It’s official. The UK is no longer a member of the European Union. So what does that mean to your driving holidays in mainland Europe? There is lots of confusing information being circulated online and in printed media, and by organisations who want to sell you paraphernalia for driving (no conflict of interests there). Much of the confusion is because driving organisations and others were referring to the old "No Deal Brexit" guidance rather than waiting for the updated information. The government website has now been updated: https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad

So here are the facts.

Nothing's changed.

Yes, you got it. Nothing. Rien. Zéro.

Until the end of December 2020, when the transition period ends, you can carry on exactly as before. You don't need any new permits, insurances, stickers for your car (unless you don’t have GB on your number plate of course). So let this be the year you drive across to the continent before the status quo changes.

What happens at the end of December 2020? Who knows! It depends entirely on what the government negotiates with the EU. The potential is that to drive in France from January 2021 you may need:

• a green card from your insurance company

• an international driving permit (1968 version for France currently costing £5.50 from the Post Office - sorry but you'll need a new mug shot for it)

• GB sticker on your car

BUT this all depends on negotiations, and no one can say for certain what the arrangements will be. As soon as we know what's happening in 2021 we'll post the information. Until then, just keep driving!