the government advises on six weeks). You must carry a physical copy of your green card when driving abroad, with electronic versions not acceptable. Fortunately, you can now print green cards yourself and they no longer need to be on green paper.