Minimum age for driving varies<\/h2>\r\n\r\n
If you pass at 17, you need to be wary of gallivanting around Europe too soon as a few countries don't allow driving until you're 18.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Countries where you need to be 18 to drive:<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n- Spain<\/li>\r\n
- France<\/li>\r\n
- Italy<\/li>\r\n
- Germany<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n
\r\n- Malta<\/li>\r\n
- Norway<\/li>\r\n
- Turkey<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n \r\n
In France, you must carry an unused breathalyser<\/h2>\r\n\r\n
And a whole bunch of other stuff too. Some of it is stuff you should really carry in the UK too - the French have just been more proactive in making it a thing.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Your kit for driving in France:<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n- Unused breathalyser that shows France's 0.05% limit - there's no fine for not having it but it IS required<\/li>\r\n
- GB sticker if you don't have EU licence plates (with the circle of stars)<\/li>\r\n
- Warning triangle<\/li>\r\n
- Reflective jacket<\/li>\r\n
- Spare headlamp bulbs<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n \r\n
\"...one unused, certified breathalyser must be produced showing the French certification mark NF. Carrying two single-use breathalysers will ensure that if one is used or damaged, you will still have a spare to produce. The breathalyser produced has to be in date - single-use breathalysers normally have a validity of twelve months.\"AA<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\r\n\r\n\r\nYou also need to adjust your headlamps so you don't dazzle drivers now on your left. You can get special converters from places like Halfords, and the same goes for everything in the kit above.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Although France's mandatory kit is the biggest, several other European countries have requirements like reflective jackets too. In Spain, you have to carry an extra pair of glasses if you need specs to drive...check before you go!<\/p>\r\n\r\n
We have the highest alcohol limit in Europe<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nEurope's very low alcohol limits mean you really don't have a choice in the matter: you can't have a drink and then drive without risking arrest.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\nIn fact, many countries take a zero-tolerance approach for drivers who have been on the road less than 2 years. Always check the country you're going to because there are LOTS of conditions.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Thinking of risking it anyway? Most European countries have a very grim view of drink driving (hence the low limits) and facing a prosecution abroad is expensive and miserable.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
- \r\n
- Spain<\/li>\r\n
- France<\/li>\r\n
- Italy<\/li>\r\n
- Germany<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n
- \r\n
- Malta<\/li>\r\n
- Norway<\/li>\r\n
- Turkey<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n \r\n
In France, you must carry an unused breathalyser<\/h2>\r\n\r\n
And a whole bunch of other stuff too. Some of it is stuff you should really carry in the UK too - the French have just been more proactive in making it a thing.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Your kit for driving in France:<\/h3>\r\n\r\n
- \r\n
- Unused breathalyser that shows France's 0.05% limit - there's no fine for not having it but it IS required<\/li>\r\n
- GB sticker if you don't have EU licence plates (with the circle of stars)<\/li>\r\n
- Warning triangle<\/li>\r\n
- Reflective jacket<\/li>\r\n
- Spare headlamp bulbs<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n \r\n
\"...one unused, certified breathalyser must be produced showing the French certification mark NF. Carrying two single-use breathalysers will ensure that if one is used or damaged, you will still have a spare to produce. The breathalyser produced has to be in date - single-use breathalysers normally have a validity of twelve months.\"
AA<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\r\n\r\n\r\n
You also need to adjust your headlamps so you don't dazzle drivers now on your left. You can get special converters from places like Halfords, and the same goes for everything in the kit above.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Although France's mandatory kit is the biggest, several other European countries have requirements like reflective jackets too. In Spain, you have to carry an extra pair of glasses if you need specs to drive...check before you go!<\/p>\r\n\r\n
We have the highest alcohol limit in Europe<\/h2>\r\n\r\n
\r\n\r\n\r\nEurope's very low alcohol limits mean you really don't have a choice in the matter: you can't have a drink and then drive without risking arrest.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n
In fact, many countries take a zero-tolerance approach for drivers who have been on the road less than 2 years. Always check the country you're going to because there are LOTS of conditions.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Thinking of risking it anyway? Most European countries have a very grim view of drink driving (hence the low limits) and facing a prosecution abroad is expensive and miserable.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
![\"Map](\"http:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File%3AMap_of_European_countries_by_maximum_blood_alcohol_level.svg\")
<\/a>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n \r\n