Do I Need an Additional Licence to Travel to Europe in a Motorhome?

Travelling abroad in your motorhome is an exciting way to explore and quite cost effective too! A lot of people question whether they need an additional licence to travel to Europe in a motorhome, the simple answer is no you don’t, but there are specific legal and practical requirements to consider before you do set off.

Driving Licence

If you are a UK-based driver with a UK photocard driving licence that allows you to drive a motorhome, then you can drive it in EU countries without needing an International Driving Permit (IDP). If you are new to motorhoming, it is essential to check that your licence category covers the vehicle category you will be driving abroad. For example, if your motorhome’s Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) is over 3,500kg then you may need a different licence category. In some European countries, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended, which is normally the case if your licence is an older paper version or you were issued via Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man.

Certificate of Conformity (CoC)

A Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is a document issued by the vehicle manufacturer, confirming that the vehicle was produced in conformity with a relevant type of approval standard.

In the UK, manufacturers of new vehicles sold under EU Whole Vehicle Type Approval must supply the original CoC to the buyer. If you are importing a vehicle that was originally registered in the EU or exporting a UK vehicle to EU countries, you may also be asked for your CoC to prove type approval compliance.

Display a UK Sticker

You must display a UK identifier sticker when driving any UK registered vehicle abroad, unless your number plate already has the UK identifier with the Union Jack. If your number plate has any of the following, you will need to add a separate UK sticker to your rear bumper.

• GB identifier with the EU flag
• Euro symbol
• National flag of England, Scotland or Wales
• Numbers and letters only (no flag or identifier)

Be sure to check the sticker requirements for where you are going as some countries, such as Spain, Malta and Cyprus, require the UK sticker even if your plate shows the UK code.

Required Documentation

Of course, the most obvious documentation is your passport, be sure to check the validity of your passport in good time, at least four months before your trip as this then gives you enough time to renew it if needed.

When driving a motorhome in Europe, you will need to bring your UK driving licence and V5C Logbook to prove that you own the vehicle and will be needed if you’re stopped by the authorities.

As well as travel insurance, you also need to have European motorhome insurance that covers you whilst away. Many UK insurance policies offer European cover, but it’s important to check this before you travel.

Other Required Equipment

Many countries require you to carry specific equipment such as the below. If your motorhome weighs over certain thresholds or is towing a trailer, you may need additional stickers such as blind-spot warning stickers, or comply with special rules for large vehicles.

• Warning triangles
• High-visibility jackets
• Headlamp beam converters
• Spare bulbs