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Holidaymakers planning to drive abroad are being warned they may need extra documents if Britain leaves the EU without a deal on Friday.

Travel insurer Allianz Assistance UK said travellers will need to get clued up what they'll need ahead of their trip - especially if they're planning to hire a car.

It's warned holidaymakers could find themselves in need of an International Driving Permit (IDP) if they plan to drive whilst out of the UK - and supply is already in strong demand.

An International Driving Permit allows you to drive in countries where a UK licence alone is not sufficient, such as the USA, Brazil and Japan.

However, this could soon apply to Brits who are heading off to Europe if the UK leaves the EU without a deal.

The document costs £5.50 and can be obtained over the counter at Post Offices across the UK . To apply, you must be a GB or Northern Ireland resident, have a full UK driving licence and be 18 or over.

You will also need to take your full valid UK photo-card driving licence, a passport standard photograph and your valid passport as proof of identification when applying at the Post Office.

"If the UK leaves the EU without a deal this Friday then IDPs will be needed alongside a main driving licence, if you are planning to drive whilst you are on your travels. This could apply if you are taking your own car abroad or hiring a car at your European destination," Kate Walker at Allianz Assistance UK said.

"It is also really important that you know exactly what you need before you set off because to make things slightly more complicated, there are three different IDPs currently in use and you may need more than one depending on the country that you are visiting."

The Post Office has warned that travellers in need of one should apply in good time as not all branches offer them.

"We’re aware that some of the 2,500 branches across the UK providing International Driving Permits (IDPs) have seen high demand, and we’re sorry to anyone who has been unable to purchase an IDP at their chosen branch," a statement on its website said.

"We’d like to reassure customers that we have plenty IDPs in stock and we have been providing branches with extra supplies."

Walker added that travellers should factor their IDP in with all other essential documents, such as travel insurance and foreign currency.

"It’s best to add ‘checking IDP requirements’ to your pre-holiday preparation list along with other essentials like travel insurance, valid passports and the correct currency. All the necessary information you need is available here .

"However, the good news is, there is no requirement for UK licence holders visiting EU/EEA countries to undertake any additional test to drive after the UK leaves the EU."

Three International Driving Permits - but which is right for me?

If the UK leaves the EU without a deal, a 1949 version of the IDP which can be purchased now and is valid for 12 months, would be required when driving in Spain, Malta, Ireland and Cyprus.

All other EU countries would require a 1968 IDP which can only be obtained over the counter at a Post Office branch.

In the event of a no-deal Brexit , the Government has also announced that drivers hiring or taking their vehicle abroad would need to carry a Green Card as proof of third party motor insurance cover. Here's what you need to know on applying for one .