It’s great to have the freedom of taking your own car, or hiring a car, when going on holiday abroad. However, you’ll find that things aren't quite the same as they are in this country.

There are different rules and laws to remember. For example, it’s compulsory to use dipped headlights during daylight hours in Norway.

Hiring a car
Generally, to hire a car you must be over 21 years of age and have held a valid driving licence for over a year.

Taking your own car
Documents: You need to hold a full driving licence. You also need to check if you need to have an International Driving Permit for the country or countries you plan to visit. Remember to take with you:

• Motor insurance certificate.
• Vehicle registration documents.
• Passport.

You might be asked to show these at any time and it could help you avoid a fine from the police, or even worse, your car being taken away.

Insurance: You need to let your insurance company know if you plan to take your car abroad. Get in touch with them at least a month before you leave to make sure you're covered.

Maintenance: Make sure that your car is in good nick, as you don’t want to break down in a different country. It's worth taking out European breakdown cover.

If you take your own car abroad you'll need to adjust the headlights, as you'll be driving on the right. If you don’t get them adjusted you'll dazzle other drivers and possibly be fined. You may also need to carry items like a reflective triangle, spare bulbs or a first aid kit in many countries - see links below for details.

Don’t be tempted to overload your car (especially if you are stocking up with booze to take back) as you can be fined.

GB sticker: You need to put a GB sticker on your car; if not you will get an on-the-spot fine. If you have a Euro-symbol on your number plate (BS AU 145d standard) then you don’t need a GB sticker when driving in Europe. But if you go outside the EU, and that includes Switzerland, you need a GB sticker as well.

Left or right?: In most European countries you need to drive on the right, except in Ireland, Cyprus and Malta.

Related Links:

• RAC - Driving Abroad
• The AA - Driving in Europe