Having your car with you on holiday is a big plus when it comes to exploring your destination, and getting there can be half the fun when you’re driving yourself. A little bit of prior planning can make sure the journey goes smoothly.
General maintenance
Before you set off, make sure your car is in full serviceable order. Check tyres, windscreen wipers, oil, etc., and read your insurance policy to check that you are covered for driving abroad. It is also worth considering breakdown cover too. Motor trade insurance might be different from personal insurance so make sure you have the right cover.
Keep to the speed limits
Don’t assume the speed limits will be the same as in the UK. They will vary and many European countries will issue hefty fines on the spot. In France, for example, a fine can be up to €750, so do some research ahead of time and stay on the right side of the law. Motorway speeds are often higher than in the UK, but there have been some recent changes on smaller roads too.
Documentation
Along with your driving licence, you should expect to carry your passport, travel and car insurance documents, vehicle V5 registration document, and your DVLA driver record. That can be printed out on the government website and shows a list of any endorsements on your licence.
You will also need a hi-vis safety vest and a warning triangle with you in case of breakdown.
As a UK driver, you would be expected to have on the back of your vehicle a GB sticker identifying that it is registered in the UK, unless of course, you have the EU star logo on your licence plate showing a circle of 12 stars on a blue background.
For more tips on driving abroad, see the advice from the RAC. Of course, if you’re driving for business, make sure you have your motor trade insurance sorted before you travel. Seek advice from a specialist firm like Quote Me Today quotemetoday.co.uk/motor-trade-insurance.
Finally, it might seem like a silly thing to mention, but remember that most European countries drive on the right. Be sure to concentrate when you leave car parks at junctions and on entering or leaving a motorway.
