Originally Posted by
Aviatrix
But this makes life awkward for Brits in countries where carrying ID is compulsory - i.e., the choice is between carrying one's (bulky) passport, or carrying something which may or may not be accepted by the authorities in other countries (such as a driving licence).
And please note that my post was a reply to someone who couldn't understand why we don't just all go and get a national identity card - he didn't seem to know that there are places where they don't exist, and I was trying to educate him.
I think we worry about this a little too much. I've lived in Switzerland the last 3 years and only ever carry my Swiss driving licence. In that time I've been stopped once whilst driving by the Swiss cops who asked to see my licence and insurance, nothing else. As has been pointed out upthread, police just aren't stopping and asking for papers very 5 minutes, though I also appreciate that as a caucasian I'm significantly less likely to get hassled.