We asked the Automobile Association to tell us the most frequently asked questions from motorists intending to drive abroad. Here’s what they told us.
Do I need an international driving licence, or is my UK one sufficient?
When driving in the European Union, a UK licence is sufficient. However, in non-EU countries, motorists with old-style UK licences which do not have a photograph of the driver must carry their passport with them.
What is the minimum driving age in different European countries?
France, Italy, Spain,Portugal, Sweden, Finland: 18 years. Belgium, Norway, Germany, Greece:17 years.
Can children travel in the front seat?
Different countries have different age limits on children sitting in front seats. In France, children must be over 10; in Italy and Norway, minimum age is four; for Germany and Spain, children must be over 12.
Do I have to alter my headlights?
Yes. Motorists should apply beam converters so that the beam does not dazzle oncoming traffic.
THE AUTOMOBILE Association is warning drivers to check they have adequate insurance cover when driving abroad.
The AA says there is confusion among motorists about whether or not they are covered for overseas driving on their annual insurance and, if so, how much protection this affords.
Under a European Union ruling, UK motorists who have fully comprehensive policies are automatically covered for third-party insurance when driving in member countries.
However, the AA claims this is not enough. A spokeswoman said: “We recommend that extra insurance is taken out.
“It is possible to take your car to mainland Europe without notifying your insurers, but you will only have the minimum third party cover, unless you arrange otherwise with them.
“We recently heard of a case of a man who thought he was covered to drive abroad as he had comprehensive insurance. He wrote off his brand new car, worth ú12,000, and when he came back was told by his insurance company that he was only covered for third party insurance.
“He’d made the assumption that cover was included, and with dire consequences.”
Some insurance companies allow motorists a set number of days’ worth of comprehensive insurance cover each year for driving abroad in their annual cover.
But the AA spokeswoman said: “In the fight to cut premiums, a lot of insurers have stripped out any kind of European cover. Many provide cover as an extra, so motorists pay each time they take the car abroad.
“Some give year-round insurance on the continent as part of their annual policy. Others won’t provide any concession for driving abroad. The golden rule is to check policies as they do vary.”
The recent reappraisal of the Green Card system has also added to the confusion among motorists.
Until two years ago, it was a legal requirement for motorists to carry a special card when driving abroad to show they had adequate cover.
It is now not necessary to carry the card, but the AAspokeswoman said it is still essential motorists check the terms of their insurance to make sure they are covered.