Top tips for driving abroad

If you plan to drive abroad, either for business or when on holiday, it's important to do your research prior to your arrival, ensuring you understand the driving laws of the country that you are visiting.

Documents

Taking the correct documentation when driving abroad is a must and can save all kinds of headaches should something go wrong. You'll already have your passport but remember to carry your driving licence too, as well as your V5C logbook if you are driving your own vehicle.

Some countries will require you to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP). The type of permit needed depends on the country you intend to drive in, however each type can be purchased at the Post Office for around £5.

While we hope you won't need them, the contact details for your insurance provider are also good to have to hand. You should also contact your insurer around six weeks prior to your trip to ask for a green card which proves your car is covered if you are driving in Europe.

Equipment

Depending on the country you visit, you may be required to carry a reflective jacket, a warning triangle and even a breathalyser in your vehicle. You may need to apply headlight converter stickers to your car too.

If your registration plate has a euro symbol, a national flag of England, Scotland or Wales, or numbers and letters only (no flag or identifier) you will need to add a GB sticker when travelling abroad. It is also mandatory to add a GB sticker if you are travelling to Spain, Cyprus or Malta, regardless of if your plate already includes a GB identifier.

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