Planning ahead to drive abroad this summer

Driver Guides 

Leasing your car takes a lot of the hassle out of driving. Depreciation is not an issue, you can end up driving something much newer and nicer than if you were a cash buyer, and if you’re sensible and opt for a maintained contract there are no surprise servicing costs to worry about. You may not be the “owner”, but essentially the car is yours to use however you like. Which includes taking it abroad for a holiday.

But before you start packing your bags for the summer there’s a few things to bear in mind.

Nipping on the train or ferry and heading off to Europe for a couple of weeks is a very popular way to holiday. Taking your own car makes it simple and gives you the freedom to explore whichever location you’ve chosen for this year’s sun. Just as long as you’ve got the right documents.

Without the correct documentation, you could face long delays at the border or worse, risk having your vehicle impounded.

The single most important document you’ll need if you lease your car is a VE103 vehicle on hire certificate

The VE103 must be produced on demand to prove that the driver has permission from the vehicle owner to be in possession of the vehicle. It is the only legal alternative to the vehicle log book (V5C) which you won’t have as a lease customer.

The consequences of not having the right paperwork will vary according to the country, the law enforcement agency and even the time of day in which the vehicle was stopped. Without a VE103 certificate you could at least face a potentially massive inconvenience. Worst case scenario, you could be fined and your car impounded until you can prove you have the legal right to drive it outside the UK.

You should request the VE103 from the funder of your car - but just make sure you give them enough time to turn it around for you; the night before is not a good idea. There should be no charge for this service.

As far as the important documents are concerned for driving in Europe, you will need to carry:

• Full, valid driving licence and national insurance number
• Proof of vehicle insurance
• Passport
• V5C certificate (VE103 if leasing)
• Travel insurance documents
• European Breakdown Cover policy number and documents

Depending on which countries you intend to visit you may also need additional documents or driving permits so make sure you double check the regulations in advance. It also pays to check the driving rules and regulations ahead of time so you don’t get caught out by strange road signs.

As well as the proper paperwork there is also the traditional list of required equipment for driving in Europe. You’ll definitely need a high-viz vest for every occupant, warning triangle, first aid kit, as well as the requisite UK stickers and headlight beam deflectors. You should probably also make sure to have a complete set of spare bulbs, a fire extinguisher, and some of those DIY breathalyser kits just in case a nice police officer ever asks.

You probably want to make sure you’ve got a top-up of oil tucked away somewhere, maybe a spare fuel can, and an up-to-date map or sat nav usually comes in handy. After that it’s up to you what you pack. Plenty of drinks and snacks, entertainment for the kids, inflatables for the pool, the entire contents of the wardrobe because you can’t decide what to wear, the kitchen sink, or anything else you might find useful.

As long as your car is properly maintained and you’ve got all the correct documentation you’ll be able to concentrate on the important job of enjoying your holiday.

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