Ready for a road trip? Here’s what you need to know about driving in Europe.
Driving in Europe: important documents you need
Compulsory requirements for all drivers
Before you leave, make sure you have all the right paperwork and that it stays valid for the length of your trip. Most of it takes time to arrange, so start at least six to eight weeks ahead.
Passport, valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen area
Schengen visa or the relevant national visa for the countries you're visiting
Your original Indian driving licence — an IDP is not valid on its own
International Driving Permit (IDP), issued by your local RTO before you travel. You cannot apply for one once you are abroad. It is valid for one year from the date of issue
Travel insurance with a minimum of €30,000 in medical cover, which is a Schengen visa requirement
Car hire booking confirmation and the credit card used to make it, usually in the main driver's name
Proof of vehicle insurance and your hire company's roadside assistance number
Do keep in mind that from 10 April 2026, the EU's Entry/Exit System has been fully operational at every Schengen external border. Your fingerprints and photograph will be registered on your first crossing, so allow extra time at immigration.
The 'just-in-case' packing list
What you'll need for driving in Europe
Whether it's an extra pair of sunglasses or your favourite shoes, we'll leave the holiday packing to you. Alongside the compulsory documents, here's what else is worth having.
Breakdown essentials
Extra layers, a blanket, a torch and plenty of water
Emergency numbers for every country on your route. 112 works Europe-wide
Your hire company's 24-hour assistance number saved offline
Useful extras
Offline maps downloaded before you go, as mobile data can be patchy in the mountains
A universal travel adapter and a car phone mount, which is legally required in several countries
Cash in euros for tolls, parking meters and rural fuel pumps
Photocopies and digital backups of your passport, visa, licence and IDP
An international debit or credit card, since many automated fuel stations won't accept Indian cards without a PIN
European driving checklist
Common road laws in Europe
Thankfully, many European countries share the same driving laws. However, it's worth knowing where they differ.
Drive on the right, give way to the left: Unless you're in Ireland, Cyprus or Malta, where driving is on the left as it is at home.
Reflective jackets: In France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Austria and Croatia you are legally required to keep a high-visibility jacket inside the passenger compartment, not in the boot.
Warning triangles and the Spanish V-16: Most European countries require a warning triangle. Spain is now the exception: since 1 January 2026, the connected V-16 emergency beacon has replaced the triangle as the only legal way to signal a stopped vehicle. Hire cars registered in Spain will be fitted with one, but do check before you drive off.
First aid kits: Many European countries legally require a first aid kit on board, including Austria, Germany, Greece, Croatia and Romania. Where it isn't the law, it's still sensible.
Fire extinguishers: A fire extinguisher is compulsory in Greece, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria and Belgium.
Snow chains and winter tyres: Depending on the season, winter tyres or chains are required or strongly recommended in Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland and Andorra, usually between November and April. In France the rule applies in signposted mountain areas.
Tolls and vignettes: Austria, Switzerland, Slovenia, Czechia, Hungary and Bulgaria all need a vignette or electronic toll pass bought in advance. Driving without one carries an on-the-spot fine.
Alcohol limits: Most of Europe sets the limit at 0.05 percent, lower than you may expect, and some countries are stricter still. The simplest approach is not to drink at all if you're driving.
Hire car requirements: Most companies require drivers to be at least 21, with a licence held for a minimum of one year. Drivers under 25 usually pay a young driver surcharge.
Driving through Europe: Country-specific tips
Lesser-known driving rules around Europe
Portugal
If you're travelling with bikes, use a roof mount. Rear-mounted and towbar-mounted bike racks are not permitted on cars in Portugal. Most motorways are also electronic toll-only, so arrange a transponder with your hire company at pickup.
France
You can't wear headphones while driving or use speed camera detection on your phone or sat nav. Your vehicle must display a Crit'Air emissions sticker to enter low emission zones in over 30 cities, or you risk a €68 fine. Speed limits also drop in wet weather, so watch the signs.
Austria
Keep your hands off the horn in Vienna and around hospitals, where beeping is largely prohibited.
Cyprus
Pull over if you're feeling thirsty or peckish, because you can be fined for eating or drinking at the wheel in Cyprus.
Germany
Before heading into any major city you'll need an Umweltplakette emissions sticker, which can be ordered online or picked up at testing centres.
Spain
Parking rules can be very particular from region to region, so read the kerb markings carefully. Open-toed footwear and flip-flops are also frowned upon and can be treated as unsafe driving.
Italy
Nearly every historic city centre is a ZTL, a limited traffic zone monitored by cameras. Driving into one without a permit means an automatic fine, often arriving months later via your hire company.
Bucket-list drives in Europe
Five best road trips in Europe
You might have already tackled some of the better-known road trips in India, but Europe is a whole new proposition. If you're after inspiration, these routes are worth building an itinerary around.
FAQs about hiring a car in Europe
Sort out your Schengen travel visa early, as appointment slots fill up fast in peak season. For timing, the best time to visit Europe for a road trip is late spring or early autumn, when the alpine passes are open and hire car rates haven't peaked. Working to a tight budget? Our guide to a budget trip to Europe from India shows how much further your money stretches in Central Europe.
