What you need to know about driving abroad

Before you go off on your travels you need to be prepared as far as driving in foreign places is concerned.  Detailed below you will find advice on all manner of subjects including driving insurance, how to carry on if you are involved in an accident, breakdown cover and hiring a car. We also point out information regarding tips for motorbike riders, pedestrians and users of public and private transport services too.

Before you go off on your travels you need to be prepared as far as driving in foreign places is concerned.  Detailed below you will find advice on all manner of subjects including driving insurance, how to carry on if you are involved in an accident, breakdown cover and hiring a car. We also point out information regarding tips for motorbike riders, pedestrians and users of public and private transport services too.

Things to do before you go:-

• Make sure you are fully aware of the driving laws in the country you are paying a visit to. Remember which side of the road they drive on and what the maximum speed limit is at which you can travel.
• It’s worth bearing in mind that if your driving licence is a provisional one, it is only valid within the territory of the place where it is issued.
• You will need to check out your documents or have a word with your insurance company to make sure you are fully covered in the event of an accident or breakdown abroad. Any medical bills accrued as the result of an accident also need to be taken care of.
• Do you need a Green Card to drive in the country you are visiting? This provides only the minimum cover, but if you are required to have it, you must make sure you do.
• Find out if you need an International Driving Permit as this is necessary in some countries.
• Make sure your vehicle is up-to-date as far as servicing goes before setting off on your trip.
• The country or countries you are visiting may have special vehicle requirements so check that yours complies with these prior to making your trip.

Don’t Forget to Take:-

• Your spare car keys
• Emergency kit such as first aid equipment, a fire extinguisher, a breakdown warning triangle, a tool kit and a supply of spare bulbs.
• Your vehicle registration document, your driving licence, passport and your International Driving Permit if one is required.
• Your motor insurance certificate in the UK along with your Green Card if you have one.
• The telephone number and policy details of your breakdown service.
• Your holiday travel insurance documentation.
• Any other emergency helpline numbers you may need during your stay abroad.
• Whilst You´re On Foreign Land
• You are more than certain to find out that the local style of driving is completely different to what you are used to in the UK. For this reason, its best to drive defensively and always look out for the unexpected.
• Driving can be tiring, so make sure you have regular stops en route.
• Seat belts are an essential piece of safety kit, so always make sure you and your passengers wear them.
• Official alcohol limits vary from one country to the next so don’t assume it’s the same as you are used to. Some countries have a zero tolerance as far as the rules of drinking and driving go so if you want to have a drink, leave the car behind.
• Using your mobile is prohibited whilst driving.
• Make sure you can see through the rear window of your vehicle and don’t overload the car more than it is safe to do so.
• Should you be unfortunate enough to have an accident get in touch with your insurer at your earliest convenience and take photographs of the damage done to the vehicle.

Driving Your Own Car Abroad

A GB sticker should be clearly displayed on the rear of your vehicle if this information is not contained within your registration plate.  Headlamp converters will be necessary if you are driving on the right hand side of the road in the country you are visiting.

Hiring a Car

As an alternative to taking your own vehicle abroad, you can hire a car to use upon arrival at your destination.  Remember that the cheapest deal may not always work out to be the best in the long run, so choose a reputable hire company to rent your car from. 

The insurance cover included in the rental costs may only allow for the minimum legal amount of the country or state you are in.  As you may be held responsible for any claims made as a result of an accident you should check out if your tour operator or insurance provider at home can give you an increase in cover to allow for this. It´s likely that it will be cheaper to do it this way than taking out additional cover wherever you are visiting.

Motorbike Riders

• Take a good look at the exclusions and make sure you are covered whether you are in charge of the motorbike or riding pillion.
• Travelling on a motorbike, moped or scooter is considerably more dangerous than driving a car, so if you are not used to this mode of transport, maybe you should get a little practice at home before taking on the challenge of foreign drivers on roads you don’t know.
• As with car hire, if you decide to rent a motorbike or scooter, make sure the company you use has a good reputation and that tourist bikers are covered.
• Protective clothing and a helmet are a must when you are riding on a motorbike.
• Two is the maximum number of people who should be travelling on a motorbike at any one time.
• As with any kind of driving, don’t do it when you have been drinking alcohol.
• You will need to check your insurance covers you and includes third party cover if you want to ride a quad bike during your trip. Make sure it’s legal to drive them on the public road and only use a reputable company.

Pedestrians

• A pedestrian abroad should make sure to look both ways when crossing the road as traffic is likely to be approaching from the opposite direction to normal.
• Never make the assumption that drivers will automatically stop for you to cross when you are on a zebra crossing.
• Due to the fact that jay-walking is illegal in many places, you would be wise to cross at designated points.
• If you have to walk along the road, make sure you are facing the oncoming traffic.
• Be seen at night – wear clothing easily spotted in the dark so you can be seen by drivers. Carrying a torch is a good idea too.

Travelling on Buses and Coaches

When travelling on public transport or private coaches, don’t get onto the vehicle if you are in any doubt about its roadworthiness.  You should inform the tour representative or organiser of your concerns immediately.  Don’t be one of these holiday makers who hangs off the back of an already more than fully passenger loaded bus, and remember if you are lucky enough to get a seat and there are seat belts fitted, they are there for your safety, so use them.