Driving in Europe

Follow our hints and tips for driving in Europe

Nothing beats the freedom of travelling under your own steam. Having a car abroad allows you to make that detour to a secluded beach or spot the twinkling lights of a taverna up ahead. It’s also a great way to make the most of sporting events, games and festivals.

As confident as you are as a driver, here are a few simple checks to consider before taking to the open road overseas.

Do I need to tell my car insurance I'm driving abroad?

Drivers must have the minimum third-party insurance cover required by law. You need to check in your policy documents to see if you're covered for the country you need to drive in.

If in doubt, phone your car insurance provider directly and ask how long your cover is valid for and check it meets your needs while driving abroad. Does the cover include loss or theft from your vehicle, accidental damage or medical costs following an accident?

Ali Ingram Seal, Saga Car Insurance Product Manager, advises:

"If you are planning a summer road trip abroad, it’s important to check if your current car insurance policy covers you for driving outside of the UK. Many policies provide some level of cover for driving in European countries, but you may need to notify your insurer in advance.

"It’s advisable to contact your insurance provider to confirm your coverage and any potential adjustments or additional documentation required for international travel."

Do I need insurance for hiring a car abroad?

Your car hire company will usually provide basic car insurance as part of your contract. There will usually be extras you can add which can get confusing, especially if you've just got off your flight after a day travelling.

If you know you're going to be hiring a car, compare car hire before you go abroad to give you time to read what is and isn't covered and how much deposit you will need to pay. You can even phone the companies up and ask them to explain more confusing add-ons.

When you go to pick up the car, you may need to pay a sizeable deposit, so make sure the card you are using has sufficient funds. Check the vehicle over and take photos/video of any scratches. Check the fuel type and location of the petrol cap.

Choose the right vehicle for the job. You may think twice about booking that sporty little number with a sunroof if you’re likely to encounter sudden downpours, wintry conditions or gravel roads. You may want to take out car hire excess insurance cover in case the hire car is damaged or stolen.

Driving in Europe for the first time

Familiarise yourself with the rules of the road for your destination. In most countries, traffic already on a roundabout has priority as do buses and military vehicles.

Don't just rely on the accuracy of GPS, always take a paper map to double check the route. Choose your path carefully, some marked roads may not be wide enough or have surfaces that are suitable for your car.

For emergency services in mainland Europe, dial 112. Make sure your tax and MOT are up to date. Carry out the usual safety checks before you set off or book in for a service before you leave. You may need to disable your speed camera detector on your GPS or other devices as it’s illegal to use them in several European countries including France and Germany and leaving them switched on can result in a hefty fine.

Driving in Germany

Plan your route and give yourself plenty of time to get from A to B, especially in the summer months. In Germany you drive on the right and overtake on the left. At roundabouts only use your indicators when leaving not on the approach.

Remember it’s kilometres per hour (km/h) not miles per hour (mph) and the speed limit in German cities is 50 km\h, other roads are 100km/h and the autobahn (motorway) is 130km/h unless otherwise stated. It is only to be used by cars that can exceed 60km\h (37.28 mph).

Is Germany easy to drive in?

Yes, as long as you are comfortable with higher speed limits, which make it more difficult to measure distances. Two thirds of the German autobahn are not restricted for speed but it can vary, so keep an eye on traffic signs and road markings.

Check your mirrors frequently and look out for vehicles approaching from behind. Take care getting on and off the autobahn and stay out of the fast lane unless you’re an F1 driver.

What’s required to drive through Germany?

You’ll need to buy an Umweltplakette (eco sticker) which range from green, yellow, red or none depending on your emissions class. Order online at least six weeks in advance of travel. You also need to a display a UK sticker (not GB) on your car.

Can I drive in Germany with a UK licence?

Yes, UK driving licence holders can drive in Germany while on holiday. You must also carry your V5C proof of ownership, insurance documents and your passport.

What’s the parking like in Germany?

There are underground car parks, parking metres and garages in most German cities but you may find them quite busy. There’s on-street parking too but be mindful of time restrictions. You can only stop your vehicle for 3 minutes before being classed as parked.

Disabled parking is free and unlimited in pay and display car parks and parking metres or up to 3 hours elsewhere. You can use your Blue Badge in Germany. Download and print the German disabled parking badge from the UK government website.

Do you need a vignette to drive through Germany?

No, you’ll only need one in Central European countries such as Vignettes are used in Austria, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Moldova, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Switzerland.

Driving in France

Give yourself some time to familiarise yourself with driving routes through France. Autoroutes (toll roads) are quick and well-maintained. However country roads tend to be more scenic and lead to villages where you can sample more authentic cuisine and hospitality.

On French roads you drive on the right and overtake on the left. On roundabouts give way to traffic on the left. If you plan on using the autoroutes a lot, it can work out cheaper and save time to buy an Emovis tag, which lets you through the automatic barriers on toll lanes. Tags are also valid for toll roads in Portugal and Spain.

Crit’Air emissions stickers are required for travelling in France, which range from 0-5, several cities have low emissions zones that only accept vehicles up to category 2. Order online at least two weeks in advance of travel.

Can I use my UK driver’s licence in France?

Yes, if you hold a UK driving licence you can have a driving holiday in France. You will also need to carry your insurance documents, your passport and your V5C proof of ownership. If you wear glasses for driving you’ll need to have them in your car when in France, Spain or Switzerland.

Where can I park in France?

Parking in bays with a white dotted line is free. It’s usually okay to park on one side of the road if unmarked but this may swap to the other side depending on the week.

You can use Blue parking zones for a specified time, you’ll need a parking disc to display your arrival time, these are free from newsagents. The UK Blue Badge is recognised as compliant with EU parking legislation in most areas.

Download and print the French disabled parking notice at gov.uk.

Do you need a breathalyser kit to drive in France?

You no longer need to carry a kit but be aware that spot breath tests 20% more likely in France than in the UK.

Do I need spare bulbs to drive in France?

No, but you may wish to carry a set in your car in case you can’t get hold of them while driving abroad.

Do I really need a UK sticker to drive in France?

Yes, you’ll need a UK sticker (not GB) for travelling anywhere in Europe.

What documents do I need to drive in Europe?

Your passport and any visas for the country you are visiting.
Your full photocard licence and national insurance number.
Your car insurance certificate and travel insurance documents.
The vehicle registration document - your logbook (V5C certificate) and DVLA record.
A European Accident Statement (EAS) form to log the details if you are involved in an accident abroad.
European Breakdown Cover documents and policy number.

Do I need an International Driving Permit?

Depending on the length of your stay abroad and the country you are visiting, it may be useful to have an International Driving Permit (IDP), which replaced the Green Card for travel in the EU post-Brexit.

You may need an IDP if you only have a paper driving licence or if your licence was issued in Guernsey, Jersey, the Isle of Man or Gibraltar.

Visit gov.uk for information on the different types of IDP available. The IDP can make driving across countries easier as it translates your licence into several languages.

You can apply for one from the Post Office for a small fee. You should also continue to carry your Certificate of Motor Insurance.

Do I need European breakdown cover?

Getting stuck on an unknown road isn't much fun, so getting the right vehicle breakdown cover is advisable for your trip.

Saga's Premier breakdown cover includes European breakdown cover with roadside assistance and breakdown recovery in 55 European countries. If you're already a Saga customer, you can add this to your policy or upgrade your cover level.

What else do I need in my car when driving abroad?

Travel kit for European road trips

Essential

Reflective jackets for the driver and all passengers
First aid kit
A warning triangle
Headlamp beam deflectors
Snow chains and winter tyres for cold conditions
UK sticker
Safety helmets for riders and passengers of motorcyclists and mopeds.

Driving abroad checklist questions to ask

Should I drive on the left or right-hand side of the road?
How should I approach one-way systems?
Are the traffic lights sited on poles or overhead?
Who has right of way?
What are the rules for using mobile phones in transit?
Do I need an emission sticker?

What are the speed limits and are speeds calculated in miles or kilometres?
What do you need to know about weather conditions such as snow and rain?
Are there specific parking restrictions?
Are there any unfamiliar traffic signs?
What are the laws regarding headlights?

Who are Saga's car insurance policies underwritten by?

Saga’s car insurance policies, exclusively for people over 50, are unique products designed by us specifically for our customers. They are underwritten by a number of carefully selected insurers that provide high standards of quality and service.