If your national driving licence does not have photo identification, you will need to have an International Driving Permit. You can exchange your UK, Gibraltar, Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man driving licence without taking theory and practical tests. Yes, most UK drivers are still able to use their normal driving licence to drive in EU countries. If your UK licence is lost, stolen or expired, you will not be able to exchange it for a local licence in the country where you are living. Information in this guide is subject to change, International Driving Permit: how to get one and where you need it, Top 16 tips for driving through France in 2022, International Driving Permits and Brexit your questions answered about driving in the EU, 8 amazing UK holiday destinations for a 2021 staycation. You must be 18-years-old with a full and valid driving licence to drive in Bulgaria, though most rental companies require you to be over 21 with a minimum of one years driving experience. //]]>. Our valuable resources, expert advice, and essential facts will help you make an informed decision about your next move. We also offer comprehensive travel insurance, including cover for medical expenses, baggage, personal money and belongings. Unlike the International Drivers License, an IDP is required in some countries to legally operate a vehicle. Disabled parking bays are highlighted for blue lines on the ground and the international parking sign featuring the wheelchair display. You can only exchange your licence if it is due to expire within 6 months. The law is strict when it comes to drink-driving, with almost zero tolerance (0.05 percent blood-alcohol limit) and you could face . You should have a copy of your passport, domestic license and international driving permit. You wont get far without at least elementary Bulgarian and you should familiarise yourself with the alphabet. Get the latest news, advice, reviews and offers to help keep your motoring costs down. Here we are forced to be quick, communicative, and useful to society and in particular our friends, relatives, and even increase your employability. from. In a country where the minimum wage is 286 (245) a month, according to Eurostat, rents and utilities are low and a foreign pension can go a long way. Apply for your first provisional driving licence. Some people who have a licence from another country need to pass a test in the UAE before being granted a licence. Well send you a link to a feedback form. He sits on the passenger seat and gives you the directions for movement. The city centre is small enough that no car is required if you live downtown: taxis are cheap and there are plenty of trams. If you've been in the UK for fewer than 12 months, there's no need to get an International Driving Permit - you can drive with your Australian licence. Consider doing this as soon as possible. You must convert your licence within 1 year of becoming a resident in Luxembourg. UK driving licence holders in Spain can continue to drive on their UK licence until 31 December 2021. You will need a Bulgarian bank account in order to buy property, residents told us. News stories, speeches, letters and notices, Reports, analysis and official statistics, Data, Freedom of Information releases and corporate reports. Though it might be a good idea to read through everything anyway, here are the most important things to know for drivers of rental vehicles: Protect yourself from unexpected excess costs when hiring a car. We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services. 2023 RAC Motoring Services. The daytime temperatures vary from 0-5C in the winter and 25-30C in the summer months. However, in some cases, you may need to provide a certificate of health that could involve a medical examination. You will need to present proof of your income or pension and that you have a bank account in Bulgaria. For pedestrian areas where more people are bound to be walking and crossing, the speed limit is much lower at 20kph. ETIAS stands for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System. Some European cities, such as London, Stockholm, Oslo and Bergen, impose a congestion charge to discourage driving in city centres. Spain and Bulgaria), then it can be based on which one you spend most time in, they don't expect you to keep swapping licenses between the two. The tax is between 30 and 40 BGN (depending on the medical center). Even if you stay at a bed and breakfast then they may have a parking spot available so you should ask the owners about this. Education certificate based on your university degree (the document is called Udostoverenie/): You need to have your university degree together with the transcript (the document that shows your grades and subjects). Apostile is NOT needed if: Your university degree is issued in a country- party to the Lisbon Recognition Convention, or in a member-state of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland.Your university degree is issued in a country which has a bilateral agreement for legal assistance with Bulgaria (so-called consular certification). Updated guidance for UK driving licence holders living in Belgium, Bulgaria, Hungary and Slovakia. Your licence is recognised in France for as long as it is valid. You can exchange your licence without taking a test. 30 - 50 kilometres per hour in built up areas. Lets start with the requirements for obtaining a driving license in Bulgaria. In Bulgaria, you should expect to pay personal income tax and homeowners tax, as well as vehicle tax and a fee for rubbish collection. This guidance also applies to driving licences from Gibraltar, Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man. I think, typically, the rule is (in pretty much any country, not just Bulgaria) that, after a certain time (usually 6 months) of being officially resident, you have to get a local license. For more information on International Driving Permits and general information on international road . You have rejected additional cookies. So, how to check if your university degree needs an apostille? You must ensure you have proof of insurance with you at all times. You can exchange your licence without having to take a test. Each driving class will take you a little bit out of your comfort zone which guarantees the best learning results. Of course, I can personally assist you with every aspect of the process for obtaining your driving license. All foreigners are allowed to drive in Bulgaria with a non-EU driving license (provided that it has a legalized/notarized translation) for up to 1 year since the date of issuing of their residence permit. In order to replace a driving licence issued by the UK with a Bulgarian one, the persons can submit the application in person or through an authorized representative in the Traffic Police units in the respective Regional Directorate of the Ministry of Interior by permanent address. RAC Insurance Ltd is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Residents can convert their driving licences through various online platforms in the UAE. It is rare to find such a well considered and informative article that isn't trying to sell something. Be aware that you cannot take the following with you into Bulgaria: You cannot take the following unless you pay to have them inspected before you leave and get a phytosanitary certificate: Speed limits in Bulgaria vary depending on the road. . View all destinations. Also, if you already have a certificate issued by any Red Cross instance (no matter the country) it could be accepted which means that you wont have to attend any first aid course. Open the link below and click on WHAT LEGALIZATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS ARE NECESSARY (point 3 located at the right side). Renting will allow you to get familiar with the area and make sure it works for you all year round. Its a small town nestled at the foot of the Pirin mountains, with a low cost of living making it attractive to those ski fans otherwise eyeing up France, Italy and Switzerland. You must put a minimum amount into the account for it to be opened, which differs depending on the area. Driving a rented vehicle? A valid driving license issued in a country outside Bulgaria is valid in Bulgaria if: The driver is 18 years or older and The license was issued by an EU member state/EEA or Switzerland, or by a country that ratified the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic If you became resident in The Netherlands between 13 June 2020 and 15 February 2021, you must exchange your UK licence by 1 October 2021. You may need to take a translator and/ or lawyer with you if you dont speak Bulgarian, although one person told us that the teller at the branch in Sofia they went to spoke good English. You will need to display a UK sticker on the rear of your car unless it has EU number plates with the country code in a circle of stars on a blue background. To the west of Sofia is the spa town of Bankya, about 20-30 minutes away. Once you have been resident in Bulgaria for five years, you canapply for Bulgarian citizenship. Travel writer, car rental guru, Phil has rented cars all over the world and shares his knowledge and experience on the Rhinocarhire.com Blog. Lifestyle and the cost of living in Bulgaria, Settling in Bulgaria: formalities and paperwork, Best Places To Live In Bulgaria As An Expat, etiquette guide on the Bulgarian Embassy of London site, How A British Family Bought & Renovated A House In Bulgaria, Expatras guide to international removals, The Pros & Cons Of Expat Life In Bulgaria, The Ins And Outs Of Living In Sofia, Bulgaria As An Expat, List of Regional Migration Directorate offices, Bulgaria visas and residency for US citizens , Living in Bulgaria after Brexit (for UK citizens) . Trams have right of way over vehicles on the road whether the tram is approaching from the right or left, EU citizens driving with a trailer in tow must hold an additional insurance policy for the trailer unless it has a gross weight of under 750kg, If youre caught committing a minor driving offence while travelling through Bulgaria, you could be given an on-the-spot fine, Children over the age of three and measuring less than 150cm may travel without child restraints but must sit in a rear seat. Note that vehicles featuring the letters GB together with the Council of Europe golden stars are no longer valid for driving abroad. It covers all aspects and principles of defensive driving including the practice of safe road habits, obeying the rules of the road, driving responsibly, and minimizing the risks.We have full flexibility in scheduling the driving classes including before or after working hours and the weekends as well. Separately, he is absolutely right that enforcement is very low in Bulgaria (and fines are also relatively small). This means that you will be able to continue using a UK driving licence as a resident in Portugal from 1 January 2024, if you meet all these requirements: If you do not meet all of these requirements, you will need to start the process to exchange your licence by the end of March 2024 to continue driving. How to get Bulgarian Registration Plates For Your Car? Drive on the right-hand side of the road. Yes. Youll also receive the full database of exam questions and answers which will be thoroughly discussed during our meetings.The full database of exam questions and answers can be accessed at the following linkYou can do a practice test at the following link. It is a visa program for visitors who dont need a Schengen visa, who want to travel to the European Union and a few other European countries. Your licence will be recognised for 1 year from the date of issue of your residency permit (carte de sjour). The Embassy has been in constant contact with Bulgarian Traffic Police (KAT) in order to address those concerns and to provide accurate information on the topic. Aside from the documents above, there are some legally-required items you must bring with you to drive in Bulgaria. I am Bulgarian and have a BG citizenship as well. 20 Can I drive in the UK with a Bulgarian driving license? You can use your UK driving licence for up to 12 months from the date you last entered Malta. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. Apply for Bulgarian International driving license Instant Approval Fast & Easy Process Valid from 1 to 3 years Drive Legally Overseas Translated in 12 Languages Recognized in over 150 countries Worldwide Express Shipping Apply for IDP Get your printed IDP + digital copy for $49 Digital IDP is sent in max. From 30 March 2023, you can exchange a UK driving licence for an Italian driving licence without needing to take a test. GB stickers will no longer be valid from the end of September. Updated guidance for UK driving licence holders living in Sweden. My age is 77. If you hold a UK or Gibraltar licence, you can exchange your driving licence for a Spanish one without taking a practical or theory test. Consider doing this as soon as possible. UK licence holders resident in Spain can now continue to drive using their valid UK driving licence until 30 April 2022. You can change your cookie settings at any time. You have accepted additional cookies. Just keep in mind that when someone cuts you off, using your horn may lead to an aggressive reaction. Foreign Driving Licences. You need to do this within 180 days of taking up residency in Denmark, or by 30 June 2021, whichever is later. Then the non-EU license needs to be replaced by a Bulgarian driving license. Then you need to make a notarized translation (by a sworn translator) of your high school diploma and the transcript (you may use any company offering legalized translations). You just need to email your certificate to secretariat@redcross.bg and after you receive feedback you need to visit the Red Cross office where youll be issued with an additional renewed certificate. This includes visiting the different institutions, help and advise with the paperwork, and interactions with the local state representatives. If your UK or Gibraltar licence was issued on or after 1 January 2021, you can only exchange a Category B licence without having to take a test. For cars registered in the UK. It will take merely 2 transactions to fill in. Thats a surprisingly big number for a country of just seven million inhabitants smaller than the city of London. Alternatively, you can exchange your UK driving licence for a Portuguese one now. Depending on the difficulty each exam question gives you 1, 2 or 3 points. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi, You will not need to take a driving test to exchange your licence. Check the driving advice for the country you live in. Emergency phones are removed(166, 160 and 150 - socialist style system).Instead the EU standard 112 phone is used (for all cases). To drive in Bulgaria you should be 18 though most rental companies require you to be over 21 with a minimum of one year of driving experience. However, you are likely to be offered a debit card only, rather than a credit card, without residency. The rate of homeownership in Bulgaria is high, at close to 90 percent, with many Bulgarians inheriting land and even a second home. The drinking limit is virtually zero tolerance and you could be fined for having a blood alcohol limit of as little as 0.05%. Expats choose to live in Varna for many reasons, however, the main one is the wonderful golden sands of Varnas coastline. If you hold a licence from Gibraltar, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man, you may need to take a test. If you are resident in Bulgaria, you should exchange your UK licence for a Bulgarian driving licence at your nearest traffic police department within six months, after first registering with Bulgarian authorities. If you became resident in Luxembourg before 31 December 2020, you must convert your licence by 31 December 2021. If you became resident in The Netherlands after 15 February 2021, you must exchange your licence within 185 days of becoming a resident. The fake Ukrainian driving licence, complete with the former British PM's picture and correct birth date, was 'issued' on 24 July 2019 - the date he moved into 10 Downing Street as the UK's leader. Police is testing you both for drugs and alcohol. You do not need to take a driving test. A hands-free system can be used but you should still avoid touching the phone at anytime. To join the public healthcare system, you will need to register with the National Health Insurance Fund and pay compulsory contributions. Renting a good two-bedroom apartment in a nice neighbourhood of Sofia will cost you around 700 800 BGN (Bulgarian Lev), about 300 340. After 6 months you can no longer use your UK licence to drive in Austria, but can still exchange it for an Austrian one, for as long as it is valid. You can exchange your licence without having to take a test. Mobile phones can only be used while driving if the device is connected to a handsfree system. If you hold a licence issued by the Isle of Man, you will need to take a test to exchange your licence. Don't worry we won't send you spam or share your email address with anyone. Other ski resorts include Pamporovo and Borovets. The apostille is a special type of attestation which you can usually obtain from the ministry of foreign affairs of the country where the diploma is issued. In built-up areas, the limit for cars is 50 km/h while outside these areas the limit is 90 km/h. Seatbelts are required to be worn by all passengers in the car, front and rear. British Embassy Sofia is working closely with Bulgarian Traffic Police (KAT) to clarify the requirements for UK nationals to continue driving in Bulgaria. It is the parent/guardian or the car renters responsibility to ensure a child is secured safely. Guidance for UK driving licence holders living in Greece or Italy also updated. UK driving licence holders living in Italy have until 31 December 2023 or 12 months from becoming a resident, whichever is later, to exchange their driving licence. You must apply for a Spanish licence as a non-EU national to drive in Spain, which involves taking both a theory and practical driving test. You can exchange your licence without having to take a test. However, you should make sure to check all your tyres before setting off. If you intend to stay in France for longer than 1 year, you must exchange your UK licence for a French licence during this initial 1-year period. To be considered financially independent, your monthly income should at least be equal to the national minimum wage per month. Speed limit on highways raised to 140km/h. You may not turn right on a red light. Bulgaria recently introduced a user-pays system for all roads. This will enable them to obtain permanent residency and thus obtain additional rights. Any exceptions to this rule will be shown on road signs. Wheel clamps and towing vehicles are also in operation, Foreign disabled badges are recognised in Bulgaria and should be placed inside the windscreen of the vehicle. Individuals caught driving in Bulgaria with an expired driving licence may be fined. If you became resident in The Netherlands before 31 January 2020, you must exchange your UK licence by 1 May 2021. You must do this within 180 days of taking up residency in Denmark. The city of Sofia offers beautiful buildings, Roman remains, old churches, extremely interesting archaeological complexes and of course thousands of bars and restaurants where you can taste traditional Bulgarian dishes. Croatia To can exchange your licence without having to take a take. Your local Brgeramt can tell you where to exchange your licence. If you move to Spain on or after 16 March 2023, your valid UK or Gibraltar licence will be recognised for 6 months from the date you obtained residence. You can choose your GP so most expats tend to choose a local and/or English-speaking doctor. That's lower than the 0.08% in England Wales and Northern Ireland, butthe same as Scotland. The permit is a translation of the driver's UK driver's license and is recognized in over 150 countries worldwide. A basic plan from Uniqa for a couple under 70 years old will cost 330 BGN (145) a year. As regards the C-class driver's license, which applies to vision impaired drivers, it has to be renewed every four years. Updated guidance for UK driving licence holders living in Austria. Bulgarian law puts restrictions to foreign persons to own land. Note that the exam is being video recorded.As per the Bulgarian legal regulations the practical exam is being conducted in Bulgarian language, but during your driving course youll be provided with a special workbook covering the Bulgarian pronunciation (including audio recordings) and transcription of the most commonly used directions during your exam (e.g., turn left, turn right, U-turn, etc.) RAC Motoring Services and RAC Financial Services Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in respect of insurance mediation activities. Foreign citizens from non-EU/EEA countries can acquire land, including agricultural plots if they have lived in Bulgaria for at least five years. However, it is important to make sure that you have all the required items and documents you need to drive legally on Bulgarian roads. Refurbishments are to be expected if you buy, but a common warning on forums is to get local advice and recommendations when it comes to builders and never to pay everything upfront. To continue driving in Portugal as a resident, you must register your driving licence with the IMT. Heavy snow in winter, driving a little zanier than you are used to in the UK and potholes mean you will probably want a four-wheel-drive vehicle and will drive on the right side of the road. Dutch police who arrested a man in connection with a drink-driving incident were surprised to find that the name on his driving licence was Boris . Do I need a GB/UK sticker to drive in Bulgaria? Then you need to make a translation (by a sworn translator) of your university degree and the transcript (you may use any company offering legalized translations). You can exchange your licence without having to take a test. Learn more about ETIAS here. For instance, we were told, in Vratsa you can open a bank account with 450 lev but in Shumen it is 1,000 lev and in Veliko Turnovo around 3,000 lev. How old do you have to be to drive in Bulgaria? Do not use your horn between the hours of 22:00 and 06:00 (up to 09:00 during public holidays) is completely wrong. 50-250 EUR ticket if you don`t. In Bulgaria, there is also a requirement for minimal education level of at least the 10th grade of high school completed in order to be allowed to have a driving license. With its relatively mild climate, Bulgaria is pleasant all year round. Audible warning devices are not allowed in Bulgaria and fines can be given if you are caught using them. Do I need headlamp converters in Bulgaria? I will soon be visiting Bulgaria for two weeks and wish to hire a car. Driving licence in Turkey (Turkish: Src belgesi) is a document issued by the relevant government agency, regional or local security force, confirming the holder is qualified to drive motor vehicles.Driving licence exams are regulated by the Ministry of National Education while the licence is issued by the General Directorate of Security.. On 1 January 2016, new laws concerning Turkish . We are speaking here about houses with gardens, all plots that are within the zoning of the settlements, apartments coming with shares of the land, etc. Healthcare in Bulgaria is universal and financed by compulsory health insurance contributions. It is being issued based on a training course at the Red Cross office located at 61th Knyaz Alexander Dondukov Blvd., Sofia. Once you have your certificate of residence, you need to apply for a Bulgarian ID card or lichna karta. Leslie Grantham: Bulgarias most famed Briton? Menu. In case of emergency, drivers can contact the emergency services on the EU standard 112 and request the required emergency service. The Portuguese government recently introduced new legislation regarding driving licences issued by OECD countries. DSK Expressbank and Postbank were both recommended as Bulgarian banks for foreigners. As in any other EU country, in Bulgaria, you will need EHIC to access public healthcare as a Bulgarian resident. Last month, British Embassy Sofia posted a video on social media explaining how UK nationals living in Bulgaria can exchange their UK driving licence for a Bulgarian one. Favourite country to visit: France. @Ola Degteva, thank you for the prompt reply. You must check the rules for driving and living in different European countries and follow any local laws. Thankyou Suzanne Locke! Dont worry we wont send you spam or share your email address with anyone. You need a full, valid UK driving licence and usually a second proof of ID (passport) Some car rental companies ask that you have held your licence for a minimum term of 1 year Some companies require you to use a credit card for deposit You may not be able to drive outside of Bulgaria unless planned in advance - check with your hire company first Bulgaria had expected to join the ERM-2 mechanism the waiting room to full euro membership in 2020, and adopt the euro in 2023, but has now said it is obliged to slow down the tempo because of concerns about the exchange rate to the common currency and opposition within the country. Outside of Bulgaria: 1-888-407-4747 or 202-647-5225. International Parental Child Abduction . You must exchange your UK licence for a Slovak one within 60 days of completing 185 days of residence. Your UK licence must have been valid on 14 December 2020 to benefit from this extended validity. If you live in Portugal you can continue to drive on a UK driving licence until 31 December 2023. Driving licence exchange and rules for drivers living in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland. This is my mission as a driving instructor to help you and your loved ones feel the freedom that comes with your driving license. Most drivers can exchange their licence without having to take a test. Updated guidance for UK driving licence holders living in Cyprus, Denmark and Luxembourg. (first raised to 130, a year later to 140). It is administered in England, Scotland and Wales by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and in Northern Ireland by the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA). Unless your headlights can be adjusted, it's a legal requirement to carry headlamp converters (stickers for your headlights when driving on the right, so your lights don't dazzle motorists coming the other way). Driving licence and insurance Road rules and safety What can you take with you?