Iran on a UK Licence 2026: A 1968 IDP Is Required to Drive
United Kingdom
Iran
Yes, with a 1968 international driving permit, which GOV.UK says you must have with a UK licence in Iran. Buy it in the UK. Alcohol is illegal in Iran, traffic keeps right, and the police number is 110, not 999.
The 1968 permit is mandatory in Iran with a UK licence, and it can only be bought in the UK. Pack it before you fly.
Iran rewards a self-drive traveller with desert highways, mountain passes and historic cities. It also asks more of a British driver than most destinations. The permit is mandatory, the side of the road changes, and alcohol is banned outright.
What GOV.UK says about the permit
The wording from the Foreign Office is direct: “You must have a 1968 international driving permit (IDP) when using a UK driving licence to drive in Iran.” That is a requirement, not a suggestion. GOV.UK adds that you cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so the 1968 version has to be in your bag before you fly. Carry it with your photocard licence and passport. Check also that your travel and breakdown cover applies to driving in Iran, because a standard UK policy may not.
Before you rely on this page
Read the whole GOV.UK foreign travel advice for Iran, including its travel warning level, before booking anything. This page covers driving rules only; it does not tell you whether the country is safe to visit. For the road side, GOV.UK’s advice is the primary source we use here.
Switching from left to right
The UK drives on the left, while Iran drives on the right. Tehran makes the switch harder, with heavy, assertive traffic and loose lane discipline. Spend your first hour somewhere calm before driving in a city. Roundabouts, turning across traffic and pulling out of side streets are the points where British drivers slip back to the left.
UK and Iran side by side
| United Kingdom | Iran | |
|---|---|---|
| Side of the road | left | right |
| Alcohol | 0.08 limit | illegal |
| Emergency number | 999 | 110 police, 115 ambulance, 125 fire |
| Licence | valid for a visit | UK licence plus 1968 IDP |
Iran’s record lists a fire extinguisher, first-aid kit and warning triangle as required equipment. UK law only recommends them, so a hire car should be checked at pickup.
Alcohol means none
GOV.UK says it is illegal to import, sell, manufacture or drink alcohol in Iran, so drink-driving is not a question of limits. Exceptions apply only to certain recognised religious minorities. The practical consequence for a British driver is simple: nothing at all, on the road or off it.
Accidents and roadblocks
GOV.UK warns that Iran has a high rate of road accidents. Take great care when travelling by car or public transport and when crossing streets. If you are involved in an accident, no matter how minor, do not leave the scene. Wait until the police arrive to write their report. Iranian authorities sometimes set up informal roadblocks both in cities and on main highways, often staffed by young and inexperienced officers. Always carry identification and avoid getting into disputes.
Motorbikes and taxis
GOV.UK notes that it is not widely accepted for women to drive motorbikes on public roads and there is a risk of being arrested. It also says motorcycle taxis should not be used, because they have sometimes taken tourists to quiet locations and robbed them. Pre-booked taxis are safer than taxis hailed from the street, which makes them a sensible choice for the nights when you do not want to drive. Ask your hotel to book the car, and keep the journey details with someone who knows your plans. On long intercity legs, agree the route and the price before you set off.
Emergency numbers
Police 110, ambulance 115, fire 125. None of these is 999, so save them on your phone before you land.
Checklist before you fly
- 1968 IDP bought in the UK
- Licence, passport and ID on you at all times
- Insurance that covers Iran
- Emergency numbers saved
- First drive planned for a quiet area, not central Tehran
Check your paperwork with the Driving Permit Checker, read the Iran driving guide, and plan with the Speed Limit Map.
Sources
- GOV.UK foreign travel advice, Iran, safety and security (1968 IDP, alcohol ban, accidents, roadblocks, motorbikes, taxis): https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/iran/safety-and-security
- GOV.UK foreign travel advice, Iran, getting help (emergency numbers): https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/iran/getting-help
Speed limits, fines, equipment & license requirements
Your home country driving rules for reference
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, as a visitor, but GOV.UK says you must have a 1968 international driving permit when using a UK licence in Iran. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get it before you travel.
On the right. Coming from the UK, this is the main mechanical adjustment, and Tehran's dense traffic makes it harder, so take your first drive somewhere quiet.
No. GOV.UK says it is illegal to import, sell, make or drink alcohol in Iran, with exceptions only for certain recognised religious minorities. Keep alcohol out of the trip altogether.
Do not leave the scene, however minor the accident. GOV.UK says to wait until the police arrive and write their report. Call 110 for police or 115 for an ambulance.