Show season is just around the corner and we have a few European excursions pencilled in. But, what do we need to know about driving abroad?
I did some googling and there are many vague 'suggestions' so I kept digging and have compiled a detailed list of requirements here.
The things we will be covering are...
- Eligibility
- Insurance(s)
- Breakdown
- MOT (Green Card)
- International Driving Permit (IDP)
- Medical Cover
- Miscellaneous
Eligibility
If you own a full UK Driving Licence you will be eligible to drive abroad.
If you have a full UK or EU Passport valid for more than 6 months from your dates of travel you will be eligible to travel abroad.
Insurance
Most Insurances from the leading 'Classic' insurers offer European cover as long as you notify them of any travel in advance.
It is always best to check with your insurer.
You will be required to have a copy of your valid insurance with you when you travel.
Breakdown Cover
Not sure if cover is mandatory but its deffo cheaper than paying for your car to 're patriated'
Also, be aware that insurance companies do not always ship your vehicle straight back, sometimes they wait until they have a full transporter to cut down on costs leading to potentially several weeks of delay.
Breakdown
Prevention is better than cure.
DO YOUR MAINTENANCE!!!
Typically if I have broken down it has been ignition related, fuel related, heat or oil related.
Carry spares and you should be able to fix most issues on the roadside! I have rebuilt distributors more than once whilst sat on a curb side, now I carry a complete one all set up with the clamp on so I can drop it straight in and its already got the timing set. Plugs, leads, coil... where do you stop... if you are in a big group you can share the burden of spares. I carry a fuel pump, hoses and clamps. Fan belt and a socket to remove my decklid if I need more air. Always have a set of rocker gaskets and a selection of cables too.
On the continent you may be required by law to wear a hi viz and display a warning triangle in the event of breakdown.
MoT requirements for 'Historic Vehicles'
This is the contentious one.
UK Government Classic Car Exemption, is it valid in Europe?
Most recent update: May 2023 Driving Abroad | Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (fbhvc.co.uk)
Some time ago we sought confirmation from the Department for Transport, that the MOT exempt status of historic vehicles (HVs) would be accepted on the continent if owners took them overseas (see FBHVC News No. 4, 2021). To date [May 2023] we have not received a departmental response, even after hasteners.
Our considered view then was that in law the visited country should accept the HV status of the vehicle and not demand evidence of testing. We cannot see any reason why that position would have changed and we have received no anecdotal evidence to suggest there is a problem.
However, we also considered that a voluntary test would be a wise precaution for two principal reasons. The first is to provide a degree of reassurance that the vehicle is fit for the journey and has no obvious issues. The second is that in the event of an accident, there is some supporting evidence that the car had recently been found roadworthy by an independent source.
International Driving Permit (IDP)
Driving in Europe
Correct as of January 2024
You do not need an IDP to drive in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein if you have a photocard driving licence issued in the UK.
You might need an IDP to drive in some EU countries and Norway if you have either:
- a paper driving licence
- a licence issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man
Please check here before travel - Driving abroad: Check if you need an international driving permit (IDP) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Important documents for driving in Europe
According to the RAC Website - Driving in Europe checklist | RAC Drive
- Full, valid driving licence and national insurance number
- Proof of vehicle insurance
- Proof of ID (passport)
- V5C certificate (the 'log book')
- Travel insurance documents
- European Breakdown Cover policy number and documents
- Before you travel ensure your vehicle’s tax and MOT are valid and up-to-date
- Crit’air sticker if driving in France (find out if you need one here)
You may also need to carry other documents with you, namely:
- one or more international driving permits
- a UK sticker (if you don’t have a UK identifier with the Union flag on your number plate)
Required equipment for driving in Europe
- Reflective jackets (there must be one for each passenger and be kept within the cabin of the car)
- Warning triangle (compulsory in most countries)
- Headlamp beam deflectors (depending on your car, you’ll either need deflector stickers or have to adjust the beam manually)
- Safety helmets are compulsory for riders and passengers of motorcyclists and moped users
- UK car sticker (if you don’t have a GB Euro number plate, or no matter what's on you number plate when driving in Cyprus, Malta or Spain)
- First aid kit (compulsory in Austria, France and Germany)
