Are Russian driving licenses valid in Europe?

What driver's license do Russians need in Europe?

For many drivers, traveling in your own car is the most comfortable.

After all, this is the only way there is no connection to public transport; you can independently plan your route and stops along the way.

Renting a car abroad is also not particularly difficult.

Therefore, the question of whether Russian driver’s licenses are valid in Europe remains relevant.

In accordance with the law, the following types of driving documents are distinguished:

National - give you the opportunity to drive a car on the territory of your state.
International - issued for use on the territory of foreign powers.

The answer to the question of what kind of driver's license is needed in Europe for Russians can only be based on official documents that regulate this. In this case, these are the Geneva and Vienna Conventions.

What type of driver's license can you drive abroad?

All existing countries can be divided into three groups:

states that have signed the Vienna Convention;
states that have signed the Geneva Convention;
countries that have not signed any of these documents.

Based on which document the country where you are planning to travel has joined, it depends which driver’s license will be valid on its territory.

States in the third group, which have not supported any convention, recognize exclusively their own driving rights . Thus, it will be possible to drive a car in their open spaces only after the driver has passed the appropriate exams and received a local document.

Some of these states allow exceptions. On their territory it is possible to use a national document with a translation attached to it. But before you go there, you should find out everything in detail.

Countries that signed the Geneva Convention of 1949 agreed that they would recognize an international driving license in their territories . In this case, you can safely take out a license to travel abroad and not worry about possible misunderstandings and fines.

Thus, with international rights you can travel to the following countries:

Australia;
Albania;
Algeria;
Andorra;
Argentina;
Bangladesh;
Belize;
Benin;
Botswana;
Haiti;
Gambia;
Guatemala;
Gibraltar;
Hong Kong;
Grenada;
Dominican Republic;
Egypt;
Western Samoa;
India;
Jordan;
Ireland;
Iceland;
Cambodia;
Canada;
Cyprus;
China;
Congo;
Laos;
Lesotho;
Lebanon;
Mauritania;
Madagascar;
Malawi;
Malaysia;
Mali;
Malta;
Namibia;
Netherlands;
New Zealand;
New Caledonia;
Papua New Guinea;
Paraguay;
Peru;
Rwanda;
San Lucia;
Swaziland;
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines;
Singapore;
Syria;
USA;
Sierra Leone;
Taiwan;
Tanzania;
Togo;
Trinidad and Tobago;
Tunisia;
Türkiye;
Uganda;
Fiji;
French polynesia;
Jamaica;
Japan.

The most convenient and pleasant group for Russians is the group of states that includes the parties to the Vienna Convention. It is in such countries that Russian driver's licenses and other national licenses are valid. The main condition is their compliance with established standards.

Since this convention was supported by almost all European countries, Russian rights are valid in Europe. The list of these states is as follows :

Austria;
Bahamas;
Bahrain;
Belarus;
Belgium;
Bulgaria;
Bosnia and Herzegovina;
Brazil;
Great Britain;
Hungary;
Venezuela;
Guyana;
Ghana;
Germany;
Greece;
Georgia;
Denmark;
Zaire;
Zimbabwe;
Israel;
Indonesia;
Iran;
Spain;
Italy;
Kazakhstan;
Kyrgyzstan;
Costa Rica;
Ivory Coast;
Cuba;
Kuwait;
Latvia;
Lithuania;
Luxembourg;
Macedonia;
Morocco;
Mexico;
Monaco;
Niger;
Norway;
UAE;
Pakistan;
Poland;
Portugal;
The Republic of Korea;
Republic of Moldova;
Romania;
San Marino;
Seychelles;
Senegal;
Slovakia;
Slovenia;
Tajikistan;
Thailand;
Turkmenistan;
Uzbekistan;
Ukraine;
Uruguay;
Philippines;
Finland;
France;
Croatia;
CAR;
Czech Republic;
Chile;
Switzerland;
Sweden;
Ecuador;
Estonia;
SOUTH AFRICA;
Yugoslavia.

In 2006, the format of the international driver's license changed . The numbering of all lines of this document has become a prerequisite.

After the introduction of the changes, the countries that signed the Vienna Treaty were given 5 years to bring all driving documents into compliance.

Thus, an international driving license is needed in those countries that are parties to the Geneva Convention. But there are exceptions here too.

For example, in the USA, which signed the Geneva Convention and must recognize only international driving documents, there are no questions about Russian licenses, either at the rental office or with the police.

Does a Russian driver's license correspond to international ones?

In some European countries, the new Russian driving license causes distrust. This is due to the fact that there are no Latin inscriptions on the document.

What rights apply in Europe is a rather pressing question . After all, the driver's license of Russians fully complies with the requirements of the international Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, adopted in 1968.

It sets uniform standards for road signs and traffic rules for all participants. This convention has been approved in almost all European countries.

Quite often, drivers who have already acquired new plastic licenses encounter certain problems abroad. The main reason for them is misunderstanding on the part of the police.

It is caused by the lack of translation of the phrase “Driver’s license”. In the old document, this translation was in French.

Some companies that provide cars for rent require that you show them an international driving license. This happens quite rarely.

An international license is only required if the driver plans to visit a country that has not signed the Vienna Convention.

If the police officer refuses to recognize Russian rights, it is recommended to have with you a printed copy of the Vienna Convention in English or in the language of the country you plan to visit.

If someone is very afraid that problems may arise with national rights abroad, then they can obtain an international document.

But all police inspectors should know whether an international driving permit is needed in Europe. Therefore, they cannot make unfounded claims against Russian drivers.

How to get an international driving license

Countries that have supported only the Geneva Convention on Road Traffic recognize an international driving license on their territory.

For those planning to visit them, it should be taken into account that national rights must also be present, since without them the international document is not valid.

This is not very convenient for Russian drivers who only have a national license. But, as practice has proven, discrepancies occur quite often.

Some countries, although they have signed the Vienna Convention, continue to require an international document or recognize only those rights that are issued on their territory.

According to international law in 2019, the above requirements are not legal. They are doomed to fail in court proceedings.

But similar situations happen, and most often in European countries. The problem does not have to be immediately resolved in court; sometimes it is resolved on the road or at the police station, referring to international law.

By law, international rights in Europe are only required in countries that are members of the Geneva Convention.

In addition to the police, misunderstandings may also arise with offices that provide cars for rent. They may refuse their services if the driver does not have an international document.

Therefore, before traveling to another country, you should carefully study all the necessary information about it on the Internet. And in order not to spoil your mood with worries on vacation and showdowns with the police, you can get an international ID card. This procedure takes a little time.

The following documents will be required for registration:

Russian driver's license.
Identity card of a citizen of the Russian Federation.
International passport.
Medical certificate of fitness to drive a vehicle.
Driver's photo.
Receipt of payment of the duty.

With the package of the above documents, you should go to the central department of the traffic police of your city, since not every department can issue the document. After this, in about half an hour, the driver will receive an international driver's license.

It is very comfortable to travel in your own car to different countries. But first of all, it’s worth understanding in which countries Russian driver’s licenses are valid. And also, is an international driving license required in Europe?

The first thing you need to do is determine which group the country you plan to visit belongs to . In accordance with the law, Russian driver's licenses are valid in Europe, since European countries have signed the Vienna Convention.

An international driver's license is recognized by states that have signed the Geneva Convention. In practice, various nuances occur, but you can always defend your interests if you act in accordance with international law.

International driving license. Do you need an international driving license in Europe? Legal advice

Traveling by car is increasingly attracting Russian tourists. What could be more interesting than a trip with loved ones to European countries? Considering that the borders within the EU are open, you don’t even notice how you get from one country to another. Only a small, inconspicuous sign indicates crossing the border. Before a trip, it is always useful to develop a travel itinerary and find out the answer to the question: “Are international rights needed in Europe?”

Some tourists plan to get to their destination country by plane or train, and then rent a car there. Is it possible to draw up a rental agreement with our national rights obtained after 2011? After all, their appearance fully complies with international standards?

International Driving Permit - what is it?

Many drivers are completely confident that if they have a new national driver's license, then this is an international driver's license (IDP). On a pink card, the size of a regular plastic card, in Russian and Latin, information about the driver is written and, it would seem, this is enough to drive a car outside the Russian Federation. This opinion is based on the fact that not so long ago, in order to travel abroad with a Russian license of an earlier issue, a notarized translation of the license into the language of the country that our tourist was going to visit was required. The new type of rights were born as a result of some changes in the Vienna Convention. They led to the approval of driver's licenses to a unified format: now uniform symbols of admission (category) to driving a vehicle are used and each line is numbered. These innovations allow a traffic police officer in any country to understand what is indicated on a driver’s license and recognize it as valid.

Thus, an international driver's license is a separate document that gives the right to drive a vehicle outside the country that issued it and is the official multilingual translation of the national driver's license.

An IDP can only be used in conjunction with a national driving license. It looks like a booklet, gray in color, all letters are written in Latin script, all numbers are written in Arabic.

When are international rights needed?

“Why do you need an international driving license?” - the drivers ask. An international driver's license is needed to travel to countries that, in the middle of the last century in Geneva, signed an international document according to which they recognize only international driving licenses on their territories.

Can Russians use their national ID in Europe?

Do we need international rights in Europe in 2019? Are Russian driving licenses valid in Europe? You can fully use your national Russian rights in countries that have signed the Vienna Convention and recognize Russian and other national VU of the established format on their territory. Almost all European countries recognize Russian driver's licenses.

In which countries is a Russian ID valid?

Many of our compatriots are interested in: “In which countries are Russian driver’s licenses valid?”

Countries in which a Russian driver's license is valid:

Republic of Austria;
Commonwealth of the Bahamas;
Kingdom of Bahrain;
Republic of Belarus;
Kingdom of Belgium;
Republic of Bulgaria;
Bosnia and Herzegovina;
Federative Republic of Brazil;
United Kingdom Great Britain;
Hungary;
Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela;
Cooperative Republic of Guyana;
Republic of Ghana;
Federal Republic of Germany;
Hellenic Republic;
Republic of Georgia;
Kingdom of Denmark;
Republic of Zaire;
Republic of Zimbabwe;
State of Israel;
Republic of Indonesia;
Islamic Republic of Iran;
The Kingdom of Spain;
Italian Republic;
The Republic of Kazakhstan;
Kyrgyz Republic;
Republic of Costa Rica;
Republic of Cote d'Ivoire;
Republic of Cuba;
State of Kuwait;
Latvian republic;
Republic of Lithuania;
Grand Duchy of Luxembourg;
Republic of Macedonia;
Kingdom of Morocco;
United Mexican States;
Principality of Monaco;
Niger Republic;
Kingdom of Norway;
United Arab Emirates;
Islamic Republic of Pakistan;
Republic of Poland;
Portuguese Republic;
Korea;
The Republic of Moldova;
Romania;
Republic of San Marino;
Republic of Seychelles;
Republic of Senegal;
The Slovak Republic;
Republic of Slovenia;
The Republic of Tajikistan;
Kingdom of Thailand;
Turkmenistan;
The Republic of Uzbekistan;
Ukraine;
Eastern Republic of Uruguay;
Republic of the Philippines;
Republic of Finland;
French Republic;
Republic of Croatia;
Central African Republic;
Czech Republic;
Republic of Chile;
Swiss Confederation;
Kingdom of Sweden;
Republic of Ecuador;
Republic of Estonia;
Republic of South Africa;
Yugoslavia.

However, Russian tourists who would like to rent cars in some countries, most often in Italy and Greece, have repeatedly encountered refusals from vehicle lessors. And the reason for the refusal was the presence of a national Russian driver's license.

Vienna and Geneva conventions

All existing countries in the world are divided into three groups:

Group 1: countries that have signed the Vienna Convention. In order to make roads around the world safer, the Vienna Treaty was signed between the participating countries back in the middle of the last century. The “main weapon” of this international agreement can be called the standardization of traffic rules, road signs, signals and bringing the driver’s license to a single standard. Countries internationally recognize the validity of national driver's licenses issued by other states on their territories. Our Russian licenses, which are issued after 2011, fully comply with the international standard.

Group 2: countries that have signed the Geneva Convention. Countries that supported the Geneva Treaty also have the noble goal of improving road safety. However, they only recognize the international driver's license format. Therefore, any tourist planning to visit countries party to the Geneva Convention and get behind the wheel there will have to obtain a special international driving license. Interesting fact: the last page of the IDP is always written in French.

Group 3: countries that have not signed any convention. Countries that did not support either the Geneva or Vienna Treaties recognize only those driver's licenses that are approved on their territory. Therefore, if you would like to drive on the roads of these countries, you need to complete a standard training course, pass exams and obtain a local driving license. Some countries allow the use of the national rights of another state with an official translation into their official language. But lawyers recommend that tourists thoroughly study the legal norms of the country they are going to visit.

How to get an international ID card in Russia?

You can obtain an IDP on the basis of a national driver's license, without passing exams or providing a medical driver's certificate.

You can do this:

1. Through any traffic police department:

pay the state fee and receive a receipt;
come to the traffic police department;
go to a specialist according to the electronic queue with a package of necessary documents;
wait a certain time and get an international driver's license.

The main advantage of this form of obtaining a document is: receiving the document on the day of application.

The cost of public services is 1600 rubles;

2. Through any branch of the MFC:

To do this, you need to make an appointment (by phone, through the website, terminal) or go to a specialist on a first-come, first-served basis;
pay the state fee and receive a receipt;
submit the required documents and sign the application;
come at the appointed time to receive an international driver's license.

The main advantages of this form of obtaining a document are: saving personal time and lack of interaction with traffic police officers. In this case, the service completion period is about 15 working days.

The cost of public services is 1600 rubles.

3. Through the State Services portal:

To do this you need to register on the site;
fill out an application electronically;
upload the required documents in the form of scans to the website;
make an electronic appointment at any traffic police department;
pay the state fee by non-cash method;
At the appointed time, drive up to the traffic police department to obtain an international driving license.

The main advantages of this form of obtaining a document are: payment of state duty by non-cash method with a 30% discount, saving personal time and minimal interaction with traffic police officers.

The cost of the public service is 1120 rubles.

Regardless of the method of obtaining, the validity of the IDP is 3 years within the framework of a valid national driver's license.

Fine for using Russian rights abroad

European penalties are quite severe compared to domestic ones and usually start at 200 euros. You should also take into account the fact that paying the fine in Russia will cost more, about 25 - 35 euros, this will be the bank’s commission for an international transfer. Unpaid fines may result in denial of your next visa.

Conclusion

Future tourists are interested in: “What licenses can you have to drive in Europe?” Almost all European countries have signed the Vienna Convention and recognize the new Russian driver's license issued after 2011. Remember that an IDP is only valid in conjunction with a domestic driver’s license and that in the Russian Federation you cannot drive vehicles on the basis of an international license.

However, so that your trip is not marred by misunderstandings and controversial issues on the part of traffic police officers of any country, it is still advisable to obtain an international certificate. For example, to travel to Turkey by car, you will need a Russian license for Georgian roads, but you will not be allowed into Turkey without an IDP. When planning any trip abroad, you need to understand that the price of your peace of mind may be only 1600 or 1120 rubles.

Do you need an international driving license in Europe?

Good afternoon. Today I will tell you whether international rights are needed in Europe.

I myself constantly travel to Estonia and Finland with my own car, and on vacation I sometimes use rental cars. Unfortunately, I have not yet visited all the countries described in this article, but I will definitely do it!

Many Russian tourists prefer to travel around Europe in their own or rented cars. You can enjoy the pleasant view from the window and stop wherever you want. European countries are small and crossing borders is easy, and travel can be an interesting and unforgettable adventure. Unfortunately, a regular Russian driver's license is not really available everywhere, although formally it complies with international standards. Consequently, international rights are required in the territories of some states.

Required documents to travel around Europe.

Vienna Agreement.

Having a new national driver's license, you can travel in countries that have adopted the Vienna Agreement. For rights obtained before March 2011. You will need a translation certified by a notary.

These countries include:

Austria, Albania
Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia
Hungary
Germany, Greece
Denmark
Italy
Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg
Macedonia, Moldova, Monaco
Netherlands, Norway
Poland, Portugal
Romania
San Morino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia
Türkiye
Ukraine
Finland
Croatia
Montenegro, Czech Republic
Switzerland, Sweden
Estonia

Despite the fact that the Vienna Conversion is in effect in these states, Russian citizens are treated with prejudice. Therefore, in the countries listed below you will need an IDP.

Belgium. An international license is required to rent a car.
Netherlands. According to the law, in this country you can drive with a Russian license, but the police always require an international one.
Norway. It is impossible to rent a car without an IDP.
Türkiye. In this country, police officers may require an IDP.
Switzerland. You must have an international driver's license for both a rented and personal vehicle.

Geneva Agreement.

The Geneva Convention of 1948 is in force in the countries of Andorra, Vatican City, Great Britain, Spain, Ireland, Iceland, Cyprus, Liechtenstein and Malta. An IDP is required and can only be used in conjunction with a national ID.

Temporary restrictions on the validity of Russian documents.

In a number of countries, there are deadlines after which you need to obtain a local license. If you are moving to the state for a long period of time for work or permanent residence, then it is advisable to obtain the necessary driver’s license on time.

Everywhere there are different deadlines:

30 days - Norway, Czech Republic, Belarus;
60 days - Austria, Belgium, Spain, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Poland, Turkey, Germany;
12 months - Bulgaria, Great Britain, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Romania, Slovenia, Finland, France, Sweden, Switzerland.

Some countries have their own laws for processing documents. This could be half a year after receiving a residence permit, plus some additional individual time to be able to calmly change your driver’s license.

Don't break the law!

In all countries, driving without a driver's license is punishable. And if your license does not comply with the rules, then this is an offense like driving without it. Fines can hit your pocket hard. In some cases, the police are authorized to arrest, and this will greatly mar the trip. So, you shouldn’t take risks, and if possible, have both documents with you, DDP and IDP.

Car rental in Europe.

Considering the high cost of public transport in European cities, it can be profitable to rent a car. If a small group of 3-5 people is traveling, the savings are very significant.

The person for whom the lease agreement will be drawn up must have the following documents with him:

Passport or foreign passport. There are age restrictions in different countries. For example, in Norway, the opportunity to rent a vehicle will be available from the age of 19; in Austria or Portugal, a person at least 21 years old will be entrusted with a car; in Bulgaria - 23. Many companies do not rent cars to people over 60 years of age.
DDP with translation or IDP, lessors pay attention to driving experience. The landlord will not enter into an agreement with a person who has less than a year of experience. There are a number of countries that require a longer period from the date of obtaining a driver's license.
Credit card. The rental amount and fuel deposit are blocked on it.

When concluding a contract, you are often required to purchase insurance. In some companies, the insurance amount includes the cost of rent.

If you buy insurance online and also rent and reserve a car, it will cost much less than in the company’s office. And thus saving valuable time on vacation.

Peculiarities of attitudes towards DDPs in different countries.

Each country has developed certain trends in relation to Russian rights. In some places, DDPs are treated calmly and no difficulties arise, but in some countries they are simply not recognized.

Russian rights in Italy.

Driving around this country in a personal car with a DDP will not cause any difficulties. If you need to rent a car, not every company will enter into an agreement with a person without an international document.

Usually, in order to conclude a rental agreement, a translation of the driver's license into Italian is required. These are small additional costs.

In Italy, the price of rental services varies greatly between large and small companies. A reputable company will provide you with insurance for the entire car. But, you can use the car without a mileage limit. Small companies provide half the insurance, but there is a mileage limit. For each additional kilometer you will have to pay extra separately.

The police very carefully check the rights of arriving citizens from countries outside the European Union. Particular attention is paid to the categories and time of stay in the country. For illegal driving, the fine can be several hundred euros.

Russian rights in Spain.

Spain has not formally adopted the Vienna Convention. But our compatriots with DDP do not experience any difficulties moving around this country. Indirectly, Russian rights are recognized and even valid for another half a year after receiving a residence permit in this country.

Despite the loyalty of this country, it is advisable to have an international ID with you in order to avoid various misunderstandings with the police. In Catalonia, with national rights, more than 3 months will not be allowed. But renting a car is very easy if you have a passport and a DDP. You can pay for the service in any way.

National driving license in Cyprus.

Cyprus has not recognized the Vienna Convention and for this reason the existence of international rights will be mandatory. It is paradoxical that you can rent a car with only a Russian license with at least 3 years of experience.

Greek rules for Russians.

In Greece they can hand over a car using a national document. But large companies will definitely require international licenses. So, if you do not want to acquire an IDP, then do not get involved with large companies.

The Vienna Treaty was signed by most European countries and it is possible to drive vehicles with a Russian license. But in countries such as Belgium, Greece, the Netherlands, Norway, Turkey and Switzerland, it will be difficult to do without an international certificate. You should also take care of your IDP when visiting countries that are members of the Geneva Convention.

When renting, in many countries, there are no problems providing Russian rights. If you do this procedure via the Internet, there will be fewer problems and costs, and most importantly, you will know exactly what documents you will need.

A Russian ID in many countries is valid for less than a year after crossing the border. When moving for a long time, you need to take this factor into account.

Breaking the rules in Europe by driving without a license is highly undesirable due to severe penalties.

That's all for me today. I hope that I have fully answered the question of whether you need an international license in Europe if you have a Russian driver’s license.

If you have any questions, or if you want to add to the article, write comments.

List of countries where Russian driving licenses are valid in 2019

Experienced motorists often prefer to travel to foreign countries in their own vehicle. The ability to independently regulate the number of stops to view certain attractions guarantees only a pleasant travel experience. However, positive emotions can be spoiled by an inspection of documents by an inspector if he discovers that the driver’s license does not comply with the law. Therefore, every driver needs to know in which countries a Russian driver’s license is valid, and where an international one is needed.

National driver's license outside the Russian Federation

Russian documents that allow you to drive a car on the territory of our state are national driving licenses (NAP) of the old and new type. The old format of the certificate, which was issued until 2011, is valid until the end of its term (clause 8 of Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation dated May 13, 2009 No. 365 “On the entry into force of a driver’s license”). The new Russian plastic rights, unlike previous versions of the document, comply in all respects with today's requirements of international standards.

Abroad, depending on the country of residence, national and international driving licenses are valid. A driver's license for traveling abroad should be selected based on the type of document you have:

You can drive according to the old NAP in any country that is a party to interethnic agreements only if you have an international car license and a notarized translation of the Russian one (we will look at which states have signed the Convention on Road Traffic below).
According to the new NAP, without the need to obtain an international license, movement is allowed only in a limited number of states party to the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic.
With an international driver's license, driving a vehicle (vehicle) is possible in any country that is a party to international agreements, but only if you have a valid driving license.

A driver's license of the new format, recognized by many foreign countries, gives the right not only to travel in your own car, but also to rent a car in the host country without any problems.

In states that recognize the Russian NAP, even large transnational rental companies will rent out the car you are interested in (subject to their requirements for the driver’s age and driving experience). You can book a car and clarify additional requirements for the driver in advance on the Hertz website or the Avis Rent web portal.

Next, it’s worth taking a closer look at whether Russian driver’s licenses are valid in Europe and how to drive in countries that have not signed the convention on road traffic.

Features of the legal application of Russian rights abroad

As mentioned above, there are countries that have signed international treaties, and countries that do not participate in any of the agreements regarding the recognition of certain motor rights on their territory. Each case has its own nuances:

CU Department for National Rights of the Russian Federation in Foreign Countries

States parties to the Vienna Convention that have ratified the agreement are highlighted in red.

Russian driver's license abroad: where is it valid and how to change it?

The content of the article

What rights are needed when traveling?

The list of documents required for short-term (during a tourist trip) travel by car in other countries is regulated by the Geneva Convention of 1949 and the Vienna Convention of 1968. Depending on the current agreement, a Russian citizen abroad will need:

National rights - if a person received them after March 2011 and plans to travel to a country for which the Vienna Convention is in force.
National driving license (NDP) + translation. Also valid for states that have signed the Vienna Agreement.
DDP + international driver's license (IDP). Required in countries that have accepted the Geneva Agreement. In some cases, an IDP may also be required in countries that have adopted the Vienna Convention. But in such a situation, international driving licenses are not necessary - you can take them with you only as a safety net in case of unforeseen situations on the road.

At first glance, the division is simple and understandable. But individual European countries have their own nuances, and, as we have already noted, you may still be required to provide an IDP. There are two reasons for this. Firstly, some states impose increased requirements on Russian drivers. Secondly, in order to “adjust” domestic laws to an international act, ratification of the document is required, which not all countries have passed.

Where does the Vienna Convention apply?

The list is impressive, but in addition to it, the Consular Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry lists the following countries where an IDP may well be required.

Belgium. An international license is needed to rent a car. You can also travel around the DDP by personal car.
Greece. They will also require it if you want to rent a car.
Netherlands. It is also permissible to drive with an illegal driving license, but when stopped on the road, the police often require an international license.
Norway. You need an IDP to rent a car. You can move around the country with national rights.
Türkiye. You may be asked for an IDP even when traveling in a personal car.
Switzerland. Similar to the previous option.

Where does the Geneva Agreement apply?

In these countries, an IDP is used in conjunction with a national ID. There are countries where international rights are required less often (for example, Spain, Great Britain). But this does not mean that you can do without them. So, when applying for insurance or renting a car, an IDP will most likely be required.

Residence permit or permanent residence abroad: how long are Russian rights valid?

After moving to another country, you can use a Russian DDP for a limited period of time, after which you should replace your rights with local ones.

“Starting point” is obtaining a document on residence permit or permanent residence. EU member countries issue a uniform driver's license. Although complete replacement with new power units is planned only by 2033. But if you are going to move from one EU country to another, then you will not have to change the previously acquired rights. After expiration, the European driving license is changed automatically, without passing an exam.

How to get a license in Europe?

Each country has its own nuances (more on this later). The general scheme is this.

Retaking exams. In most countries you will have to take both theory and driving tests.
Medical commission. In no European country can you start taking exams until you receive the opinions of a number of doctors. Some countries also require first aid courses.
Original NVU. You will need to present the original Russian license in any country. But some will require a notarized translation, and some will not.
Confirmation. Before issuing new licenses, the government agency must make sure that your existing license is valid. In some countries, this procedure does not require your participation. In others, you will have to contact the consulate. But it happens that they require a certificate from the traffic police, and from the city where you took the exams and received a certificate. They are also sometimes asked to provide documents from a driving school. To find out which option is yours, contact the consulate of the country you are interested in.
Additional documents. Confirmation of the right to reside in the country (long-term visa, residence permit). Sometimes they ask to show documents for property or registration (depending on the purpose of the move).

What are the features and cost of obtaining new rights?

If you decide to move to one of the EU countries from Russia, the timing and features of the temporary residence permit exchange will depend on the specific state. We will also consider countries that are not members of the European Union, but are often of interest to Russians as places to move.

If you have a residence permit, local rights will be valid until the permit expires.
In this case, the national rights remain in the hands of the foreigner. If there is permanent residence, the foreigner must replace his “native” license with a local one, submitting it along with the necessary package of documents to the traffic police department at the place of registration. The validity period of the new license in this case is ten years. Please note that you will have to take both theory and practice. Moreover, the exam is conducted only in Russian; foreign citizens are not provided with an interpreter.

A little more about the features of obtaining a driver’s license abroad

If you are already a driver, you will be allowed to prepare for the theoretical exam at home, but you will definitely have to attend driving lessons.
The training is step-by-step: first you take the theory, then you take practice in urban conditions. You will also pay for each stage separately.
You undergo a medical examination immediately before the exam. The certificate is valid for 90 days.
You can sign up for the exam, as well as get more detailed information and take a practice test, on the website of the General Directorate of Traffic in Spain.
Along with the new driver's license, they are given a green plate with the letter L - this is the mark of a newbie. They are glued to the rear window - you can only remove it after a year.

First, you pass a theoretical exam, after which you are issued a learner's permit (valid for 12 months). You can get behind the wheel, even with an instructor, only if they are available. You can drive around Cyprus with a learner’s license only if there is a person nearby who is over 25 years old and has at least 5 years of driving experience.
The letter L is attached to both the front and rear of the car.
You can register to drive no earlier than a month after you receive your learner’s license (in practice, this period often extends to three to five months). But you can pay extra to speed up the process.
You can decide for yourself how many hours to practice: you will take the exam when you realize that you are ready. If you fail, you can try again no earlier than 30 days later, paying the fee again.
After passing the practical test, your driver's license will be mailed to you.

Practical driving lessons begin immediately in the city - no racetracks or training tracks.
When a person takes his license for the first time, a mandatory part of the program is several driving lessons in difficult conditions (bad weather, darkness, etc.). But those who already have a driving license go through this stage at will. But in any case, you will have to practice driving on the autobahn, at various speeds, outside populated areas.
There is no need to undergo a medical examination - just check your vision.
It is not necessary to attend theoretical classes, but you will have to take an exam. At a driving school, you are given access to an online program for self-training. You can even take the theoretical part in Russian, and sign up whenever it’s convenient for you.
A special feature of the theoretical exam for obtaining a driving license in Germany is a large block of questions related to cyclists and the environment.
In German driving schools there is no mandatory number of hours for driving training: the instructor sends you for the test when he understands that you are ready.

What is the penalty
for expired licenses?

If you do not change your Russian driver's license to a local one in time, the document you have will be considered invalid. The punishment can be a large fine (on average €8 thousand), or the seizure of the car and even the detention of the driver.

Most often the case ends with a fine. In some countries (for example, France, Germany, Czech Republic), in addition to the main punishment, along with each violation you “earn” points. When a certain number of them accumulate, you are deprived of your rights. And in France, if you try to argue and rudely prove that you are right, you risk going to prison for up to a year.

In most countries, obtaining a local license instead of a Russian one obliges you to retake the theory and practice of driving. Although this requires additional expenditure of time and money, it allows you to get acquainted with the peculiarities of driving and legislation in a particular country. By doing so, you will increase your safety and reduce the risk of fines. And thanks to the generally long period of validity of the Russian driving license in other countries, you will have enough time to prepare for the procedure for passing a local license.