UK Road Trip Checklist: Everything You Need Before You Go

Summary

• Check your car: Tyres, oil, coolant, lights, wipers, and fuel before you leave.
• Plan your route: Know your stops, check traffic, download offline maps.
• Pack smart: Emergency kit, snacks, entertainment, and documentation.
• Take breaks: Stop every 2 hours to stay alert and enjoy the journey.

Whether it's a weekend getaway or a cross-country adventure, a bit of preparation makes all the difference.

Use this checklist to make sure your road trip goes smoothly.

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Vehicle Checks Before You Leave

Don't wait until you're 100 miles from home to discover a problem.

Essential Checks

• ☐ Tyres: Pressure correct (including spare), tread above 3mm
• ☐ Oil: Level between min and max
• ☐ Coolant: Level correct (check when cold)
• ☐ Windscreen washer fluid: Topped up
• ☐ Lights: All working (headlights, brake lights, indicators)
• ☐ Wipers: In good condition, not streaking
• ☐ Brakes: Working properly, no unusual noises
• ☐ Fuel: Full tank before you set off

For more details, see our car maintenance checklist.

If Your MOT or Service Is Due

If your MOT expires during the trip or your service is overdue, get it done before you leave. Breaking down on holiday is no fun.

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Documentation Checklist

• ☐ Driving licence
• ☐ Insurance certificate (or app proof)
• ☐ Breakdown cover details
• ☐ V5C (if staying away long-term or selling)
• ☐ Accommodation booking confirmations
• ☐ Attraction tickets (if pre-booked)

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Emergency Kit

Prepare for the unexpected:

• ☐ Warning triangle
• ☐ High-vis jacket(s)
• ☐ Torch with spare batteries
• ☐ Jump leads
• ☐ First aid kit
• ☐ Phone charger (in-car or power bank)
• ☐ Blanket (for warmth if stranded)
• ☐ Basic tool kit
• ☐ Tyre inflator/compressor
• ☐ Small amount of cash (for parking, tolls, emergencies)

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Packing Essentials

For the Driver

• ☐ Sunglasses
• ☐ Comfortable shoes for driving
• ☐ Sat nav or phone with maps (download offline maps)
• ☐ Phone holder/mount

For Passengers

• ☐ Entertainment (tablets, books, games)
• ☐ Headphones
• ☐ Travel pillows
• ☐ Blankets for sleeping

Food and Drink

• ☐ Water bottles
• ☐ Snacks (non-messy options)
• ☐ Cool bag for perishables
• ☐ Tissues and wet wipes
• ☐ Bin bag for rubbish

For Children

• ☐ Car seat (correctly installed)
• ☐ Favourite toys
• ☐ Travel games
• ☐ Change of clothes
• ☐ Nappies/changing supplies
• ☐ Window shades

For Pets

• ☐ Secure restraint or crate
• ☐ Food and water bowls
• ☐ Lead and poo bags
• ☐ Pet first aid kit
• ☐ Familiar blanket or bed

For more on travelling with pets, see our driving with pets guide.

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Route Planning

• ☐ Plan your route in advance
• ☐ Identify rest stops (every 2 hours recommended)
• ☐ Check for roadworks or events
• ☐ Download offline maps in case of signal loss
• ☐ Note fuel station locations (especially in remote areas)
• ☐ Have a backup route in case of closures

Avoiding Traffic

• Leave early morning or late evening to miss rush hour
• Avoid Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings
• Use real-time traffic apps (Google Maps, Waze)
• Check traffic before setting off

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Road Trip Driving Tips

• Take breaks: Stop every 2 hours for at least 15 minutes
• Share driving: If possible, swap drivers to stay fresh
• Stay hydrated: But balance with bathroom break needs!
• Avoid heavy meals: They can make you drowsy
• Know the signs of fatigue: Yawning, heavy eyelids, drifting - stop if you feel them
• Keep the car comfortable: Good temperature, fresh air

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Keeping Everyone Entertained

• Create a road trip playlist
• Download podcasts or audiobooks
• Classic car games (I Spy, 20 Questions, Number Plate Game)
• Tablets loaded with films/games for kids
• Travel bingo cards

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Day-Before Final Checks

• ☐ Car is clean inside (makes the trip more pleasant)
• ☐ Everything packed and loaded
• ☐ Weight distributed evenly
• ☐ Boot arranged for easy access to essentials
• ☐ Everyone knows the plan
• ☐ Phone charged, sat nav updated
• ☐ Good night's sleep!

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Quick Reference Checklist

Print this out for easy reference:

Vehicle: Tyres ☐ Oil ☐ Coolant ☐ Washer fluid ☐ Lights ☐ Wipers ☐ Fuel ☐

Documents: Licence ☐ Insurance ☐ Breakdown cover ☐ Bookings ☐

Emergency: Triangle ☐ Hi-vis ☐ Torch ☐ Jump leads ☐ First aid ☐ Charger ☐

Comfort: Snacks ☐ Water ☐ Entertainment ☐ Pillows ☐ Sunglasses ☐

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Final Thoughts

A road trip is as much about the journey as the destination. A bit of preparation ensures you can relax and enjoy the drive.

Check your car, pack smart, plan your route, and take plenty of breaks. Happy travels!

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