It’s important to have the right documentation, safety equipment and be familiar with local driving conditions and laws when travelling abroad. Make sure you have a safe, stress-free and compliant driving experience.
Use the helpful checklist below to prepare correctly before you leave the UK.
TOP CONSIDERATIONS WHEN DRIVING ABROAD
- You must have a valid VE103B certificate with you when driving abroad:
- This is an authenticated document, produced by the DVLA, which allows the police and other authorities to verify that the person driving the vehicle has permission from the asset manager.
- It can take up to two weeks to process the required paperwork.
- You can apply for the certificate to cover the main driver and any named driver when accompanied by the main driver.
- VWFS corporate and public sector fleet customers can use the ‘Travel Abroad’ tile on the e-Driverline portal or call i247 to request the certificate.
- If you’re planning to tow a trailer or caravan, your licence must include the category BE.
- When driving an electric vehicle, pre-plan routes to ensure access to charging points and check corporate charging accounts are accepted at the identified charging stations overseas.
- Display emissions stickers if visiting certain cities. See GOV.UK for details.
- Make sure you’re up to speed on the local laws and requirements. They can vary by country.
- Remember foreign police forces can still prosecute drivers even once you’re back in the UK.
- Specific requirements and regulations for individual countries can be found on GOV.UK.
PRIORITY CHECKLIST BEFORE LEAVING HOME:
- Take your driving licence, VE103B certificate, proof of insurance and roadside assistance and paperwork for any trailer or caravan.
- Ensure stickers are visible – including a UK sticker if it is not featured on the number plate, or the car still has a pre-Brexit GB sticker.
- Display emission stickers if visiting certain cities.
- Headlight convertor stickers, unless the beam can be manually adjusted.
- Check you have emergency equipment, such as reflective vests and warning triangles.
- Invest in a pre-trip car health check: tyre pressures and tread, fluid levels, wiper blade condition and light bulbs.
Make travelling abroad simple by taking the time to pre-plan and understand local conditions and laws.