The essential guide to driving in Europe

With the holiday season approaching, many of us are turning our attention to getting away for some rest and relaxation. Whether you’re thinking of a staycation or heading into Europe, driving can be a cost-effective and productive way of getting there.

In this post, we’ll look at driving in Europe and explain what you can and can’t do, which documents you need and how you can stay safe.

Can I drive abroad?

The short answer is yes, but you’re going to need to take your Great Britain or Northern Ireland driving licence with you when you do.

Most standard 12-month UK car insurance policies will cover you to drive in some European countries. This will usually be up to 30 days third cover but can sometimes extend to up to 90 days. Check your policy documentations carefully as some may not include European driving at all.

Most UK car insurance policies offer third-party cover for:

• The EU – including Ireland
• Andorra
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Iceland
• Liechtenstein
• Norway
• Serbia
• Switzerland

Third-party cover only covers repairs for the third party if you’re involved in an accident that’s your fault. As you can’t claim for repairs to your own car, it may be worth considering upgrading your cover.

What documents do I need for driving abroad?

If you’re driving in Europe, it’s worth keeping the following documents handy and within reach:

• Valid driving licence.
• Vehicle log book (V5C).
• Insurance certificate – either your annual policy if it allows you to drive in European countries or temporary European car insurance.
• A car insurance green card/international driving permit (IDP) if needed.
• An up-to-date passport.
• A visa if needed – check gov.uk.
• A VE103 certificate if you are hiring a car.

Do I need an international driving permit?

This depends on where you’re driving to or through. You do not need an international driving permit (IDP) to drive in the EU, Switzerland, Iceland or Liechtenstein.

If you have a paper driving licence or licence issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man, you may need an IDP to drive in some EU countries and Norway. Check the International Driving Permit website for further information.

What should I take in my vehicle?

For your own safety, you’re required to carry the following accessories in your vehicle in some European countries:

• A first-aid kit.
• A hazard warning triangle.
• A reflective jacket.
• A torch.
• Spare bulbs.
• Snow chains and/or winter tyres if it’s cold.
• UK stickers or identifiers on your number plate (all pre-2021 GB stickers must be removed, covered or replaced by UK identifiers).

How do I stay safe while driving abroad?

If you’re driving your own car abroad, you’ll want to avoid any problems on the road. Being in an unfamiliar setting, not to mention driving on the ‘wrong’ side of the road and language barrier, could add further issues to what is already a frustrating situation when you break down or are involved in an accident.

Driving on the right may be confusing at first but as long as you stay alert and give yourself regular reminders, it should come naturally. You could add a sticker to your dashboard to remember to drive on the right-hand side of the road. Be especially careful at junctions, roundabouts and when leaving car parks.

It’s important to check the latest crime and personal safety advice from the Foreign Office before you leave. You can find this on the foreign travel advice section of the government website.

If you are heading to a country in the European Union, you can call the emergency number 112. Free of charge from fixed and mobile phones within the EU, this number takes you straight through to the emergency services of police, ambulance or fire brigade. You can call this number after any accident, assault or distressing situation.

Adhere to speed limits (and remember they sometimes may be indicated in km rather than miles) and take notice of drink-driving limits, as they may be different from what you’re used to in the UK – with penalties to match.

If someone asks you to pull over, remember to be vigilant. Criminals can target foreign cars driving in Europe. Only stop in a well-lit area in a public space. Ask for the driver to show their ID if they ask any questions about your car.

Perform basic maintenance checks on your car

Before driving your car abroad, remember to check its condition. This includes:

• Checking the water.
• Topping up your oil.
• Checking the coolant levels.
• Checking your tyre pressure.

As mentioned earlier, don’t forget to add the UK identifier or sticker. If anything is raising concerns, get a professional to look over the vehicle well ahead of your trip.

What happens if I have an accident?

Although easier said than done, try not to panic if you have an accident while driving abroad. The process for collecting and exchanging is the same as in the UK – noting down the vehicle’s registration number, swapping the driver’s details and contacting your insurance company who can advise on next steps.

You may also want to do the following:

• Take photos of all vehicles involved in the incident including their registration numbers and any damage caused.
• Make a note of whether the emergency services attended the scene and their contact details.
• Make copies of travel documents.
• Fill in a European Accident Statement (EAS) form if required. This document asks you to note down all relevant information about the incident.

Tempcover’s European car insurance

With Tempcover’s European car insurance policy, you choose the time that suits you – from one hour to 28 days.

Ideal for driving holidays or visiting friends in another country, this third-party cover can be more cost-effective than adding a named driver or vehicle to an existing policy as you will only pay for the time you need.

There are a few requirements when it comes to getting insurance to drive your car abroad with Tempcover:

• The vehicle must not be modified in any way (other than to aid a disabled driver).
• The vehicle must be right-hand drive.
• The vehicle must be worth at least £500.
• The vehicle must be in the UK at both the start and end of its policy. If you’re bringing a car back from abroad, you will need imported vehicle insurance.

Top tips for driving in Europe

• Make your checks before leaving.
• Pack the essentials.
• Ensure you have all relevant legal documentation.
• Remember there are likely to be stricter alcohol limits.
• Beware of speed limits – Some countries display their speed limits in km instead of miles. The limit can vary depending on weather conditions.
• Many European countries have toll roads. While most accept a variety of payment methods, it’s always worth taking some cash (in the local currency) with you just in case. Most toll roads accept credit cards, but check your documentation to see if yours is valid.
• Remember to drive on the right.

Sources

https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad

https://internationaldrivingpermit.org/

https://www.mib.org.uk/driving-abroad/green-card-information-for-the-public/

https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/driving-abroad/road-rules-and-safety/index_en

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/content/advice/how-to-drive-your-car-abroad

https://www.confused.com/car-insurance/guides/guide-to-driving-abroad

https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/travel/driving-in-europe/when-you-get-there/

https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/travel/advice/checklist/

https://www.theaa.com/driving-advice/driving-abroad/general-advice