Driving to Europe After Brexit – What You Need to Know

Driving to Europe After Brexit  – There’s no question that life post Brexit will be quite different when it comes to travelling and driving to or through Europe. For the last forty or so years we’ve been used to travelling and driving to Europe as driving in the UK, but since the 1st January 2021 this is no longer the case. So what are the changes and requirements we need to know if we want to drive to or through Europe?

Vehicle Requirements

Let’s start by talking about the requirements vehicles will need to comply when driving to or through Europe.

European Breakdown Cover

All vehicles crossing the border to Europe will require a valid breakdown cover in case of emergency.

Green Card Insurance

Any vehicle driving to Europe, EEA, Switzerland, Serbia or Andorra will need a green card insurance. These can be obtained from your insurance company 6 weeks before travelling.

What is a Green Card Insurance

A green Card Insurance is a insurance certificate provided by all UK insurance companies. It guarantees that the motorist has the necessary third-party motor insurance cover for travel in the country being travelled to.

GB Sticker

Your vehicle will need to have a visible GB sticker. Although there are no specific requirements on where you should have this sticker, it is recommended to place it at the back of the vehicle in a flat area of the bodywork.

Vehicle Registration Documents

If you’re taking your vehicle for less than 12 months to the EU you must have the following documents:

• Your Vehicle’s log book V5C if you have one, and
• A VE103 to show you’re allowed to use your hired or leased vehicle abroad

Vehicle on Hire Certificate

If you’re travelling with a hired or leased vehicles the alternative to the log book or V5C is the vehicle on hire certificate, which can be carried by the driver in lieu of the original VRD.

Driver Requirements

International Driving Permits

If you have a photo licence you don’t need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if you’re going to Europe for short visits. If however, you do not have a photo licence then you will need to purchase an IDP. These can be bought over the counter from any Post Office at a cost of £5.50 valid for one country, you will need to purchase an IDP specific to the country you are travelling to.

If you are travelling to multiple countries, where different IDP are required you would need to purchase the 1949 and the 1968 versions of IDPs at a cost of £11. For more information on which IDP is valid for each country check out the government’s website at GOV.UK.