Essential Checklist for Driving in Europe – Summer 2023

It’s the start of the summer holidays and you may be venturing off with the family on an exciting road trip across Europe.

Before you embark on your journey, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the necessary requirements and precautions to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.

In this blog, we will provide you with a comprehensive checklist for driving in European countries this summer.

What do I need to drive in Europe?

Firstly, it’s vital to check your documentation. Make sure you carry all you need with you for peace of mind and make sure you are covered legally and safely. See below for further information.

Don’t forget to check your passports are in date, have at least 6 months of validity and are less than 10 years old!

Check your Driving Licence

First and foremost, ensure you have a valid and up-to-date photocard licence issued in the UK. This should be sufficient if visiting one EU country.

If you are planning a more extended road trip driving in more than one European country, obtaining an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended. The IDP is a recognised translation of your UK driver’s licence and is a legal requirement in some countries.

Read more information about how to get an IDP here

European Breakdown Cover

Having comprehensive breakdown cover is crucial for any road trip, even more so when travelling through different countries.

It is crucial you are covered by European breakdown cover to ensure support and assistance should the worst happen and your vehicle breaks down, or there is an emergency during your journey,

It may be worth checking your current car insurance policy to see if you are fully covered abroad – or if you can add on European breakdown cover.

Display a UK Sticker

When driving in the EU, you will need to display a UK identifier on your vehicle, typically a white oval sticker displaying the letters UK (United Kingdom).

This is a legal requirement and helps identify the country of origin of the vehicle. If you do not have this sticker, you run the risk of getting an on-the-spot fine.

If your UK number plate has a UK identifier with the Union flag, you do not need an additional sticker to drive within the EU (except in Cyprus, Malta and Spain) but it’s best to buy a UK sticker just in case!

However, if your vehicle number plate has GB under the Union flag, then there are patches with UK available to stick over the existing GB number plate sticker.

Vehicle Log Book (V5C)

Have your vehicle log book (V5C) with you, as it may be required when driving in certain European countries. The log book serves as proof of ownership and registration for your vehicle.

Essential Safety Equipment

In many European countries, carrying certain safety equipment in your vehicle is mandatory. This typically includes:

• Reflective jackets (one for each passenger stored inside the car cabin)

• Warning triangle (in most countries this is compulsory)

• Headlamp beam deflectors (see below)

• Safety helmets (motorcyclists and mopeds riders and passengers)

• UK car sticker (see above)

• First aid kit (compulsory in Austria, France and Germany)

Ensure that these items are easily accessible in case of an emergency or breakdown.

Headlights Adjustment

As we drive on the left-hand side of the road in the UK, our headlights are set up for this orientation.

To prepare for driving on the right-hand side of the road in Europe, you need to place headlamp beam deflectors or headlamp converters (which are stickers) to prevent dazzling motorists on the opposite side of the road. This is also a legal requirement in all European countries.

These stickers are available to purchase from the usual retail outlets!

Local Driving Laws

Each European country has its own set of driving laws and regulations.

Familiarise yourself with the specific rules of the countries you will be visiting. Pay attention to speed limits, which can vary from country to country, and make sure to adhere to them.

Be aware of the different local traffic signs and road markings as well.

Toll Roads and Vignettes

In some European countries, you may encounter toll roads or require a vignette (a road tax sticker) to travel on certain highways.

It is wise to check by researching the countries you will be driving through to determine if any tolls or vignettes are required in order to plan your route and budget accordingly.

For more information on driving in Europe, read the latest checklist from the RAC.

Car Checks Before a Long Journey

The final and most important thing on your checklist is to make sure your vehicle is ready for your up-coming road trip. The last thing you want to do is break down on your family holiday, especially when in an unfamiliar location!

• Ensure your car has a valid MOT certificate and up-to-date service

• Check that the brakes and tyres are in good condition Does the car’s air conditioning need a service? You don’t want to be stuck in a stifling hot car, especially in the high temperatures currently affecting many European countries If you want to get it checked, just give us a call here at Tivoli and we’ll be happy to help.

Tivoli Auto Car Services

At Tivoli, we can give your car a once-over and ensure your car is road-worthy and in good order. Contact us to book a Vehicle Health Check so your vehicle is ready for its adventure!