What's covered when you travel abroad?
Your Motability Scheme lease includes RAC European Breakdown Cover in most approved locations, giving you access to support if your vehicle breaks down while you're away.
The support available can be different from what you get in the UK, and it depends on where you're travelling.
Check the list of approved locations before you travel.
You can also take your Scheme vehicle to Iceland, Ceuta, Melilla and the Canary Islands, but Scheme breakdown cover is not available in these locations. You'll need to arrange and pay for your own breakdown and recovery support.
It's also important to arrange personal travel insurance that meets your needs. Your Scheme insurance covers your vehicle, but it does not replace personal travel insurance for things like medical emergencies, cancelled trips or lost luggage.
Get your VE103 before you travel
A Vehicle on Hire certificate, known as a VE103, proves you have permission to take your Scheme vehicle abroad.
You need a VE103 certificate even if you're travelling to the Republic of Ireland.
To get yours, call the RAC on 0800 731 3310 at least three weeks before you travel.
Your VE103 certificate is valid for 12 months and covers multiple trips during that time, up to 90 days, as long as you stay within the Scheme's travel rules. Make sure you take the certificate with you when you travel.
What about longer trips?
You can take your Motability Scheme car or Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAVWheelchair Accessible Vehicle) abroad for up to 90 days in total within a 12-month period.
If you'd like to stay longer, you'll need written permission from us before you travel. Contact us at least three weeks before your trip on 0300 456 4566. We'll review your request and confirm our decision in writing. We will only grant extended travel in exceptional circumstances. Travelling without permission may affect your lease.
Your allowance provider will need to confirm that your mobility allowance will continue while you're away.
What to expect if you break down abroad
If your Scheme car breaks down abroad, RAC European Breakdown Support can help you arrange assistance.
They'll aim to get your vehicle moving again at the roadside. If that's not possible, they can arrange for it to be taken to a repairer.
The service works differently from the UK. For example:
- A local breakdown company might come to help you, rather than an RAC patrol vehicle. Their vehicles might look different from the familiar orange patrol trucks you see in the UK
- Help and repairs might take longer, depending on where you are and the repairers available
- You'll usually need to pay for any parts your vehicle needs
- The RAC might help with onward travel or overnight accommodation, depending on your circumstances, cover and what’s available locally
If you break down or have an accident on a private motorway, use the motorway's emergency telephone first. Then contact the RAC.
The RAC will send you information about your breakdown cover with your VE103 certificate. Read this before travelling so you know what help is available and who to contact.
Travelling in a WAVWheelchair Accessible Vehicle or with adaptations?
Taking your own WAVWheelchair Accessible Vehicle abroad means you can enjoy travelling in a vehicle that's familiar and meets your needs.
If you rely on a WAVWheelchair Accessible Vehicle or adaptations, there are a few extra things worth thinking about before your trip.
Specialist repairs can take longer outside the UK, depending on whether suitable repairers and parts are available locally.
Adapted hire vehicles are not available abroad. If a standard hire car does not meet your needs, the RAC can look at other ways to support you. Accessible travel and accommodation depend on what's available locally, so they cannot be guaranteed.
It's worth thinking about what support you might need if your WAVWheelchair Accessible Vehicle was unavailable for a while.
And if you need help while you're away, tell the RAC about your accessibility needs and any adaptations you rely on as soon as you contact them. This will help them understand your situation and look at the support available.
How much does a VE103 certificate cost?
If you ordered your Scheme vehicle on or after 1 July 2026, you'll usually need to pay a £22 administration fee, including VAT.
If you get your allowance from Social Security Scotland, this fee applies to orders placed on or after 1 September 2026.
Customers who live in Northern Ireland do not need to pay this fee when travelling to the Republic of Ireland. We’re offering this extra support because many customers regularly travel across the border as part of their everyday journeys.
The RAC will explain how your breakdown cover works when you ask for your VE103 certificate.
Check the rules for the countries you're visiting
Different countries have different driving laws, so it's worth checking the rules for every place you plan to visit.
For example, some European countries require you to carry high-visibility jackets and a warning triangle.
You might also need to display a UK sticker on the back of your vehicle. This is required in countries including Spain, Cyprus and Malta, even if your number plate already shows a UK identifier.
In France, some cities require a Crit'Air sticker(opens in a new window), which shows the level of emissions your vehicle produces.
It's also worth taking a European Accident Statement form. This can help you exchange details with another driver if you're involved in an accident.
It’s your responsibility to check the rules of the country you’re travelling to. You can check the latest requirements using the government's foreign travel advice(opens in a new window) before you set off. The RAC also provide driving advice for every country in Europe(opens in a new window).
Green card requirements
You no longer need a Green card for your Scheme vehicle when travelling to approved European destinations.
But you might need one if you're towing a separate caravan or trailer.
You can ask Direct Line Motability (DLM) about this on 0300 037 3737. It's worth checking the requirements for every country you're visiting before you travel.
Towing while abroad
If you're planning to tow a caravan or trailer abroad, it's important to follow the usual towing rules.
Check your Scheme vehicle can safely tow your caravan or trailer, including the maximum permitted weight.
Make sure your driving licence allows you to tow it too. You'll need separate insurance and breakdown cover for your caravan or trailer.
Your Scheme breakdown cover does not cover faults with the caravan or trailer itself. The RAC offers a separate cover package called Arrival.
You can call 0330 159 8867 for more information, or arrange cover with another provider.
What happens if you break down while towing?
If your Scheme vehicle breaks down while you're towing, RAC European Breakdown Support can arrange for your vehicle to be taken to a repairer.
They can also tow your caravan or trailer to a safe location. If the problem is with your caravan or trailer rather than your Scheme vehicle, you'll need to use your separate breakdown cover.
If you need a replacement vehicle while your Scheme vehicle is being repaired, remember that it might not have a tow bar. This could mean making other arrangements for your caravan or trailer.
Essential documents checklist
Here are some important documents to have with you, or check whether you need, before you travel:
- Full driving licence and National Insurance number
- Proof of vehicle insurance
- Passport
- VE103 certificate
- RAC European Breakdown Cover policy details and contact information
- Personal travel insurance documents
- A credit card will be needed if you require a hire car
Recommended extras
It's also worth thinking about taking:
- Spare bulbs, where appropriate for your vehicle
- Torch
- Fire extinguisher
- Spare fuel can, where permitted
- Extra engine oil and water, if appropriate
- European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)
- Photocopies of important documents
Remember to check the rules for the countries you're visiting, as some items might be required while others may be restricted.
Driving abroad safely: Our top tips
Exploring somewhere new in your own vehicle can be a great experience. A little preparation can help you feel more confident on unfamiliar roads. Here are our top tips:
- Adjust your headlights if needed
- Keep some change or another suitable payment method handy for toll roads
- Take regular breaks and stay alert
- Follow local driving laws, speed limits and road signs
- Keep your breakdown contact details somewhere you can find them when you need them. If you breakdown in Europe, call the RAC on +33 472 43 52 44
Plan ahead and enjoy your travels
Every country has its own driving rules, so check entry requirements and travel advice before you leave. It's worth checking again closer to your departure date in case anything changes.
If you use a WAVWheelchair Accessible Vehicle or adaptations, taking some time to understand the support available abroad can also help you prepare for your journey.
Once you've checked your documents, cover and travel plans, you can look forward to the places you'll visit and the memories you'll make.
For more information, visit our taking your vehicle abroad page.
Manage your lease online
Your online account makes it easier to stay on top of your Motability Scheme lease. You can check your lease details, update key information and track the progress of your application, all in one place.
