Is Paper Licence Okay On Continent?

[Rev. Green]

I've mislaid my plastic driving licence. Can I legally drive in continental Europe with just the paper licence?

[THEMOTLEY1]

Sure I heard somewhere that the Paper Licence is no longer valid

[THEMOTLEY1]

Yes, thought so
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/driving-licence-changes

[ummmm]

Paper license is still valid.

I thought that as soon as you applied for a card version that made your paper version invalid.

[ummmm]

**If you have a paper driving licence
Paper driving licences issued before 1998 are still valid. Do not destroy your licence.

When you update your name or address, or renew your licence, you’ll only get a photocard licence.**

[THEMOTLEY1]

Depends if the OPer means a Paper Licence OR the Paper Counterpart of the Photocard Licence

[New Judge]

If the reverend had a plastic card type driving licence the paper counterpart is no longer valid. He needs a new plastic one to be sure of being able to drive abroad (and, for that matter, in the UK). He also needs to get a code from the DVLA if he intends to hire a car so that the hire company can check his driving record.

[ToraToraTora]

do you mean the paper licence that preceeded the plastic one? or are you talking about the paper counterpart? if the former, technically it's invalid as superseded by the plastic one, though I doubt anyone would know that. If the latter, those are not a licence are invalid anyway now.

[Rev. Green]

Many thanks to everyone. I've only the paper counterpart, so I shall have to keep looking for the plastic.

[stocksman]

Just apply for a replacement licence.

[Fibonacci]

Cost of replacement licence £20
https://www.gov.uk/driving-licence-fees

[Pigletion]

Also, depending on the European country, there are certain things you have to have in the car (not the boot), like breathalysers, hi-vis jackets etc.

AA has a list http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/overseas/countrybycountry.html