I’ve written a little guide detailing what you need to drive in Europe from the UK this year for a Channel Islands to Gibraltar holiday. A little word of warning – lots of websites seem to add lots of extra things you apparently need to take with you. I’ve tried to list out all of the actual documents you need to take, along with the few bits of kit you need to fit to your car. I’ve referenced the government’s own position wherever possible, so you can rely on this for accurate information on driving in Europe from the UK.
Do You Need An International Driving Permit
If you have a full UK photocard driving licence then you don’t need an International Driving Permit (IDP) for driving in France, Spain, Italy or any other country in the EU. The IDP is often referenced when planning a European driving holiday but it is actually a requirement for driving in certain non-EU countries. People mistakenly believe IDPs are required for European travel but a simple check on the government’s website confirms that a photocard licence is accepted for all EU travel without the need for an IDP.
What Paper Licence Holders Need To Check
The main group that are affected are people who hold old style paper full licences or full licences issued in countries out with the UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man. IDPs may be required for travel to certain countries and it is always best to check prior to travel. Even if you hold a full paper licence issued in the UK, IDPs may be required for travel to certain countries.
Why You Need A UK Sticker Or Identifier
A UK sticker needs to be displayed to show that you are from the UK, even if your number plate already shows the identifier. This is the case for Spain, Cyprus and Malta and you will need to carry a spare sticker as well as displaying one on your vehicle. Ireland is the only EU country where a UK identifier on a number plate, or a UK sticker, is not required. However, for all other countries in the EU, a UK sticker should be displayed. These cost very little to buy, and it’s better to have them with you, than risk an argument at a border.
Do You Need A Green Card
The green card is NOT required for driving in the EU, including France, Norway, Switzerland and a number of other countries. You will however need to check that your insurance policy provides third-party cover for the countries you plan to visit as the amount of cover provided by your policy may vary. The AA’s driving abroad advice includes full information on all of the documents you need to carry when driving abroad, and confirms that a green card is NOT required for any of the countries listed above.
Insurance Cover Is Often The Bare Minimum
The coverage from your home policy will usually extend to provide minimum third party cover across Europe (as well as in Norway, Switzerland and elsewhere). However, this is the legal minimum and you’ll likely find that your policy offers more extensive cover at home. So, unless you’re happy to be limited to third party only on your foreign leg, it’s sensible to ring your insurer and get them to extend your policy for the trip, and to ensure you have all necessary breakdown cover for the countries you intend to visit.
Three Documents To Keep In The Car
For a road trip within Europe, you’ll need to carry three important documents in your vehicle. These are: your driving license; the V5C log book for your vehicle (the green paper-based version of the vehicle registration document); and your insurance certificate. While border control and police in France and Spain may not always ask for these documents, in the event of an accident or if you’re stopped for any reason, you’ll be expected to provide them. A photo of these on your phone is not sufficient and it’s therefore advisable to keep the originals together in the glovebox of your vehicle rather than distributed between various pieces of luggage.
The Gibraltar And Channel Islands Catch
Don’t confuse Gibraltar, the Channel Islands and the European Mainland when it comes to documentation and insurance for vehicles. Even though Gibraltar is situated near Europe and most people travel to Gibraltar via Spain, it is outside of the current EU arrangement. You will need to check with your insurer to see if you have adequate insurance to travel to the following destinations; Gibraltar, Jersey, Guernsey. For driving in europe what do i need, see https://travelsnews.co.uk/tips/the-factory-that-sets-every-price-you-pay/.
A Quick Word On Costs
Remember, the above information is only for the necessary documentation required to travel to Europe. The price you pay for fuel when you are there will be subject to a variety of other influences
Checklist: Driving In Europe From The UK
Do I need an IDP for France, Spain or Italy? No, if you hold a UK photocard licence.
An IDP is not required for France, Spain and Italy if you hold a UK photocard licence. However, you will need a UK sticker to display on your vehicle. You will require a sticker to display in Spain, Cyprus and Malta regardless of whether your number plate is already displaying a UK identifier. However, a UK sticker is not required in Ireland.
Do I need a green card? No. A green card is not required for driving in the EU, Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and several other European countries which are covered by the same insurance agreement as the UK. You should carry your UK insurance certificate instead.
Drivers holding a paper licence must check whether they require an IDP for their journey to Europe.
Your driving licence, your V5C log book and your insurance certificate must be carried in your vehicle and produced if required.
Note: The above covers the paperwork and documents for travel. In addition to this you should also ensure that your vehicle is in a safe and legal condition for the road, including checking the condition of your tires, the operation of your vehicles lights and ensuring that you have appropriate breakdown cover in place for your journey.
