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Drive Your Car Abroad Safely In 2023 With Our Tips

With better weather on the horizon and holidays just around the corner, you might be thinking about embarking on a road trip overseas and we can’t blame you! There’s nothing quite like exploring the world in the comfort of your own car, cutting out the stress of weight limits for luggage on a plane or busy public transport that you can’t quite work out. The freedom to explore your destination at your leisure in a familiar vehicle can make the holiday experience a lot more relaxing and enjoyable, but there are a few things you need to know before you get out on the road. From making sure your car is in good shape, to having all of the legally required items in the vehicle, here is our guide to driving abroad safely in 2023.

Get Your Car Serviced

You want your car to be in the best possible shape on any drive you take, but especially when you’re heading overseas. Breaking down on UK roads is stressful enough, but when out in Europe or further, knowing the local breakdown companies or whether your car will be ready to go by the time you need to come home, can be daunting and stressful. The last thing anyone wants is to be stranded. Taking the time to book your car in for a full service and for repair of any ongoing issues, whether it’s as small as a bodywork dent or something more serious like a warning light that needs checking, can give you peace of mind that your car is road-ready before your trip. 

Have A Driving Kit

Every country has it’s own rules and regulations for driving and some have requirements for tools and equipment you need to keep in your vehicle at all times. These include: 

  • Warning Triangle – This is compulsory in most countries.
  • Beam Deflectors – You will either need stickers or have to adjust the beam yourself.
  • Reflective Jackets – One for the driver and each passenger, kept within the cabin.
  • UK Car Sticker – If you don’t have a GB Euro number plate, you’ll need a UK car sticker. You will need it no matter what to drive in Cyprus, Malta or Spain.
  • First Aid Kit – This is compulsory in Austria, France and Germany.
  • Helmets – These are compulsory if you’re using a moped or motorbike.

Keep These Important Documents With You

To drive safely abroad and to ensure that you are prepared for every eventuality, there are a few documents you should take with you on your holiday. These include: 

  • Full, valid driving licence
  • National insurance number
  • Proof of vehicle insurance
  • Proof of ID (e.g. passport)
  • Vehicle logbook (V5C certificate)
  • Travel Insurance documents
  • European breakdown cover details
  • Tax and MOT details
  • Crit’air sticker for France
  • Any international driving permits you need

Check Your Insurance

Providing that your car is properly insured here in the UK, you can rest assured that you can drive in Europe with the basic level of third party cover in the following countries: 

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

Some policies may also have additional cover available either on your existing insurance or as additional products. Check with your insurer for more information. 

It’s also worth noting that while the Green Card isn’t necessarily in the EU or other countries listed above, some countries still require a valid green card. These countries include Albania, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Moldova, Russia, Turkey and Ukraine. 

For more information about preparing your car for driving abroad, or to book a service or vehicle repairs, we are on hand to help. Simply get in touch with our team and we’ll get you booked in at your local garage in plenty of time for your break.