So, you’ve decided to drive in Europe…

We've all thought about driving around our neighbouring European countries and getting away from 'life' for a week or so. What we tend to forget is that the road rules can differ from those at home. Here's what to sort before you go.

Your driving licence

If you have a UK photocard driving licence, you do not need an international driving permit (IDP) to drive in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein. If you still have a paper licence, or a licence issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man, you might need an IDP in some EU countries and Norway; you can get one from certain shops with PayPoint. Check if you need an IDP before you go.

If you're hiring a car abroad, check what licence information the hire firm needs before you travel. If it asks for a DVLA licence check code, check whether you can get one for your licence and when to generate it.

Your car's documents and insurance

Taking your own car abroad for less than 12 months? Take its V5C logbook with you and check GOV.UK's requirements for UK tax, MOT and insurance. For a hired or leased car, you'll need a VE103 certificate to show you're allowed to use it abroad. See GOV.UK's guide to taking a vehicle abroad.

All UK car insurance gives at least the minimum third-party cover in the EU, and you no longer need a green card there, but check with your insurer what your policy covers abroad.

Kit you might have to carry

Some countries make you carry particular kit, and the rules vary from country to country. Check what you need for every country you'll pass through using GOV.UK's foreign travel advice. If you're hiring a car, check it has the kit your route needs before you pull away.

Driving on the right

In most of mainland Europe you'll be driving on the right, which takes some getting used to. If you will be, check your car's handbook for how to use its headlights abroad without dazzling oncoming drivers, and follow the instructions for your model, whether that's a setting, an adjustment or beam deflectors.

Showing your car is from the UK

Where a country identifier is required, GB badges and stickers no longer do the job: you need the UK identifier. GOV.UK says you do not need a UK sticker if your number plate has the UK identifier with the Union flag. You must display a UK sticker if your plate has numbers and letters only, a GB identifier, a European Union flag, or the national flag of England, Scotland or Wales. In Spain, Cyprus and Malta you need a UK sticker whatever is on your plate, and in Ireland you don't need one at all. The full rules are on GOV.UK's page about flags, identifiers and stickers.

If you're ordering new plates before the trip, our Union Flag option prints UK beneath the flag.

Enjoy the drive

We hope you enjoy your trip around Europe. Send us a picture of your car on the Nürburgring with our plates on it: we'll feature it on our social media and be very envious.

Drive safe!