When travelling by ferry it is easy for us to take our car with us on holiday, but if it does not suit for you to take you car or if you decide to hire one when you arrive there are a number of points you need to remember.

Firstly, you will always need a full state driving licence, along with another form of photographic ID, passport for example.
Secondly, in some cases there is an age limit on the hiring a car, usually twenty five, so if you are younger, you may have to try different companies before you are able to hire your car. If you are under age, you might want to consider travelling by another mode of transport, such as the train.

Next, your current insurance may have restrictions to you driving in foreign countries so you might find that you will have no insurance outside of your own state. Check with your insurance company before you leave. Driving in France and most of Europe is to the same standards as the UK and follow the same general rules.

Lastly, driving in foreign countries often means different driving laws and driving on the opposite side of the road, make yourself familiar with the rules of the road in the country you will be visiting before you hire a car.

Hiring a car from a ferry port is not difficult, most ports will have the facility near to hand, but if they don't, you will usually find facilities of this kind in the associated town.
Having your own mode of transport allows you to check out different locations within the country making the most of the scenery and accommodation each country has to offer: book your hotel as well!