Driving in Europe from the UK
Whether you’re off on a summer roadtrip across the French Riviera, or skiing in the Alps or just planning to drive through Europe for business or pleasure, hitting the road outside the UK requires more than just topping up your fuel and plugging in your sat nav.
Here’s a complete guide on what you need to know, check, and pack before driving in Europe as a UK resident.
Check you can drive there legally
Do I Need an International Driving Permit (IDP)?
Most UK drivers do not need an IDP to drive in EU countries, such as Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein, if they have a photocard driving licence.
You will need an IDP if:
- You only have a paper licence
- You’re travelling to a county that doesn’t recognise the UK licence (e.g. some Eastern European countries)
Always check GOV.UK for up-to-date requirements per country.
Green Card & Insurance
You don’t need a Green Card anymore to drive in most European countries with UK insurance. But you do need:
- A minimum of third-party insurance cover
- To check that your policy includes European cover and hold long for
- A printed copy of your insurance certificate
Want peace of mind? Call your insurer and as for a “European cover note” before you go.
Display the Correct UK Sticker
You must display a UK identifier on your vehicle when driving in most European countries.
Options:
- A number plate with the UK identifier and the Union Flag.
- A UK sticker on the rear of your vehicle (mandatory if your plate has a Euro flag or old GB identifier)
Tip: If in doubt, stick the UK sticker on; it’s better to be safe than fined.
European Driving Kit (Yes, You Really Need One)
Many countries require certain safety items to be in your vehicle, even if you don’t plan to use them.
Pack a European Driving Kit that includes:
- Reflective jacket (for every passenger)
- Warning triangle
- Headlamp beam deflector
- Breathalyser (France requires this)
- GB or UK sticker
- First aid kit (recommended)
Essential Documents to Carry
You must have these with you while driving:
- Your full, valid UK driving licence
- Your vehicle’s V5C logbook (or VE103 if it’s leased/hired)
- Car insurance documents
- Passport
- Travel insurance
Make digital and physical copies of everything and store them separately incase of loss or theft.
Rules & Road Signs Are Different
Driving laws vary by country, but here are a few common difference to be aware of:
- Drive on the right (unless you’re in Malta, Cyprus or Ireland)
- Speed limits are in km/h
- Low Emission Zones in cities like Paris, Milan and Berlin require pre-registration
- Priority rules and road signs will differ, especially at roundabouts and junctions
Download an offline sat nav or app like Waze or VivaMichelin to stay safe and avoid fines.
Don't Forget Tolls & Charges
European roads can be filled with tolls, especially motorways. Be prepared with:
- Contactless card or local currency
- Toll tags (e.g. Telepass in Italy or Liber-t in France)
- Pre-booked passes for places like the Swiss motorway vignette
Low emission zone fines can also apply to foreign vehicles, so always check city-specific rules before entering.
Plan for Brexit Changes & Entry Rules
UK passport holders must:
- Have at least 3 months left on their passport from the day you plan to leave the EU
- Make sure the passport is under 10 years old
Also you may need to show:
- Proof of accommodation
- Return or onward travel plans
- Enough money for your stay
Use Roaming-Friendly Apps
Navigation, parking, translation – a few apps can make your trip far smoother:
- Waze/Google Maps: For real-time traffic & cameras
- Park4Night: For campervans & safe parking
- Google Translate: For road signs & fuel types
Double check your mobile data plan if roaming charges apply!
Take Your Time & Enjoy the Journey
Driving through Europe gives you the freedom to explore cities, coasts and countryside on your terms. Just make sure you prepare thoroughly and you’ll avoid fines, stress, or worse.