Exploring Europe by car is one of the best ways to experience diverse cultures, charming towns and scenic routes at your own pace. From cruising along the Amalfi Coast in Italy to weaving through the vineyards of France or exploring remote villages in the Swiss Alps, having your own set of wheels adds an extra layer of freedom to your adventure.
But before you hit the road, it’s important to understand the rules around driving in Europe with a New Zealand licence so you can stay safe, legal and stress-free. In this blog post, we’ll answer the question: “Can I drive in Europe with a New Zealand licence?” so that you can get ahead with your Europe prep.
The short answer? Yes. In many European countries, you can drive with a New Zealand licence for a limited period (usually up to 90 days). However, that doesn’t mean you should rely on your Kiwi licence alone.
To play it safe and avoid any hiccups at the rental counter or with local authorities, you can obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) before you travel. An IDP is essentially a translation of your New Zealand licence and is recognised in over 150 countries, including across Europe.
Some countries like Italy, Austria and Spain specifically require foreign drivers to carry an IDP alongside their native licence. In others, it may not be mandatory, but it’s still highly recommended to prevent any misunderstandings or fines if you're pulled over.
where can i get an iDP in new zealand
You can apply for an International Driving Permit through the New Zealand Automobile Association (AA). You’ll need to provide a passport-sized photo and a copy of your current driver’s licence, plus a small fee during the application. Processing is usually fast and can often be done online.
Obtaining an IDP is a small investment in peace of mind — and your car hire company might even require it.
With the question of whether you can drive in Europe with a New Zealand licence out of the way, it’s time to focus on making your trip as safe and stress-free as possible. Depending on your driving experience, driving in Europe can be slightly more challenging than in New Zealand. Here are a few handy tips to help make your road trip smoother:
Hiring and driving a car in Europe also comes with the responsibility of protecting yourself financially in case something goes wrong. Most car rental companies include basic insurance like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection, but these often come with high excesses (sometimes upwards of $3,000!).
That’s why we’ve created our own car rental insurance excess policy to keep your travels hassle-free and budget-friendly.
Instead of paying a premium to the rental company to reduce your excess, you can take out a much more affordable policy with 1Cover before your trip. Our Car Rental Insurance Excess Insurance covers up to $5,000 in excess (though you can increase this to $10,000 for larger vehicles) for accidental damage, theft, single-vehicle accidents and more. That means if the worst happens — like someone scrapes your car in a narrow Lisbon laneway — you won’t be stuck with a huge bill.
From mountain passes and Mediterranean coasts to countryside B&Bs off the beaten track, there’s never a dull day in Europe. But being prepared is key.
Make sure you understand the licensing requirements, get your IDP and protect yourself with car rental insurance from 1Cover. Combine that with our comprehensive international travel insurance and you’ve got the peace of mind you need to enjoy every kilometre of your European adventure.
Ready to hit the road? Get a quote today for international travel insurance with 1Cover.
Note: Information may be subject to change.
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