TOPIC:

Well, I've replaced pads on my previous Scenic with electronic handbrake. Didn't use anything else, but some wrenches

please correct me if i am wrong, are the rear pads duel use  rear brake and handbrake ?

why i ask is dependant on make of pad they range from 16mm to 18mm thick and i cant find any different pad for the handbrake. I owned a garage for many years, and it always works out you get through 2 sets of fronts to one set of rears, unless! the rear brakes are binding and this causes more ware. 

so i am asking if the pads are worn down what are they on thickness ? combined pad and backing ? also check the fronts , if combined the thickness is 14mm that is little or no ware 


for the MOT here are the regs 

Brake pads must have at least 1.5 mm of friction material wear left to pass the MOT. so 4mm is loads, i think they are naturally thin as they get very little use and they have electronic warning should they wear to low.  this alows time to get them replaced and if your going to france , it will be a dam site cheaper to get them done there. 

Aone 
i agree with you, it should be simply release the handbrake and replace the pads, but i feel with the cars now having hill start assist and the like you will need a computer to reset them, just another way the system stop you fixing your own car, its a bloody conspiracy. 

18000 front pads are half worn don’t tend to use the brakes to harshly so may be ok, but away for 30 days

i would say you should be fine, and your there where its made 

My Van has hill start assist and the brakes have worn pretty evenly and were replaced at 49000 miles.
What it doesn't have is the auto release brakes from parked, only difference.