Tips For Driving Abroad

So you have completed your lessons, passed your test and are now looking forward to being able to drive wherever you please. If you are going to be in the UK then you now have all of the knowledge that you need in order to drive safely. However, if your adventures take you abroad, there are a number of things that you will need to keep in mind in order to stay safe and ensure that you stick to the rules of the road.

Here we take a look at a few things that you should keep in mind if you’re looking to use your driving talents anywhere other than the UK.

Your Insurance

It is crucial that you check your insurance before you drive abroad, as many policies don’t provide comprehensive cover for such a decision. As such, if you find yourself needing to make a claim, you will find that your insurance won’t be able to cover it and you could end up paying out of pocket. Speak with your insurance company and find out what your current policy covers and whether it is possible to extend your domestic policy to cover a brief period out of the country. While it is unlikely that you will need it, you will be very happy to have it if you do.

Local Regulations

It is important to be aware that the rules you must abide by when driving abroad are often going to be different than those you would need to follow in the UK. For example, if you are driving in France it is required that you keep a fluorescent jacket in your passenger side that you have to wear should you break down or if you stop to assist somebody else who has broken down. Be aware of such rules before you enter the country, so you don’t have to find out about them later in less than ideal circumstances.

Hiring Your Car

If you are a new driver, hiring a car can be an intimidating experience. Not only do you need to deal with all of the paperwork that is associated with it, but you will also be putting yourself in the position of driving an unfamiliar car, possibly for the first time in your life. With that in mind, try to hire something that is as similar to your own car in terms of make and model as you possibly can. This way, you will be aware of where everything is and won’t find yourself struggling as you drive.

Take It Slow

Don’t assume that you know everything there is to know about driving because you passed your test in the UK. Keep calm and take things slow when driving in another country. This will give you the chance to adjust to different road markings and driving conditions. Once you have become a little bit more comfortable you will find that there isn’t too much different in terms of the nuts and bolts of the whole process, but that doesn’t mean that everything is the same either.