Useful information for driving in Europe
Remember, in Europe drivers drive on the right hand side of the road. Roads are generally less crowded than in the UK and in excellent condition. Motorway networks connect Calais with a host of destinations, and you’ll find good quality service stations, making driving abroad a pleasurable experience.
>> The priority to the right rule
The 'priority to the right' principle exists inside most towns in Europe. In the absence of road markings, priority must be given to the car coming from the right-hand side. Yellow lozenge signposts show that main road traffic has priority over traffic joining from a side-road on the right.
>> Planning your journey
Our Route Planner will help you choose the quickest, non-motorway, or most scenic route for your journey. Need a stop over en route? We offer instant booking from over 10,000 hotels across Europe. Book now
>> Documentation abroad
All passengers (including any pets that are travelling with you) will need a valid passport. You will need your full driving licence documentation. The original Vehicle Registration Document (V5), if the vehicle you are driving is borrowed, hired or leased, it is vital that you carry a Vehicle on Hire Certificate (VE103).
>> Insurance
We recommend you and your passengers have sufficient insurance to cover you in case anything happens whilst away. We offer comprehensive insurance packages and travel or motor breakdown cover insurance for you to choose from.
>> Motoring requirements and information
You’ll find the AA shop in the Folkestone Passenger Terminal Building handy for any forgotten equipment, headlight kits etc.
Boot Requirements – warning triangle, GB sticker, spare bulb kit, first aid kit and fire extinguisher.
Headlights need to be adjusted to drive on the right.
Seat belts, if fitted, must be worn by both front and rear seat occupants. Children under 10 cannot travel in the front with the exception of babies (up to 9 months and less than 9kg) in rear facing seats.
Drink Driving – there is only one safe rule – if you drive, don't drink. The laws are strict and the penalties severe.
>> Travelling on the motorway
Be prepared for charges at check in booths at the exit of some motorways - so have euros or your credit card ready. (Toll free roads offer a quick and easy alternative route.) For further information on motoring in Europe, visit the AA website.
>> French time
The continent is one hour ahead of UK time throughout the year. French summer time starts on the last Sunday in March at 2am and ends on the last Sunday in October at 3am.
>> Money matters
International credit cards and debit cards (Carte Bleue, Visa/Barclaycard), (Mastercard and American Express) are widely accepted throughout the Continent. Knowing your PIN number is useful, but if you don’t have your PIN, have your passport with you as you may be required to show it as a measure against credit card fraud.
We also recommend that you carry euros for refreshments, tolls, parking. You can buy or pre-order your currency now and collect it at the UK Passenger Terminal Building on your way out.
Cash dispensers will dispense money that has the same international symbol as your card.
>> Opening hours
Most shops and hypermarkets are closed on Sundays. Many shops, with the exception of the larger hypermarkets, have a midday break for two hours.