Don’t forget your VE103 before you head off on a driving holiday abroad

Summer is almost here, which means two things: the great British tradition of packing far too much into the boot, and the equally British tradition of realising you’ve forgotten something important just as you reach the ferry terminal. If you’re taking your lease car on holiday this year though, there’s one document you absolutely cannot afford to overlook, and that’s the VE103.

A VE103 is the official vehicle-on-hire certificate that proves you have permission from the legal owner of the car to take it outside the UK. It’s a simple document, but it’s the single most important thing you need to organise before you set off.

If you’re leasing your car, you won’t be in possession of the V5C logbook, which makes the VE103 the only legally recognised alternative when travelling abroad. European authorities can and do ask for it, and without it you could face fines, delays, or even have the car impounded until you can prove you’re entitled to drive it.

Once you’ve sorted your VE103, the rest of your holiday paperwork is fairly familiar.

You’ll still need your driving licence, passport, insurance documents and breakdown cover details, but nothing here has changed since last summer. The usual European driving kit requirements remain in place too, so depending on your destination you will likely need to stock up on items such as high-visibility vests, a warning triangle, a first-aid kit, or spare bulbs. Some countries also recommend carrying breathalyser kits, although enforcement varies, so it’s worth checking the rules for wherever you’re heading.

Even if you’re staying in the UK, a bit of preparation goes a long way.

Long summer drives tend to expose any little niggles your car has been quietly ignoring all winter, so it’s worth giving everything a quick once-over before you load up the luggage. Checking your oil, coolant, and washer fluid takes minutes and can save a lot of hassle later. It’s also worth making sure you’ve got a bottle of oil in the boot and enough washer fluid to last the trip. It may seem like a minor consideration, but running out of washer fluid can technically land you with a fine, and nobody wants to explain that one at a service station.

Tyre pressures are another easy win.

A fully loaded car behaves very differently to an empty one, and most models have recommended pressures for heavier loads printed inside the driver’s door. A quick adjustment before you leave can improve comfort, stability, and fuel economy, especially if you’ve packed half the house for a week by the sea.

The growing number of EV drivers will also have their own version of holiday prep.

A little route planning goes a long way, particularly if you’re heading somewhere rural or unfamiliar. Most modern EVs have built-in route planners that factor in charging stops, but there are plenty of online tools that do the same job if yours doesn’t. A bit of forward thinking helps avoid the dreaded single-digit range anxiety when you’re still miles from the next charger.

After that, the rest is the fun stuff.

You’ve stocked up on snacks, compiled playlists, packed the sun cream and the inflatable flamingos, and whatever else your family insists is essential for a week away. As long as your lease car is in good shape and you’ve got the right documents - especially that VE103 - you can relax and enjoy the journey.

Wherever you’re heading this summer, a little preparation makes all the difference.

Get the paperwork in order, give the car a quick health check, and you’ll be ready to hit the road with nothing to worry about except who gets control of the air-con.