The International Driving Permit will go on sale on February 1 next year, costing £5.50. In its latest advisory, the Home Office says that UK citizens will need to use this in conjunction with their existing licence after March 29, when the UK leaves the EU.

There are two types of IDP, one valid for 12 months for Ireland, Spain, Malta and Cyprus and the other for the remaining EU countries, which lasts three years. Traveller crossing, for example, from Spain to Portugal, will need both.

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The government will begin providing IDPs on February 1 at 2,500 Post Offices across the UK. It will announce which Post Office branches will offer IDPs in early 2019.

The Home Office advisory warns: “You may be turned away at the border or face other enforcement action, for example fines, if you don’t have the correct IDP.

“You may also need an IDP to hire a vehicle when you are abroad.”