International Driver's License In Guernsey: Hassle-Free Car Renting

You can use your UK driving licence in Guernsey for a year. Foreign drivers, including drivers from the UK and Northern Ireland, must have an IDP. If you’re staying longer than 12 months, you need to exchange your UK license for a Guernsey license. If don’t have a photocard license, you will need an IDP to drive in EU countries, Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Iceland. This applies to licenses that are issued from Isle of Man, Jersey, and Gibraltar.

Yes, you can get an international driving permit online if you don’t want to get one from the vehicle licensing department or from a post office. Just fill out the online application form, upload your passport-sized photos, submit the digital copy of your driver’s license, and pay the fees. You don’t need to take a driving test to apply for an IDP.

If you are someone who wants thrill and relaxation on a small island, then Guernsey is for you. You can take a stroll at shops at cute boutiques in the capital, take down memory lane and discover its rich culture, or get more adventurous by doing water sports. The Island will surely spoil you with everything a traveler needs.

St. Peter Port

St Peter Port is where you probably start and end your trip in Guernsey. If you are coming from another territory in Europe and you ferried your way to Guernsey, you will dock at St. Peter Port. This is the capital of Guernsey, where winding cobbled streets and architecture can be experienced. It is often called one of the prettiest harbors globally, so it is good to start your trip with beautiful scenery.

High Street & Le Pollet

Just a few meters away from the harbor, stroll along its narrow streets and shop at charming boutiques. High Streets and Le Pollet are filled with local goods and larger branded stores that you can shop from. The High Street has maintained much of its charm with small boutiques and gift shops.

Hauteville House

This house was previously owned by French poet, novelist, and dramatist Victor Hugo. Like the “Les Miserables,” many of Hugo’s masterpieces were written inside this house, which he purchased during his exile from France in 1851-1870. The house represents Victor Hugo as the interiors are made and designed by him. The layouts and decor are decorated with layers of tapestries, silks, and mirrors, combining Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.

Castle Cornet

The castle has served as a defense of the Island for 800 years now. This harbor fortress was isolated upon rocky islets until a breakwater, and a bridge was built in the 19th century. Now it hosts five museums that are open to the public.

The Little Chapel

From afar, it looks like this tiny chapel is painted in rainbow colors, but this is made of seashells, pebbles, and broken china. This destination is one of the most famous Guernsey ones, one of the world’s smallest chapels. Curious tourists visit here to see how tiny of a chapel is The Little Chapel. Brother Déodat built the Little Chapel in 1904 with a length of nine feet and width of 4.5 feet.

German Military Underground Hospital

The Island also offers a rich history, and one of the most visited historical attractions is the German Military Underground Hospital. This is the largest remaining structure of World War 2 during the German Occupation. The hospital was built by slave workers in 1944 using hewn out of solid rocks.

Fort Grey Shipwreck Museum

Fondly known as “cup and saucer,” Fort Grey is a small defensive fort built across the British Empire during the 19th century. Fort Grey is located on the rocky west coast of Guernsey near the Hanois reef. This means that the fort is also a witness to some historic shipwrecks over the years.

Sausmarez Manor

This is one of the most beautiful, exciting, and varied places in Guernsey. It offers house tours, Ghost Tours, and mini trains for children through some woods alongside the sculpture park. Some parts of the manor date way back to the early 13th or late 12th centuries. The finest example of Queen Anne Colonial Architecture is visible at the front part of the house.

Cobo Bay

Considered one of Guernsey’s treasures, Cobo Bay is one of the most famous beaches on the Island. You can just choose whether you want to dine in restaurants by the sea and experience local foods or just relax and watch the sunset over the sea; Cobo Bay is the place to be. You might chance upon rock pools during low tide; enjoy it. The bay is best experienced during the summer months.

Vazon Bay

Considered as a hub for sports enthusiasts, Vazon Bay is best experienced by surfing, kitesurfing, bodysurfing, and other water sports offered on the Island. You can get watersports training from surfing schools here. If you are not the adventurer type, you can always get some snacks and other local cuisines from nearby restaurants while appreciating the waves’ beauty from afar.

If you are driving on foreign territories, it is best that you can focus on driving and nothing else aside from familiarization with road signs. Especially in Guernsey, where there are mostly narrow roads and animals suddenly crossing the street, it is best to pay attention. You do not want to jeopardize your Guernsey trip by committing traffic violations. After all, you are in Guernsey to enjoy and take a breather from what keeps you busy all year round.

Don’t Forget to Carry Required Documents

Apart from your IDP, your driver’s license must be with you at all times while you are driving in Guernsey. Other documents you need to include your passport, visa, and additional documents for proper identification. The police might question you along your trip. If you’re driving your own car from the United Kingdom, you need to have a GB sticker. This rule also applies when driving in Spain, Cyprus, and Malta. On the other hand, you don’t need to have a green card to show proof of insurance.

Make sure to check other updates (after Brexit) regarding IDP and driver’s license before driving in EEA countries.

Never Drive Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs

Guernsey implements an alcohol limit of not more than 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood. There are no on the spot fines in Guernsey but be careful since if the police suspect you, they will not hesitate to stop you. Driving under the influence will not only cause you fines, but you will end up being involved in accidents if you are not responsible enough.

Obey The Speed Limit of the Road

One of the main reasons for accidents in Guernsey is overspeeding. So you must take note of speed limits printed on traffic signs. All motor vehicles are expected to drive at a maximum speed of 35 miles per hour. In case you are headed to St Peter Port, the Bridge, and local centers, your car speed must be 20 miles per hour. In seven parishes known as the “Ruette Tranquille,” your rate is 15 miles per hour. There’s a likelihood of encountering pedestrians, cyclists, and horse riders in these areas.

Wearing A Seatbelt is A Must

The driver and passengers of a vehicle must, at all times, wear a seatbelt. For children below six years old, they must be in a car seat. If there are no car seats available, the child must be accompanied by an adult who assumes the child’s responsibility and safety. Never violate this rule, as this could lead you to penalties if caught.