The UK and Ireland didn't sign up to the Schengen agreement, so I don't think that’s technically true. However, sometimes when my friends and I have travelled through France/Belgium/The Netherlands the authorities have been happy with a driving licence, other times not. Edit: Just had a fish about on the net and apparently any instance when a UK resident leaves the UK they need to take their passport. When I travel from Guernsey to the UK and back, I don't need to take mine (but always do as I no longer have a drivers licence). Guernsey is a bit weird though.