During the summer holiday period, around 3.4 million motorists - or 10 per cent of drivers - are planning to drive their car to Europe, according to Sheilas' Wheels.

The female specialist car insurance provider found that 83 per cent of those driving abroad plan on heading to France, while nearly a quarter (23 per cent) to Belgium. Nineteen per cent of drivers plan to go to Germany.

Alarmingly, 33 per cent believe that the driving rules and regulations in the UK are the same as those in European countries.

Jacky Brown at Sheilas' Wheels car insurance said: "It's important for motorists looking to take their car across the Channel to call their insurer and check their level of cover before driving abroad. With the school holidays fast approaching this may be the last thing on parents' minds but it's crucial to plan ahead and get ample insurance cover for added peace of mind.

"It's also vital that motorists do their research beforehand by making sure they understand the basic rules and regulations for driving on foreign roads.

"Being fully prepared by planning their journeys, carrying the essential equipment and giving their car a maintenance check before setting off is also a must - especially as a breakdown with kids in the back of the car is enough to put a dampener on any holiday.