• Valid UK driving licence. The legal age to drive in Spain is 18, and you must hold a full, valid driving licence – provisional licences aren’t valid in Spain. If you plan to rent a vehicle in Spain, you must be at least 21 years old and have had your driving licence for a minimum of one or two years. Drivers under 25 renting a car are likely to be charged higher rates.
  • Vehicle insurance documents. Always carry your insurance certificate with you in case you’re stopped and asked to present proof of insurance. This certificate will generally only be valid for a stay of 3 months or less, so make sure to contact your insurer if you’re planning a longer visit.
  • Proof of identity. A form of identification, such as a valid passport.
  • V5 registration log book (or a VE103 document for rented vehicles).

There are also other items you will need to have in your vehicle when driving in Spain. These are:

  • A UK sticker. On 28th September 2021, the GB sticker requirement was changed to a UK sticker. This means that GB stickers are no longer valid. Your vehicle may have the UK identifier incorporated into the number plate, but in Spain the sticker must be visible no matter what’s on your number plate.
  • Two red warning triangles. In the event of a road accident or breakdown, you must place two red warning triangles at least 50 metres in front of and behind the vehicle.
  • Spare wheel. You must carry a spare wheel and the tools required to change it if one of your car’s wheels is damaged.
  • Reflective jackets for each occupant. If you’re required to leave your vehicle at any time to a road accident or breakdown, you must wear a reflective vest or you may get a large fine.
  • Headlamp beam deflectors. In the UK, headlamps are aligned to the left, which is an issue when driving at night in Spain as this means they shine into oncoming traffic. Beam deflectors can correct this.

European driving checklist

This essential checklist will tell you everything you need to know for driving in Europe, from what to take with you to things to remember when you get there.

Important documents for driving in Europe

  1. Full, valid driving licence and national insurance number
  2. Proof of vehicle insurance
  3. Proof of ID (passport)
  4. V5C certificate (the ‘log book’)
  5. Travel insurance documents
  6. European Breakdown Cover policy number and documents
  7. Before you travel ensure your vehicle’s tax and MOT are valid and up-to-date

You may also need to carry other documents with you, namely:

Required equipment for driving in Europe

  1. Reflective jackets (there must be one for each passenger and be kept within the cabin of the car)
  2. Warning triangle (compulsory in most countries)
  3. Headlamp beam deflectors (depending on your car, you’ll either need deflector stickers or have to adjust the beam manually)
  4. Safety helmets are compulsory for riders and passengers of motorcyclists and moped users
  5. UK car sticker (if you don’t have a GB Euro number plate, or no matter what’s on you number plate when driving in Cyprus, Malta or Spain)
  6. First aid kit (compulsory in Austria, France and Germany)
  1. Fire extinguisher
  2. Replacement bulbs
  3. A high quality torch
  4. A spare fuel can
  5. Additional engine oil and water (for topping up)
  6. An up-to-date road map or satellite navigation system
  7. Blanket
  8. Sun cream
  9. Refreshments and plenty of water
  10. If you have children, take some games you can play in the car during the journey
  11. Take extra supplies of medication in case you can’t get these abroad
  12. Photocopies of important documents
  13. European Health Insurance card
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