Top Ten European driving tips

Friday, 24 October 2025

Map of Europe

When travelling abroad, a car helps you to maximise your reach and experience everything offered by your holiday destination. Driving through Europe is a renowned pleasure. In fact, in regards to the law it’s not too different from driving in the UK. However, if you’re planning a journey to the continent, there are a few pieces of advice we’d like you to be aware of. Read on for our top ten tips for driving in Europe.

1. Understanding the driving culture in Europe

When driving on European expressways, expect tolls in Mediterranean countries like France, Spain, and Italy, costing around £5-£6 per hour. Some countries, such as Austria, Switzerland, and Hungary, require a permit sticker, available at fuel stations or border crossings, with a short-term permit costing around £8-£16. Using expressways saves time and fuel, but skipping the permit may result in fines of up to £120.

Tips:

If you’re renting a car, it is always a good idea to check for valid permits, before purchasing a new one.
If you stick to secondary roads instead of expressways, you can avoid fees.

Urban areas often have congestion charges or traffic restrictions, like in Italy or Norway. Research local rules to avoid fines from automated systems and ask hotels for parking options in restricted zones.

Finally, drive defensively, as local customs vary widely. In Italy and Greece, for instance, red lights are sometimes treated as suggestions. Stay cautious and alert to unfamiliar driving practices.

2. Overtaking in Europe

When overtaking in Europe, the usual guidance still applies. Be confident, but be cautious. However, there are some regional habits and differences worth being aware of. Most European countries drive on the right-hand side of the road, which means overtaking will generally be done on the left.

Other things to be aware of:

On narrower, winding roads, pay attention to the driver ahead - drivers may use their indicators to alert the faster driver behind of a safe overtaking opportunity.
Be sure you understand local road markings differ from the UK’s. For example, in France, a single solid white line in the centre of the road prohibits overtaking in both directions. In Germany this is signified by a double white line.
Avoid lingering in the “passing lane” or to attempting to undertake. In many European countries, this kind of driving is considered to be illegal.

3. Be prepared with local knowledge

By this we don’t mean arming yourself with notes of local attractions, tourist sites or the hottest spots for food and drink. When you’re driving on foreign roads, it’s very handy to have a basic understanding of what you’re going to face – geographically and culturally. For instance, France and Germany restrict driving in certain weather conditions.

Here are some tips for those who’d rather steer clear of potential trouble:

Navigation: Update your sat nav with European maps well in advance, as downloads can take time. Keep a backup map book for emergencies and study your route beforehand to catch potential sat nav errors.
Traffic Rules: Turning right on red lights is illegal unless explicitly indicated, particularly in Germany. Verify local traffic laws at your destination.
Hands-Free Driving: Nearly all countries ban using phones without a hands-free device. Equip yourself accordingly to avoid misunderstandings with local authorities.

4. Travelling with children

When it comes to travelling with children, European Union rules differ very little from our own. That means children up to 12 years old – or up to 135cm tall – must legally have a suitable child car seat. Children under 12 aren’t allowed in the front seat without an appropriate booster seat. Some countries even extend front-seat bans for children up to the age of 18. Be sure to check which applies to you and avoid any holiday blues.

5. Notes about lights

Many European countries require headlights to be kept on whenever the car is running – even during the day. While carrying a spare bulb kit is always a smart idea, it’s actually a legal requirement in France, along with the equipment you’d need to access the bulbs.

If you’re driving in Spain, don’t be alarmed if drivers behind you are flashing their headlights; it is Spanish law for drivers to warn motorists of their intention to overtake in this manner.

6. Prepare for every eventuality

A little preparation goes a long way when driving abroad. From ensuring your car is road-ready to documenting potential issues, these steps can save you time, money, and hassle.

Top Tips:

Get your car serviced:
Book a service before the holiday rush to keep your car in optimal condition. A well-maintained vehicle reduces the risk of breakdowns and costly repairs overseas.

Bring a camera:
Carry a camera for more than just sightseeing. If an accident occurs, immediately photograph any damage to strengthen your insurance claim and protect against false allegations.

Bonus tip:
If hiring a car, photograph any evidence of existing damage to show the hire company. Ensure they accept liability for those damages before you put pen to paper and confirm the rental.

7. Insurance and breakdown coverage

Although many car insurance policies include cover for driving abroad, it’s a good idea to double check this prior to setting out. Some insurance companies may require an extra payment to cover a hired vehicle. In either case, you’ll also want to ensure the countries you’re visiting are covered.

Likewise, make sure you’re covered in the event of breaking down. Your UK breakdown cover won’t automatically cover travel abroad. Pan-European coverage can be a lifesaver if your car experiences failure on a foreign motorway.

Also consider adding additional drivers who are joining you on the trip. When you’re making a long-distance journey, it’s nice to be able to rely on another person at the wheel and take a break without losing progress.

8. Driving Licence

British drivers are advised to carry both parts of their driving licence. Any non-European licence should be coupled with an International Driving Permit. You’ll be required to supply both parts if you want to hire a car, and especially in the case of being stopped by police.

9. Drink driving

Driving under the influence is never a good idea, but it’s especially risky in Europe, where the tolerated blood alcohol level is often much lower. In Spain, drivers who have been on the road for fewer than two years are over the limit at only 0.1 unit per mg. For more experienced drivers, the tolerance is set at 0.5, the equivalent of one small beer.

In France, it’s illegal to drive a car – or ride a motorbike – without access to your own breathalyser. You’ll be fined if found without one, and being caught over the limit could lead to jail time.

10. Other useful kit to take

The usual supplies are recommended, of course – a spare tyre or emergency repair kit, for instance. While you’ll want to ensure the spare you have is fit for driving, also double check that your sealant bottle, pump and car jack are in working order.

A light-reflecting warning triangle is sensible to carry and a legal requirement in many European countries. Some amongst them have an additional rule that drivers should also carry a reflective safety vest.

We hope these tips prove useful to you in whatever adventure you’re plotting. With the right preparation, there’s no reason a European road trip shouldn’t go as swimmingly as a drive around your own neighbourhood.

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