To obtain travel documents, please call your DriverLine.  If you don't know your DriverLine number, please call 0344 4937644.

If you are planning to take your vehicle overseas, you'll need to make sure that it is legal to drive in other European countries.  We can help you organise the right documentation and let you know what to look out for while you are abroad. Please order your travel documents from us at least 14 days before you travel so that they are delivered in plenty of time. Please note that there is a fee for this service.

The document pack includes:

• VE103(a) Vehicle on Hire Form
• Letter of Authority
• If you have LP Assist you will also be sent details of your European Insurance Cover.

Please note the VE103 form is valid for 12 months from date of issue. Please be advised that under the terms of your contract you may not be covered for routine maintenance costs incurred whilst driving abroad, so please ensure any routine maintenance is carried out prior to travel to ensure your own safety.  Please insure that you have the relevant insurance policy in place before you travel.

We also recommend you refer to the AA website for guidelines of driving in Europe and the legal requirements in different countries: http://shop.theaa.com/content/driving-in-europe. The latest driving rules and legal requirements applying to drivers in specific countries vary, so it's always best to check online before your trip - it's better to be prepared than to risk getting a fine.

Essential items to ensure you’re road-legal in European countries:

• A valid full driving licence (not provisional)
• A motor insurance certificate confirming European cover 
• A valid passport
• GB sticker
• Headlamp beam adjustors
• Warning triangle
• First aid kit
• Fire extinguisher

Travelling abroad checklist:

• Obtain a copy of your insurance certificate.
• Request your travel documents from us allowing two weeks for delivery.
• In France it's a legal requirement to have approved alcohol testers (breathalysers) with your vehicle - these can be purchased from auto stores or motoring organisations.
• Check that your spare wheel (or tyre mobility set) is usable and legal.
• Adjust the tyre pressures according to the weight you are carrying.
• Most vehicles now have Euro-style number plates; if yours does not you should affix a GB sticker to the back of the vehicle.
• Take copies of important documents in case of emergency.
• Check if there are any country-specific local requirements before you travel.
• Check customs restrictions if carrying goods between countries.
• Pack high-visibility vests for the whole family - they're compulsory in many countries.
• Make sure you have a red warning triangle in case of an incident
• Take a torch, or a headband light.
• Take spare engine oil with you.
• Take a spare set of headlight and other bulbs - this is mandatory in some countries.
• Pack some blankets - they'll come in handy if your vehicle breaks down when it's cold.
• Carry some food and water in case of breakdown.
• Make sure you write down all the emergency numbers you'll need.

For Winter trips:

• By law your vehicle must have winter tyres fitted when there is snow and ice on the roads in Sweden, Norway, Finland and Germany (even if the car is registered in the UK) - make sure you do this before you leave.
• Use of snow chains may be compulsory in some parts of Europe dependent upon local conditions and regulations; it's best to order them in plenty of time and practice fitting them before you set off.
• Remember to pack a snow shovel.
• Consider taking old carpet mats or wooden planks to place under the wheels in the event that your vehicle gets stuck in the snow.
• Pack a tow rope.
• Remember to add anti-freeze additive to your screen wash before you leave; bring some spare to top up in case you run out.
• If you have a roof box fitted, remember to use it only for lightweight items and read the manual.
• If your vehicle is rear wheel drive (which is likely if it's a Mercedes or BMW car, or a larger commercial vehicle) it will be more difficult to drive on snow and ice. This makes it even more important to have snow tyres and tyre chains, but it might also help to ensure there is extra weight at the back of the car to help the rear wheels get better grip in the snow.

Frequently asked questions:

Do I need to arrange breakdown cover for a European trip?

If you have breakdown cover in your contract with LeasePlan you are covered when driving in Europe. Please call LP Assist on +44 800 212 562. If you do not have breakdown cover with LeasePlan please call your own breakdown provider for assistance. If you do not have breakdown cover with LeasePlan we recommend you check this with your breakdown provider before you travel.