If you are feeling super adventurous and want to drive on the European continent, there are few things that you will need to know 

Driving in Europe: Important documents you need

Compulsory requirements for all drivers

Before leaving for your trip, it’s important to make sure you’ve got all of the right documents and that they’re valid for the length of your trip.

While driving across Europe, road users must have these items in the vehicle at all times.

• Full, valid driving licence
• National insurance number
• VC5 certificate (if you’re taking your own car)
• Passport
• European breakdown cover policy numbers and documents
• Proof of vehicle insurance
• Travel insurance documents

European driving checklist

Common road laws in Europe

Thankfully, many European countries share the same driving laws. However, it’s important to be aware of some key differences. Take a look at our European driving checklist below…

• Drive on the right, give way to the left
  Unless you’re in the British Isles, Cyprus or Malta.
• Reflective jackets
  In France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Austria, and Croatia you’re legally required to keep one high-visibility jacket per person in the passenger compartment.
• Warning triangles
  All vehicles in Europe must carry a warning triangle in case of a breakdown or emergency.
• First aid kits
  Many European countries legally require you to carry a first aid kit on the road. And where it isn’t the law, it’s highly recommended.
• Snow chains and winter tyres
  Depending on the time of year, snow chains and winter tyres are legally required or recommended in Andorra, Austria, France, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland.
• UK stickers and identifiers
  If you’re driving a UK-registered car in Spain, Cyprus, or Malta, you need to display a UK sticker at all times. In other European countries (except Ireland), you also need a UK sticker unless your number plate shows a Union flag. A GB identifier, Euro symbol, or national flag doesn’t count as a UK identifier.
• Headlight converters
  UK cars usually need headlight converter stickers to adjust the dipped beam of your lights to prevent dazzling oncoming vehicles.
• International driving permits
  You might need an IDP to drive in certain European countries if your driving license is paper or from Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man.
• Green cards
  You might need a green card to prove that you have vehicle insurance while driving in Albania, Azerbaijan, Moldova, Turkey and Ukraine.
• Visas
  Check the entry requirements of the countries you’re visiting in case you need a visa.

Driving through Europe: country-specific tips

Lesser-known driving rules around Europe

Portugal

If you’re travelling with bikes, make sure they’re on a roof mount because it’s illegal to carry them on the back of a car in Portugal. Also, you must have prepaid toll tickets to drive on Portuguese motorways.

France

You can’t wear headphones while driving, or use speed-camera detection on your phone or sat nav. Your vehicle must also display a Crit’air emissions stickerto avoid a €135 fine. Finally, be savvy to speed limits which can change in different weather conditions, like rain.

Austria

Keep your hands off the horn in Vienna and around hospitals – beeping is largely prohibited in these areas.

Cyprus

Make sure you pull over if you’re feeling thirsty or tempted by a snack because you could be fined for eating or drinking while driving in Cyprus.

Germany

Before heading to any major cities you’ll have to display an Umweltplakette emission sticker, which you can order online.

Spain

It is compulsory to carry a spare wheel (and the tools to fit it) when driving in Spain. It’s also a good idea to pay close attention to parking rules, as they can be very particular in some regions.

Greece, Poland, Romania and Russia

Although it’s often recommended in many European countries, you are legally required to have a fire extinguisher on board while driving in Greece, Poland, Romania and Russia.

The ‘just-in-case’ packing list

What you’ll need to drive in Europe.

Whether it’s an extra pair of sunnies or your favourite pair of shoes, we’ll leave the holiday packing list up to you. But alongside the compulsory driving documents and items, you might want to think about taking some of these.

Breakdown essentials

• Jump leads, a spare tyre and a fuel can.
• Extra layers, blankets, a torch, and plenty of water.
• Emergency numbers for the areas or countries you’ll be travelling through.

Useful extras

Bucket-list drives in Europe

Five best roads in Europe

You might have already tackled some of the more well-known road trips in the UK, or the iconic fairytale driving routes in Germany. So if you’re looking for some more inspiration, check out these European road trip routes to add to your itinerary.