Travel documents

When you’re packing your suitcase, don’t forget to pack your travel documents. Here’s a checklist of the items you might need:

Your motor insurance certificate
Green Card
Car registration document
Full driving licence (and the paper counterpart if you have a photocard licence)
Passport
International Driving Permit*
Emergency contact numbers for breakdown assistance and car insurance
Travel insurance certificate

*Having a full UK driving licence is usually adequate when driving in most EU countries. However, it’s a good idea to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) as well - especially if you do not have a UK photocard licence or if you’re planning to hire a car.

The International Driving Permit (IDP) is a formal document that translates the details of your driving license into several languages. It enables foreign authorities to interpret the driving entitlements held, their validity periods and the identity of the holder. They are issued by The AA, RAC, RSAC and Green Flag.

It’s obviously important to keep your travel documents safe while you’re away so don’t ever leave them in the car – even if it’s locked.