Packing up the car for a trip into mainland Europe is something familiar and exciting for many, stretching back decades for some. But recent years have seen plenty of changes to the rules, and even if you are a seasoned European driver, a recap on the key points could save you time and money.
What are the most important bits of motoring documentation to pack if you are driving abroad? Take a look at our handy guide below.
Essential paperwork
You will surely be checking your passport every few minutes before departure, and the ferry or tunnel tickets (for those still relying on printed passes). But alongside these prepared documents in importance should be the VE103.
This is something that authorities abroad could demand to see if stopped while driving, and without it, you could face anything from a waste of time and inconvenience, to a hefty fine and an impounded vehicle until the document can be produced.
What is a VE103?
This is a leasing customer’s equivalent of a V5C – a vehicle log book. As a leasing customer you don’t own the vehicle, and therefore you can’t produce a V5C as proof of ownership.
Instead, you’ll need a VE103, which is proof of permission from the vehicle owner (the funder of your car) to be in possession of it. To give it its official title, the VE103 is a vehicle on hire certificate.
How do you get a VE103?
It’s not a complicated process, and will likely take significantly less time than applying for a passport, however we recommend that organise obtaining the VE103B in plenty of time before travelling, as the form has to be an original and will be posted out to the drivers.
A quick call to CBVC Vehicle Management on 0330 822 4500 – or your vehicle leasing provider (check your driver app) – will sort things, as all you need is to request the document. As long as there are no strange limits or complications, the document will be issued, and you’ll be one step closer to peace of mind when driving abroad.
Check your driving licence
Sounds like a simple one, but you’d be amazed how many don’t. Regardless of Brexit, a UK driving licence will see travellers eligible to drive without any further licence documentation – certainly throughout most of the continent.
However, some countries will require an international driving permit (IDP), which again is easy to sort from a post office – and looks much like it should be handed out with ration books – for a small cost. But it will cover you to drive as a visitor in just about any country in the world on your UK driver’s licence. Like your passport, it also needs to not be close to expiring – bear in mind that UK citizens have a maximum of 90 days free travel in every 180 days across much of Europe without any additional visas, so three months’ validity is the minimum for simple, trouble-free driving.
Picture credit: SamJonah / Shutterstock.com
Insure your trip
Alongside travel insurance, it is worth making sure your insurance for driving abroad is up to the cover you want. Some policies may offer a reduced level of cover, and there could be limits for cover in certain countries. A quick scan through your policy will reassure you – or show up any areas where you might want to boost your cover.
Remember to pack that insurance document as well, along with your VE103 and any other travel documents, in a convenient place should you be stopped by the local constabulary, or need help if you are broken down. Convenient is not beneath the boot floor under all your kit!
Regional variations
Unfortunately, life is not so simple that every European country has the same rules regarding road users. So it’s worth checking what you need to keep with you by law in the vehicle, if driving through a certain country or countries.
Items such as high-viz jackets, spare bulbs, first aid kit, a warning triangle, and breathalysers are some of the required travel essentials. Further information can be found on the UK Government website.
Alongside the kit you might need to stock up on, it’s worth refreshing yourself on the driving rules and customs of the countries you will visit – yes, beyond driving on the right. Speed limits, alcohol levels, signage even when you indicate on a roundabout change from country to country. Not knowing the rules is no defence against breaking them.
Breakdown cover
It’s not a legal requirement, but it’s stressful enough breaking down in your home country. Breaking down abroad is even more so, which is why it’s a good idea to check whether your breakdown cover is up to the trip you are about to take.
Anything else?
It’s not exactly car related, but check on your mobile roaming fees, as well as banking fees – this will help minimise any sting on the bank account when you get home; particularly if you rely on them to get you out of trouble such as a breakdown or to pay for any fines.
Make sure that your vehicle meets any requirements for entry to certain city centres should you be looking to drive there. Just as in the UK, there are Clean Air Zones or similar in a number of European hubs, and rules can vary dramatically.
Other than that, a quick look at the Foreign Office advisories for the country/countries you’re planning to visit is a good tip regardless of whether you are driving there or not, and a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will give you NHS-style health care abroad.
Which only leaves us to say bon voyage.
