Thinking of road-tripping to Europe this year? From paperwork checks to what gear you’ll need in the boot, and even paying for tolls, here’s your all-in-one guide to getting road-ready.
First, sort your documents
Planning to take your own car? Before you even think about what playlist to queue up, double-check the essentials.
- Driving licence. Make sure it’s valid. Renew it online if it’s expired or close to it.
- Insurance. You’ll need proof of cover.
- V5C logbook. Take it if you own the car.
If you’ve got a UK photocard licence, you’re good for most of Europe including France, Italy and Germany. Got an old-school paper licence? Either upgrade it or get an International Driving Permit. Check gov.uk/driving-abroad for the details.
What to pack in the car
Some items are legally required depending on the country:
- Warning triangle. Needed in most of Europe
- Hi-vis vest. Mandatory in France and Germany
- Headlight beam deflectors. So you don’t blind oncoming drivers
To make it easier, you can grab a European driving kit from Halfords or the RAC for around £25 to £32.
Don’t forget the UK sticker
If your number plate doesn’t have the UK identifier with the Union Jack, stick a UK sticker on the back of your car. You’ll need one no matter what if you’re driving in Spain, Cyprus or Malta. You don’t need one for Ireland.
Are you properly insured?
All UK car insurance includes third-party cover in the EU and a few other places like Switzerland. That only covers damage you cause to others, not your own car.
Most comprehensive policies do extend to Europe, but always check. Here’s what some insurers offer:
- LV= covers you for up to 180 days
- Admiral (except the Essential policy) includes 90 days
- Aviva gives you third-party cover only unless you pay extra
If you're not covered, you can get short-term European insurance through comparison sites. It can sometimes be easier and cheaper than changing your existing policy.
Breakdown cover = peace of mind
New car? You might already have European breakdown cover with your warranty or service plan. Some bank accounts also include it:
- Nationwide FlexPlus costs £18 a month
- Monzo Max starts at £17 a month
- Co-op Everyday Extra is £18 a month
- Barclays offers a travel pack add-on for £14.50 a month (six-month minimum)
Not covered? A two-week policy can cost from £32. Compare the Market shows options like Cover My Breakdown at that price. If you want more peace of mind, RAC and AA offer more complete cover from around £85 to £130 depending on the level.
Clean air zones and French Crit’Air stickers
France has low-emission zones in cities like Paris, Lyon and Le Havre. To drive in these, you’ll need a Crit’Air sticker on your windscreen.
- Apply on the official French site
- Costs €4.91 including postage
- Make sure you get it before your trip
No sticker could mean a fine of up to €180.
Don't forget tolls
Driving from Calais to Nice? You’ll pay around €125 each way in tolls.
Avoiding tolls is possible but will take longer. Use ViaMichelin.co.uk to plan your route and estimate costs.
You can pay tolls with a card at the booth, or sign up for a service like Emovis Tag to cruise through the automatic lanes. These only make sense if you're doing a lot of trips.
Quick recap before you go:
- Driving licence, insurance and logbook
- UK sticker if needed
- Warning triangle, hi-vis vest, beam deflectors
- Crit’Air sticker for France
- Toll costs and how you’ll pay
- Breakdown cover (check your bank account or warranty)
Now you’re road-trip ready. Snacks packed, playlist sorted, Google Maps loaded. Europe is just a drive away.
