If you’re planning a short trip over the channel  from the UK or a longer vacation on the continent, there are several essential tips to take on board, so that you can drive  safely and legally when you leave the UK. 

Before you set off, ask yourself the question – Is my car safe to drive? Arrange a service if required, and check the oil levels, water and tyre pressures. Make your spare tyre is in good condition.    If you’re leaving the train or ferry on arrival in France, there are a few essential items of equipment to have on board – a red warning triangle, spare light bulbs, a torch and a first aid box. Other European countries require reflective jackets, headlight beam converters – always check before you set off. You’ll also need your Passport, GB stickers for your car, your driving licence (both paper and plastic licences if you have them) vehicle registration documents and insurance documents it’s important to make sure your insurance policy covers you while you are driving abroad in Europe. Contact your insurer if in any doubt. 

 So you’re about to start the engine, head off up the ramp and explore the roads of Europe. You’ll need to plan and know your route, so invest in a good European road atlas. If you have satellite navigation, make sure you’ve bought your European CD with you. 

As you accelerate away from the terminal, you must be aware of local rules and speed limits.   Fortunately many road signs are now international, so it won’t do any harm to get a copy of the Highway Code out for the first time in 20 years and brush up on those road signs. Make sure you’re driving on the right side of the road, which is the right. Many people leaving England forget this important rule, with potentially catastrophic results. There are basically 5 different speed limits in France when it’s dry. The limits are lower in wet weather, but the normal ones to remember are 130 kilometers per hour on the autoroutes (about 80 miles per hour) 110 kph on dual carrigeways or non toll motorways, 80kph on the Perifique around Paris, 90kph outside built up areas, and 50kph in built up areas, which is similar to our own 30 miles per hour. Make sure you stick to these, as you don’t want to have amassed “douze points” before you leave the outskirts of Boulogne!   

When driving on motorways or autoroutes, the toll booths usually take credit cards and cash, but it’s worth having a supply of Euros on hand in case they are cash only. On the toll roads, you usually get a ticket at the beginning and pay when you leave, although some have a flat fee for your journey. 

A few important legalities to remember. In France, the minimum driving age is 18, and you must possess a full UK driving licence to drive. For the first two years after passing the driving test, new drivers are limited to the wet weather speed limits, so familiarise yourselves with these limits if you’re in that category. Children must be over 10 to sit in the front seat, although babies up to the age of 9 months can occupy the front passenger seat in a rear facing car seat.  

You may be going on a relaxing holiday with lots of opportunity to pick up cut price alcohol, but the old rule of never drink and drive applies as normal. 

If you are unfortunate enough to break down, pull over to the right, put on your hazard lights and get your warning triangle out and on display. The emergency number in Europe is 112. 

Take the time to prepare using this simple guide, and you can enjoy a safe trip.