Driving Abroad
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Driving AbroadFrance
1. Motoring offences attract an on-the-spot fine of up to
2. Allumez vos lanternes
3. Attention Travaux
4. Gravillons
Germany
5. Speed limit built-up areas
6. Minimum age for driving licence
7. Umleitung
8. Autobahn Kreuz
Netherlands
9. Vehicles parked further than
metres from a street light require parking lights
10. Blue Zone parking systems operate and discs can be obtained free from
11. Langzaam rijden
12. Rechtsaf toegeslaan
13. Wegomlegging
14. Blood/Alcohol limit
15. Ceda el Paso
16. Cuidado
17. Obras
18. Peligro
Diving Licence/ International Driving Licence/ Green Card/ Bail Bond/ Passport/ Visas
- Continental Motor Insurance/ Personal Insurance
- GB sticker on the rear of your vehicle
- Warning Triangle
- Headlight beam converters
- First aid kit
- Spare light bulbs
- Fire extinguisher
- Foreign currency for toll roads (and there are quite a few!)
- A good road map
- Travel Guides with some basic phrases of language
- Sort out your insurance. This is a must.
Ring your insurance company for a quote or shop around for a good deal. Ask for continental motor cover. Make sure it covers everything- breakdown, repairs, theft, damage, return of vehicle to UK and help with additional expenses such as personal travel and unforeseen accommodation costs.Railsavers Holiday Insurance http://www.railsavers.co.uk/insurance.htm
- Green Card/Bail Bond/Licences
Take your UK Driving Licence. For some countries it is advisable to get an International Driving Licence from the AA. (Ask an any AA office for a form. You will need a passport photo).Your Insurance Company should issue a 'Green Card' free. Just ring them and ask for one.You may need to show it when your papers are being checked as you enter another country. If you are driving in Spain you also need a Bail Bond.
- In case of an emergency
Take an overseas vehicle breakdown contact phone number. Your insurance company should give you one. - Service you car / bike
Make sure your car/ bike is in good order. Checking engine fluid levels and tyre conditions. - Car Essentials
Carry an emergency spares kit - a garage will make one up for you. The cost of buying spares abroad will eat into your holiday cash, even if you can claim it back later!You will also need a warning triangle, headlight beam converters, a first aid kit and a fire extinguisher. (Buy these from a motor/ camping shop), foreign currency for road tolls.
- When you get there
Take it steady until you get used to driving on the opposite site of the road, especially when you are overtaking, turning left or approaching a roundabout and traffic lights. Most traffic signs are similar to those used in the UK.
- Driving Licence
Take your driving licence - you will need this to hire a car/bike abroad - Steering wheel on the left
In most European countries, the driver's seat is on the left. The gearbox will still be in the same position, but you will need to use your right hand to change gear! Take the car on a quiet road. Practise changing gear and try to get a 'feel' for the car. If you can, avoid heavy traffic at first. - Driving on the right
Take it steady until you get used to driving on the opposite site of the road, especially when you are overtaking, turning left or approaching a roundabout and traffic lights. Most traffic signs are similar to those used in the UK. - Kilometres
One kilometre is equal to 0.621 of a mile. A rough method to convert into miles:
multiply the number of kilometres by 6 and put the decimal point in before the last figure - Different Laws and Regulations
In most European you can't drive if you are under 18 even if you've passed your driving test in the UK. Newly qualified drivers may find it difficult to hire a car.Stick to speed limits and only park in authorised car parks. Many countries have an 'on the spot' system of fines!
Rules and Regulations for Driving in Europe - country by country
http://www.ar100123.demon.co.uk/drive_regs/europe_indexnf.htm
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