[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/blog\/driving-abroad-christmas\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/blog\/driving-abroad-christmas\/","headline":"Driving Abroad for Christmas?","name":"Driving Abroad for Christmas?","description":"Are you driving abroad for Christmas this year? Well, as the festive season draws ever nearer we thought we\u2019d help you prep for the trip early with some handy hints to help you out. Documentation Documentation wise first and foremost you need a Great Britain or Northern Ireland driving license. If you plan to drive in a non-EU country, you may also need an International Driving Permit. You could also need any of the following: original vehicle registration document motor […]","datePublished":"2016-11-29","dateModified":"2017-01-25","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/matthew-collett\/#Person","name":"Matthew Collett","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/matthew-collett\/","identifier":5,"description":"Max Wheeler is a leading motoring journalist and classic car specialist at Smart Motoring, renowned for his sharp insight and infectious passion for all things automotive. With years of experience covering motoring news, supercars, and the enduring legacy of classic cars, Max brings stories to life with style and authority. Whether it\u2019s the roar of a Lamborghini, the elegance of an Aston Martin DB5, or the cultural impact of vintage motoring icons, he delivers expert commentary that inspires enthusiasts and collectors alike. Dedicated to celebrating the heritage and future of driving, Max Wheeler is your trusted voice for classic car news and beyond.","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/64eca1152247aa111ace79ff1c03782b175df9dc21d2092364ff21e1cf5e38fa?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/64eca1152247aa111ace79ff1c03782b175df9dc21d2092364ff21e1cf5e38fa?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Smart Motoring","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/feature-40.jpg","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/feature-40.jpg","height":520,"width":1200},"url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/blog\/driving-abroad-christmas\/","about":["BLOG"],"wordCount":431,"keywords":["christmas","Driving abroad","road trip"],"articleBody":"Are you driving abroad for Christmas this year? Well, as the festive season draws ever nearer we thought we\u2019d help you prep for the trip early with some handy hints to help you out.DocumentationDocumentation wise first and foremost you need a Great Britain or Northern Ireland driving license.If you plan to drive in a non-EU country, you may also need an International Driving Permit.You could also need any of the following:original vehicle registration documentmotor insurance certificatedetails of breakdown or travel insuranceemergency contact numbersyour passportThere could subsequently be a longer list of additional items required, so depending on where you are travelling be sure to check the laws for where you are headed.A GB sticker or Euro plate including the same symbol are a must and many European countries have made carrying a warning triangle compulsory.SignageIt\u2019s highly recommended that you familiarise yourself with the following:Road signsspeed limitslow emission zonescongestion charge schemes (Some may require registration prior to travel.)This one may sound obvious, but remember to go the correct way around roundabouts when travelling abroad – they can very easily catch you out!Car MaintenanceHeadlights must not by law, dazzle other drivers when driving on the right-hand side of the road.\u00a0This means that if your lights can not be adapted without them, it is best to be on the safe side. Carry a set of headlamp beam convertors in your vehicle.Dreaming of a white Christmas? Aren\u2019t we all?You may already have winter tyres fitted, but keep in mind that snow chains are actually compulsory in some countries and that the levels of snow and slush can differ.\u00a0InsuranceFinally, you\u2019re going to need the right insurance to cover your trip.Within the EU your normal insurance automatically gives the minimum legal requirement for every country. It’s well worth checking that your vehicle breakdown cover either includes your destination, or can be extended to include it.Be sure to tell your insurer in advance about your journey. They can make note on your policy and ask if there are any additional charges involved when driving abroad.For the best insurance deals around, we can point you towards Performance Direct and Grove & Dean. Performance Direct provide affordable vehicle cover for UK drivers and Grove & Dean are independent insurance brokers with breakdown recovery and EU cover options.Wherever you are off to this Christmas, keep our tips in mind, stay safe and enjoy your trip this festive season!"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Driving Abroad for Christmas?","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/blog\/driving-abroad-christmas\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]