Driving in Europe this summer? What you need to know.

If you’re one of the thousands of Brits who fancy hopping over to France or Spain in the car this summer, good on you. Few things beat a European road trip – baguettes, beaches, and better weather than Blackpool. But before you chuck the kids, the dog and the kitchen sink in the boot, let’s talk about what you actually need to drive abroad without ending up red-faced at the roadside.

What the law says

First off, your UK driving licence is still fine across most of Europe. But make sure it’s in date - sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised.

You’ll need:

• Valid insurance. Most UK policies give you minimum legal cover abroad, but don’t assume. Ring your insurer and check. If they say you’re only covered third party in Europe, consider topping up.
• V5C logbook. That little red document proving you own the car. Keep it in the glove box – not at home.
• Breakdown cover. Worth its weight in gold. Nobody wants to be stranded in a Spanish layby with Google Translate and a flat tyre.

Oh, and don’t forget a UK sticker on the back. “GB” is dead – it’s “UK” now. Cheers, Brexit.

What you need in the car

Most European countries make you carry some extra kit. A few essentials that’ll keep the feds happy:

• High-vis vests (one for every person in the car – and keep them inside the car, not in the boot)
• Warning triangle
• Headlamp beam deflectors (unless your car does it automatically)
• Breathalyser (France still “requires” it, even if they never check)
• First aid kit (mandatory in some countries, good sense in all)

Satnav that shows speed camera locations? That’s illegal in France, Germany and a few others. Disable it or get ready to argue with a gendarme.

Pre-trip car checks 

Before you set off, do a proper once-over:

• Tyres. Tread depth, pressure, and don’t forget the spare.
• Oil and coolant. Topping up beats overheating on a toll road.
• Brakes and battery. Especially if the car’s been sat doing nothing for months.
• Wipers and lights. If it’s lashing down in the Alps, you’ll want them working.

Chuck in a few spares – bulbs, fuses, a bit of screenwash – and make sure your satnav or phone’s up to date.

Caravan?

Dragging a caravan across the continent? Fair play. But be warned - every country’s got its own rules, especially about speed limits and what weight you can legally tow. Make sure your driving licence covers it, your insurance includes the caravan, and your number plate on the back shows your reg and that UK sticker.

Some countries, like Spain and Austria, require extra mirrors and even reflectors. And if your caravan's heavier than your car? You’ll need a crash course in weight ratios and towing law. Seriously, check it before you go.

Driving abroad isn’t rocket science, but a bit of prep goes a long way. Don’t wait until you’re halfway to Calais to realise you’ve forgotten the logbook, or that your beam deflectors are stuck under the bacon in the coolbox. Sort it now, travel smart, and enjoy the ride. Just remember- in Europe, they drive on the right.

DANNY's No-Nonsense Checklist

Documents to carry

•  Full, valid UK driving licence
•  V5C vehicle logbook
•  Proof of insurance (check it covers you in Europe)
•  European breakdown cover (policy number handy)
•  Travel insurance (with medical cover)

Car essentials

•  UK sticker on the back of your car (not GB)
•  Headlamp beam deflectors
•  Warning triangle
•  High-vis vest for each person in the car (kept inside the vehicle)
•  First aid kit
•  Spare bulbs and fuses
•  Fire extinguisher (recommended in some countries)
•  Breathalyser (France)
•  Reflective jackets and extra warning triangle if towing (some countries)

Pre-trip car checks

•  Tyres (tread, pressure, no damage)
•  Oil and coolant levels topped up
•  Screenwash filled
•  Brake check
•  Battery check
•  Lights and indicators all working
•  Wipers working and not worn

Caravan

•  UK number plate on the back
•  Extended towing mirrors
•  Check weight limits (vehicle + caravan)
•  Caravan insurance valid abroad
•  Check country-specific rules (speed limits, extra reflectors etc.)

Tech & navigation

•  Disable speed camera alerts on satnav
•  Update maps/download offline maps
•  In-car charger and mount for your phone
•  Breakdown/emergency contacts saved

Other handy bits

•  Euros and toll money (card not always enough)
•  Sunglasses (it’s Europe – it might actually be sunny)
•  Snacks, water, and entertainment for passengers
•  Portable battery pack

Bon Voyage!