Driving help please

[Sid74]

Hi,

It has been a few years since my family has driven to DLP, and I have forgotten if you have to pay the road toll on the journey from Calais, on the way to Calais, or both?

I am thinking it is both ways, but thought I would ask.

I was also wondering if we are supposed to have a high visibility vest for all 4 of us, or just have the one in the car, as the document on the AA website seems to say?

I believe that we also need a warning triangle as well, but do we need a bulb kit and a first aid kit? I would be taking some sensible first aid supplies anyway, but wondered if we are supposed to have specific things?

See, daft questions I know, but we haven't done this for years and I am trying to get it right with the new regulations.

 

[flortlebap]

Have a look at this website

http://driving.drive-alive.co.uk/driving-in-france.htm

It looks like high vis vests should be kept for all occupants. Hazard triangles are compulsory, and first aid kits are "advised but not compulsory".

 

[Sid74]

Thanks for the reply.

I have actually looked at that website, that's one of reasons I am confused. It says 1 for everyone, the AA thing says 1 for the driver.

 

[flortlebap]

Oh

Well depending on how much they cost, would it be OK to buy one vest each just in case?

As far as the first aid kit goes - just use your common sense and I'm sure you'll be fine I think in the UK we're advised to keep them in the car but I'm not sure many people do!

 

[Jeccaboos]

Tolls are both ways, around 20 euro each.

You need - warning triangle, spare bulbs, 1 high viz jacket apparently (although you can get these in pound shops so we have one for each of us) but you don't need to carry a first aid kit by law. Also get the headlight stickers and your car must display a GB sign.

 

[sarahb74]

And remember your high vis jacket must be in the car, not the boot (as you might get hit going to get it!)

 

[hazelj27]

Just to say, only 1 warning triangle is the requirement for France. Apparently in Spain you need 2...well, so the nice lady at Dover ferryport told me.

 

[Sid74]

Thanks everyone

I have now ordered 3 high visability vests (DH should have one from work), a spare bulb set, a warning triangle, bulb deflector thingies, and a copy of the DLP Brits guide for the family to read.

Hope that covers everything? I will make up the usual small first aid kit (plasters, blister plasters, paracetamol etc..).

Is there anything I have forgotten?

 

[zinderella]

Ummmmm....sweets???????
Kinda compulsory in our car!

 

[IsobelJackmummy]

You also need to have your driving license, and I think the car registration document?

And it's not compulsary, but we add european cover to our RAC membership. To me, it's worth the £30 , for peace of mind that if we break down we can call someone who is English speaking, and not have a hefty breakdown bill!

Oh and just check with your car insurance company, some specify that you need to notify them that you are travelling abroad.

Once you've remembered all that, it's a breeze!

 

[jymhall]

As said you don't have to have a first aid kit its just recommended and you DON'T have to have spare bulbs BUT if one goes and you can't replace it you're in trouble!.. we carry a few spares of each kind.

You have to have both parts of your license and you do need your V5, I thought it was high-vis jackets all round but maybe I'm wrong? and of course GB sticker and headlamp converters(you can make these with gaffer tape but I wouldn't recommended it) and triangle.

Last time we went we went to Dunkerque(its cheaper, but takes a bit longer) and the toll was 17.60 euros each way, we've done Calais too but can't remember the exact amount.

 

[Sid74]

Thanks everyone

I am now the proud owner of some headlamp converter things and a set of random spare bulbs, for a hire car!

My vests and guide book are on their way to me via royal mail.

We will definately have some sweets, and probably a full array of food and drink if my kids get their way

I will make sure that DH has both parts of his license, and I must remember to make sure we get the V5 from the hire company.

It looks like costing us about £140 just in petrol and tolls, to go with the car hire at £310 or so. It would probably have been cheaper to go by eurostar! DH likes to drive so we can go to the hypermarket next to DLP, and then to have a look at the shopping centre thing in Calais. He doesn't like to pay Disney prices for food and drink.

 

[Johnny_boy]

I don't think bulbs are compulsory. I have a Renault and most of the bulbs are dealer only replacement. If your car has an EC number plate, then I think you're ok - our has SCO on it with the 12 stars.

 

[Sid74]

I figured the bulbs would need to be specific, but the hire company said to just get the generic pack. Oh well, I've got them now.

We have a GB magnetic plate thing from years ago, I thought we could use that. I haven't come across a single car with the euro plate in several years of hiring them.

 

[Rachie B]

Thanks everyone

I am now the proud owner of some headlamp converter things and a set of random spare bulbs, for a hire car!

My vests and guide book are on their way to me via royal mail.

We will definately have some sweets, and probably a full array of food and drink if my kids get their way

I will make sure that DH has both parts of his license, and I must remember to make sure we get the V5 from the hire company.

It looks like costing us about £140 just in petrol and tolls, to go with the car hire at £310 or so. It would probably have been cheaper to go by eurostar! DH likes to drive so we can go to the hypermarket next to DLP, and then to have a look at the shopping centre thing in Calais. He doesn't like to pay Disney prices for food and drink.

ouch!
but like you say you can shop, and also pack the car up with stuff for the kids etc

how come you have to hire a car

we used to go via ferry until a horrid rough crossing one July! now we always go via Eurotunnel using Tesco deals

 

[Sid74]

We don't own a car, so have to hire one when we go.

 

[theirdad]

Calais to Paris is 20.20 euros - payable BOTH ways.

Hi-vis vests - it is advised to have one per occupant, but only one per car is legal requirement.
Driving license, insurance document, V5 log book.

If vehicle has 'new' European number plate with country flag (not football team), then no GB sticker required - otherwise GB sticker fixed to rear bumper.

 

[Sid74]

Thank you theirdad