Driving abroad - what you need to know

What you need to take when you drive abroad

There’s more to driving abroad than sticking to the other side of the road. Depending on where you're going you could be obliged to travel with all manner of driving kit.

Can I drive abroad?

First of all, make sure you have the right to drive in your country of choice.

Check on Gov.uk where you can use your licence abroad.

If you hold a British driving licence you are fine to drive in:

International driving 

You’ll need an International Driving Permit to drive in countries outside of these zones.

Where can I get an International Driving Permit and how much does it cost?

You can get an International Driving Permit (IDP) from the Post Office, the AA or the RAC, at a cost of £5.50.

Driving in Europe from 1 January 2021

The rules for driving, passports, EHIC cards, pet travel and more may change from 1 January 2021 updated advice will appear on the Gov.uk website.

Driving abroad and local driving customs

Each country has its own regulations that will be second nature to native motorists but might catch British holidaymakers out when driving abroad. 

For example:

Other customs that might result in a fine or worse include:

Driving in Germany – it’s illegal to overtake school buses that have their hazard lights on

Driving in Holland – buses have right of way when leaving a stop in built-up areas 

Driving in Macedonia – passengers who are visibly under the influence of alcohol can’t travel in the front 

Driving in Portugal – it’s illegal to carry bikes on the back of a car 

Driving in Slovakia – Proof of medical insurance is a requirement when entering the country 

Driving in Spain – drivers who wear glasses, and this is noted on their licence, should keep a spare pair with them 

Driving in Switzerland – pedestrians have right of way and expect vehicles to stop if they step onto a crossing

Driving abroad and local laws

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has a tool that can help with explaining driving laws and recommendations for driving in individual countries.

Car insurance and driving in Europe 

If you're looking for European car insurance, bear in mind your UK policy will protect you when driving abroad in the EU, the EEC and Switzerland, but this may only be third-party only cover.

Comprehensive cover versus third party cover

Sometimes, insurers will cover damages but not theft, and some insurers insist that within Europe it is basic third-party cover. This means your car won’t be covered for damages, or any expenses for personal injuries sustained.

Many insures will extend comprehensive cover to Europe but for limited periods. You need to check with your insurer or specify that you want European cover when searching for quotes.

If you want more comprehensive European car insurance with extras such as breakdown cover, speak to your provider about an upgrade. 

Car insurance before you travel:

Breakdown cover

This is useful and can also include accommodation costs and or a courtesy car if your car needs to spend several days in a garage being repaired.

Green cards and driving abroad

Some countries insist foreign drivers carry a ‘green card’ – a form of ID you can get free from your insurer. 

Countries where you are required to have a Green Card, include: Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iran, Israel, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Morocco, Russia, Tunisia, Turkey, and Ukraine. 

Hiring a car abroad

Hiring a car is another great way to explore a new country. But it’s not as easy as walking into a car hire company and being handed the keys — you need to do some preparation first. 

Driving abroad if you have endorsements

The paper driving licence counterpart was abolished on 8 June 2015, since then this information has been stored electronically by the DVLA. 

Some hire companies may accept print-outs of this information. 

How to save on car insurance when driving abroad

Being a named driver

If you're borrowing a car for a trip abroad or you want to share the driving on a trip with friends or family, you can ask the car's owner to add you as a named driver on their insurance policy

‘Driving other cars’ cover

You may already be insured to drive their car if you have ‘driving other cars’ cover on your own vehicle.

Temporary car insurance 

If you are only planning on borrowing a car you can also compare quotes for short-term or temporary car insurance

Child safety and alcohol limits

Different countries have their own rules on how to ensure children travel safely — so before you leave check what individual country requirements are.

Alcohol rules tend to be stricter for driving abroad than they are here. The UK limit for drivers is 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood (50mg in Scotland), while it’s often 50mg per 100ml or lower in the EU.

Other ways to find cheaper car insurance

Join a club

If you own a vintage car or distinctive model joining an owner club could save your up to 15% on specialist car insurance.

Compare car insurance

Checklist for driving abroad

As well as all your travel documents make sure you apply for a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) although this will not be valid after January 2021 when the UK leaves the EU.

The RAC also recommends the following equipment when driving abroad. 

Consider multicar insurance

If your family own several cars it may be better to insure them via a multi-car insurance policy

Multi car insurance might also be suitable:

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