Do UK Drivers Need an International Driving Permit for Tenerife?
Planning to hire a car in Tenerife? If you have a UK photocard driving licence you do NOT legally need an IDP for a holiday in Tenerife for up to 6 months in 2026.
But - if you have an old paper licence, or you are staying longer than 6 months, you DO need a 1968 IDP. And many car hire suppliers at Tenerife South (TFS) and Tenerife North (TFN) still ask to see an IDP at the desk, so we recommend getting one for £5.50 to avoid problems.
At VPS Rental Cars we compare 800+ suppliers at TFS and TFN to find you cheap Tenerife car hire from £16/day.
Which IDP Do You Need for Tenerife?
You need a 1968 IDP for Tenerife and mainland Spain. Don't get the 1949 or 1926 version - they are not valid in Spain. The 1968 IDP is valid for 3 years or until your UK licence expires, whichever is sooner.
Do I Need an IDP with a UK Photocard Licence in Tenerife?
- UK photocard licence, holiday under 6 months: No IDP legally required, but recommended for hire car pick-up
- UK old paper licence: Yes, you need a 1968 IDP with it
- Staying over 6 months / resident: Yes, you need a 1968 IDP or exchange your licence for a Spanish one
What Happens If You Drive in Tenerife Without an IDP When You Need One?
- Your car hire supplier can refuse to give you the car - no refund
- Your insurance can be invalid
- You can be fined by Guardia Civil if stopped
- You will have problems if you have an accident
How to Get an IDP for Tenerife in the UK
It's easy and takes 5 minutes at any Post Office: Take your UK photocard driving licence, one passport-sized photo, £5.50 fee, ask for a 1968 IDP for Spain / Tenerife. No test needed. Get it BEFORE you fly - you cannot get a UK IDP in Tenerife.
Driving in Tenerife - What UK Drivers Must Know
Tenerife drives on the right side of the road - opposite to the UK. Speed limits: 50km/h in towns, 90km/h on rural roads, 120km/h on TF-1 and TF-5 motorways. Drink drive limit: 0.5g/l. Parking: Blue zone = pay and display, white zone = free. Teide National Park: No snow chains needed in summer, but check TF-21 in winter.
Do I Need an IDP with VPS Rental Cars in Tenerife?
If you have a UK photocard licence for a normal 1-2 week holiday, our Tenerife suppliers - Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Cicar, TopCar and local suppliers - will usually accept your UK licence alone.
Book your cheap car hire Tenerife with VPS Rental Cars and you will see the exact licence requirement listed on your voucher so there are no surprises at the desk.
FAQ
Is my UK photocard licence enough for Tenerife? Yes for a holiday under 6 months, but take a 1968 IDP as backup for the hire desk - it's only £5.50.
Can I drive in Tenerife on a digital IDP? No. Spain requires the original paper IDP booklet, not a digital copy.
Do I need an IDP for La Gomera, La Palma, Gran Canaria too? Same rule - 1968 IDP if you need one for Tenerife, it covers all Canary Islands and all of Spain.
Ready to go? Compare cheap car hire Tenerife at TFS and TFN from £16/day with VPS Rental Cars.
