A guide to driving in Europe, including rules of the road and five remarkable routes

In this article, we look at the rules around driving in Europe and offer a guide to car insurance for driving abroad. We also weigh the merits of a fly-drive holiday over taking your own car.

To end, we share five of the most inspiring European road trip routes.

Rules for driving in Europe

While many European countries only allow people over the age of 18 to drive on their roads, there is generally no upper age limit. Remember to renew your UK driving licence every three years once you reach 70, though. That way, it will remain valid at home and abroad.

Required documentation

When driving in most European countries, you’ll need to carry the following documents:

• UK driving licence
• Vehicle V5C registration document (you’ll also need a VE103 to confirm you’re allowed to take the car abroad if leased/hired from the owner)
• Proof of car insurance
• Passport

If you have a paper driving licence or one issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man, you may need an international driving permit (IDP) for some EU countries and Norway.

Use the government’s online tool to check your eligibility.

It’s also worth packing:

• European breakdown cover policy documents
• Travel insurance documents
• Global health insurance card (GHIC)

Your vehicle

If you'll be driving on the other side of the road when abroad, you’ll need to adjust your headlights so they don’t dazzle oncoming drivers. Some cars do so automatically or have a manual switch to facilitate this. If yours doesn’t, it’s easy to fit conversion stickers.

You should also attach a “UK” sticker to the rear of your car – failure to do so can result in an on-the-spot fine.

If you’re driving through France, you need a Crit’Air sticker. This displays the emissions generated by your car and confirms which clean-air zones you’re allowed to drive through. Failure to buy a Crit’Air sticker, or breaking clean-air restrictions, can result in a fine.

Essential equipment

Certain items are compulsory for motorists driving in European countries, but check the requirements for each country you plan to drive in,  and be sure to stock up before travelling. In general, you’ll need:

• A reflective jacket for each passenger (including the driver)
• Warning triangle
• Fire extinguisher
• First aid kit

Is your car insurance valid in Europe?

Age Co offers Car Insurance, provided by LV=. Their underwriters say insurance requirements vary from one European country to another. Most specify a minimum of third-party cover, which should come as standard with any UK policy.

Drivers who protect their car through Age Co get up to 180 days of European driving cover included per year. The only exception to this is the Republic of Ireland, where the 180-day limit doesn’t apply.

If you have comprehensive car insurance, you may have similar protection when you drive abroad. However, it’s always worth checking your policy documents to confirm.

Car insurance green cards

UK motorists don’t need a green card as proof of insurance in the EU and most neighbouring countries – your Certificate of Motor Insurance will suffice. However, some countries, including Albania, Azerbaijan, Moldova and Turkey do require this, but please check with your insurer

It’s easy to request a green card from your insurer. LV= provides an online guide to ordering one and says it will be posted first class on the next working day.

Remember, if you’re towing a trailer or a caravan, it will need its own green card in applicable countries. And if the trailer is over a certain weight and meets usage criteria, you need to register it before taking it anywhere overseas, including in the EU. Further details are on the gov.uk website.

Breakdown cover

Taking out European breakdown insurance is highly recommended, though it is often an optional extra on UK policies.

Age Co offers breakdown insurance, provided by Brittania Rescue. It includes an optional European Assist add-on, which can also be bought as standalone policy. This also provides cover in the run-up to your holiday, so you’ll be offered alternative transport if a breakdown happens within seven days of your planned departure.

If you have an accident while driving abroad, you should contact your car insurance provider. They will advise on what to do next, including recovery options.

The fly-drive option

Although it is relatively straightforward to take your own car on a European road trip, hiring a car once you reach your destination is another option. It works especially well if you’re heading somewhere far away, as it can reduce your journey time.

Other benefits of hiring a car include that the driver has better visibility by virtue of being in a left-hand-drive vehicle, and you don’t need to worry about prepping your own vehicle for a European journey. That said, some people find it hard to adjust to an unfamiliar car.

If you favour a fly-drive holiday, research your options. Companies like British Airways offer fly-drive packages where car hire is included in the deal. The alternative is to find a car-hire company operating in your chosen destination.

Finding the right car hire

LV= says price comparison websites are a good place to find the best deals. They enable you to see what you’re getting for your money – remembering that good value isn’t always the same as a low price.

Pay attention to details like the voluntary excess on the insurance that comes with your rental vehicle and policies around fuelling, so you don’t pay for more than you use. A collision damage waiver protects you from paying for damage or loss sustained while you use the vehicle and could save thousands of pounds. It’s also worth considering standalone excess insurance from the hire company, so you’re not liable for any costs in the event of a repair.

Check your hire car is appropriately kitted out for European travel, as you’ll be responsible for any shortcomings once you hit the road.

Five of the best European driving routes

Whether you’re in your own car or a rental, Europe is blessed with some of the world’s finest roads. Here are five of the best, to whet your appetite.

• The Atlantic Road (Norway): a sweeping route connecting a series of small islands to the mainland, with views of the Atlantic Ocean. A treat for wildlife spotters – and a must-drive for enthusiastic road trippers.
• Iceland Ring Road: for adventure lovers, this famous route is the perfect introduction to Iceland. Hire a car or join a guided tour to get the best from this other-worldly island.
• Middle Rhine Valley (Germany): with rolling hills and 40 castles to admire, this road trip through the Rhine Valley is a treat. Start from Bingen, on the banks of the Rhine, and explore a landscape so important it’s been recognised by UNESCO.
• Annecy to Chamonix (French Alps): travel east from Paris and you’ll come to the pretty lakeside town of Annecy. From here, take the scenic route to Chamonix, enjoying the French Alps in all their glory and ending with views of Mont Blanc.
• The Transfăgrășăn Highway (Romania): a black ribbon stretching through the Carpathian Mountains, this is a popular route with road trippers. Open during the summer, it promises 60km of sheer pleasure. Arrive early in the morning to beat the crowds.

Ready to hit the road?

With your plans in place, you’re set to enjoy the freedom of a European road trip. Just remember to take the right documents and equipment, check your insurance and breakdown cover, and plan your route in advance. Whether in your own vehicle or a hire car, you’ll have all you need for a memorable adventure.