How to prepare for travelling abroad by car?

Documents, technical preparation of the vehicle and a route plan reduce delays and unpleasant surprises on the road.

Reading time: 1 min read
Updated:: 12 August 2026

Travelling abroad by car requires three types of preparation: documents, the vehicle and the route. When all three are sorted before departure, the journey is calmer and more predictable.

Quick answer

Check that the documents of all passengers and the vehicle are valid, arrange compulsory and travel insurance, service and inspect the vehicle, and check the route, border crossings and the rules of the countries you will pass through in advance.

What you need to do

Check the documents
Check the validity dates of travel documents, driving licence and vehicle registration certificate, and authorisation if the vehicle is not yours.
Arrange insurance
Check that your vehicle insurance is valid along the whole route and consider travel health insurance.
Prepare the vehicle
Check the tyres, oil, fluids, brakes, lights and compulsory equipment required by the countries on your route.
Plan the route
Decide on border crossings, breaks and fuel or charging stops, and prepare an alternative route.
Check the rules of the countries on the route
Vignettes, tolls and compulsory equipment differ from country to country, so check them with official sources before departure.

Prepare

Travel documents for all passengers
Driving licence and vehicle registration certificate
Proof of vehicle insurance
Compulsory equipment in the vehicle
Route plan and border crossings

Common mistakes

Checking documents on the day of departure.
Assuming the same rules apply in every country on the route.
Travelling without an alternative route.

This text is general practical guidance from the SuravenT platform and is not legal, medical or financial advice. Verify current conditions and regulations with the competent institution or your insurer.