Money hacks Get in gear to drive from the UK to mainland Europe

If you are driving your own car to mainland Europe this year, there are plenty of things to think about in addition to how you are going to fit all your stuff in the vehicle.

- Rupert Jones

Check your documents.

Most European police will want to see your driving licence if they pull you over - check yours is still valid and renew it online if it has expired, or is about to. They will also ask for proof of insurance and your vehicle logbook (V5C).

You don't need an international driving permit (IDP) in the EU, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Iceland, if you have a photocard licence issued in the UK.

However, if you have a paper licence, you will need to update it to a photocard or get an IDP. Go to gov.uk/driving-abroad for details.

In much of Europe, including popular destinations such as France, Italy and Germany, you need a warning triangle. In some countries, including Germany and France, you will need a hi-vis vest, too.

Don't forget to use headlamp beam converter stickers. These are compulsory in France.

If you don't have these things, an easy option is to pick up a European driving kit from the likes of Halfords (£32.50 at time of writing) or the RAC (from £25.99).

Use a 'UK' sticker

You will need a sticker for your vehicle if your number plate doesn't include the UK identifier with the union flag.

If it has a GB identifier with the union flag, a Euro symbol, a national flag of England, Scotland or Wales, or numbers and letters only, you must display a UK sticker clearly on the rear of your vehicle.

If you're in Spain, Cyprus or Malta, you must display a UK sticker no matter what is on your number plate.

However, you don't need a UK sticker or identifier to drive in Ireland.

Ensure you're insured