Road trips around the UK are great, but why not ramp things up a notch and head to another country for your next driving adventure? đ No, weâre not talking about Scotland and Wales; we mean France, Belgium, Germany, etc., etc.. However, before you go, there are a few things you need to know about taking your car abroad. And weâve got the lowdown so you can drive in another country whilst playing your Spotify playlist the right way.
The last thing you want to do is set off on your journey to another country without the correct documents. It will put an end to your plans before you can even think about practising your French on the locals. So make sure you have the following docs with you before leaving:
You also need to ensure that your vehicleâs tax and MOT are valid and up to date. Otherwise, you wonât be able to travel, and that French you learnt will be words like âsacrĂ© bleuâ.
Many car finance lenders will have a clause in your agreement that says you cannot take your car abroad without prior consent. Get in touch with your car finance provider if you're planning a trip abroad, and make sure to do it within good time before your trip is due to start!
Drivers from the UK may be required to carry more documents with them following Brexit. These include an insurance green card that you can get from your insurer. Documents will need to cover both you and your car, as well as anything you are towing.
You will also need one or more international driving permits and a separate GB sticker on your car. Itâs worth checking the governmentâs website to see each countryâs requirements before you leave.
Along with documents, youâre going to need specific equipment that makes it safe for you to drive a UK car in a European country.
These items are non-negotiable, and you could receive a fine if you fail to have them in your vehicle and are stopped by the local police. So ensure that your car has the above features before embarking on your journey.
Driving abroad is lots of fun, but if something does go wrong, you can feel somewhat isolated â especially if youâre in a country where you donât know the language. Therefore, itâs worth considering the following items just in case some parts of your journey donât go to plan.
Weâve pretty much covered the crux of what you need to drive abroad. But here are a few more tips so you can have the most enjoyable experience while you dart around French country lanes or take in the Spanish landscape.
Keep all of these things in mind, and youâre good to go and enjoy your travel trip driving in another country. Itâs time to get excited.
As long as you have the right documents and take the necessary precautions, driving abroad should be a fun experience. Some of the roads in Europe are great for zipping around, and you can enjoy a different driving experience behind the wheel in another country. đ