European Road Trip Preparation Guide
Planning a road trip across Europe can be an exciting adventure, but it's essential to be well-prepared, especially in the wake of Brexit. Here's a guide to help you navigate the changes and ensure a smooth journey.
Documents Required
After Brexit, UK drivers can continue to drive in EU/EEA countries with a valid UK driving licence. However, some legal requirements have changed. You'll need a valid UK driving licence appropriate to the vehicle category, a passport with at least three months validity and issued within the last 10 years, Vehicle Registration Document (V5C), valid motor insurance, and proof that your vehicle has valid UK road tax and MOT test certificates if required.
For some EU countries, paper licences or those issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey, or Isle of Man require an International Driving Permit (IDP). IDPs may follow either the 1968 Vienna or 1949 Geneva Conventions, depending on the country, such as Spain, Cyprus, and Malta.
Safety Gear and Accessories
Depending on the country, you may need to carry safety equipment such as a clearly visible ‘UK’ sticker on the rear of the vehicle, reflective high-visibility vests, warning triangles, headlamp beam deflectors, first aid kits, and seat belts for all passengers. Children over 1.35m use adult seat belts per EU rules, and special child restraints are required for smaller children.
Additional Points
UK licence holders visiting EEA countries do not generally need an IDP if they stay under 12 months, but it's crucial to check country-specific rules. UK driving licences are no longer automatically exchangeable if you take up residence in an EU country unless bilateral agreements exist.
Recommended Accessories
For a worry-free journey, consider accessories like a motorhome security camera, solar panel, inverter, and a motorhome sat-nav that can accommodate motorhome dimensions. Depending on the season and country visited, snow chains or winter tyres may be required. A motorhome door lock and WiFi are also recommended for added security and connectivity.
Planning Your Trip
A guide and checklist are available for planning a motorhome trip to Europe. The article takes into account changes for driving in Europe after Brexit and new French laws. Kathryn Bird, the founder of one of the UK's largest motorhome travel websites, provides valuable insights.
Europe Travel Section
This article is just the beginning. The Europe travel section offers advice, destination ideas, and more related to Europe travel. Grab your FREE Europe Road trip Checklist, a checklist for essential kit, paperwork, and useful gear for a Europe road trip.
[1] GOV.UK. (2021). Driving in Europe after Brexit. [online] Available at: https://www.gov.uk/driving-in-europe/overview [Accessed 18 Mar. 2023].
[2] RAC. (2021). Driving in Europe after Brexit: What you need to know. [online] Available at: https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/driving-abroad/driving-in-europe/driving-in-europe-after-brexit/ [Accessed 18 Mar. 2023].
[3] AA. (2021). Driving in Europe after Brexit: What you need to know. [online] Available at: https://www.theaa.com/travel/advice/driving-in-europe-after-brexit [Accessed 18 Mar. 2023].
To ensure a delightful and stress-free lifestyle while traveling through Europe, consider getting an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your driving license is from Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey, Isle of Man, or paper-based versions. Proper documentation, such as a valid UK driving licence, passport, Vehicle Registration Document (V5C), valid motor insurance, and proof of UK road tax and MOT test certificates, is essential. Make your road trip efficient and secure by installing motorhome safety accessories like a door lock, WiFi, and a sat-nav that caters specifically to motorhome dimensions. Don't forget to prepare for seasonal road conditions—snow chains and winter tyres may be mandatory depending on the destination.
