Must Know Tips for Driving Abroad

Driving abroad presents a new challenge and can certainly be daunting for those who haven’t done it before. Even those who are experienced at doing so can benefit from some useful tips and things to look out for. That’s why we’ve created a short guide to help you drive safely and confidently when abroad.

Are you driving your own car abroad or will you be hiring a car? Although often influenced by where and how far you’re travelling, there are pros and cons of both options. Driving personal UK-registered vehicles abroad is popular when travelling to local European countries, yet becomes less practical and not recommended when travelling further afield. If you choose to travel in your own vehicle then you’ll need to be prepared to drive in an environment where the infrastructure is designed for left-hand drive vehicles (in most cases).

Regardless of which vehicle you drive, you’ll need to adapt to driving on the opposite (right) side of the road. Roundabouts are a particularly noteworthy encounter as you’ll typically be traversing them anti-clockwise, as opposed to clockwise, like we do in the UK. Driving your right-hand drive vehicle immediately poses a greater challenge as the driving position is on the opposite side to which the road systems are designed for.

The most noticeable disadvantage becomes clear when trying to overtake. Having a passenger onboard is certainly beneficial, as they can spot for you when preparing for an overtake and save you the possibility of needing to exit the vehicle to pay at toll booths, drive-throughs etc. However, if driving alone you’ll need to exercise extra caution, as completing certain manoeuvres, like overtaking, can become considerably more dangerous without proper visibility. We recommend overtaking on dual carriageways and motorways in this case.

Hiring a car abroad eliminates this issue but presents a new challenge. You’ll need to quickly get used to driving a vehicle that you quite possibly have never driven before. Driving an automatic is naturally easier to adapt to, as you won’t have to worry about changing gears with the opposite hand or a new clutch feel. However, once confident in your hire car, it’ll be better suited for the roads you're driving on.

It’s also worth considering the landscape you’re going to be driving in and picking a suitable hire car based on that. If driving in the city, something small may be a great option. Whereas, a 4x4 would be ideal if you’re travelling off the beaten track.

If you’re planning on taking your own vehicle then you should also ensure that it’s been recently serviced and is in good health. Getting it checked over by a professional prior to starting your journey could save a lot of money and give you peace of mind knowing you're less likely to encounter any issues. Also, consider how many miles you’ll be driving and the effect this is going to have on the vehicle. For example, if your tyre tread is getting low and you’re planning on covering a fair few miles, purchasing a new set would be a sensible choice.

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That’s not all. Certain modifications will need to be made to your vehicle to make it appropriate for driving abroad. These range from a UK sticker/registration plate marker to adjusting headlights so they don’t dazzle oncoming drivers - for older vehicles deflectors can be bought, while in modern vehicles you will find an option within your vehicle’s settings to change the light direction. Switching your speedometer to kilometres per hour may also be useful.

Reading up on a country’s road laws before driving there is important. Although many of the universal rules of the road will apply no matter where you drive, country-specific laws, as well as even driving styles to expect from those around you, will vary.

Speed limits are naturally a big thing to consider, especially as most European countries will display the speed in kilometres per hour as opposed to miles. That’s why, as previously mentioned, it’s recommended to change this in your settings (where available) so that your car matches the commonly used speed measurement in the country you are located.

We’ve compiled a list of the key specifics for some of the most commonly visited countries when driving abroad from the UK. Unless said otherwise, these are required by law:

Thanks to technology, navigation is now easier than ever. Whether you like to use third party applications such as Google Maps or Waze, or the in-car system on your vehicle, there are plenty of options to help you navigate unfamiliar lands. Despite this, if you’re a bit more traditional, don’t have a phone or navigation system onboard, or perhaps would just like a back-up option, then having a physical map of where you’re travelling is never a bad idea.

Effectively planning ahead is the best way of avoiding any confusion or getting lost while abroad. Although technology is great, sometimes it can let you down. That’s why it’s always worth planning your route ahead of time so that you’re fully prepared for any eventuality.

Although exciting, there’s also a lot to think about when travelling abroad. In addition to all of your personal documentation, your insurance, break-down coverage and your finance agreement (if you have one) should be checked to ensure nothing unexpected comes up.

View your insurance policy or contact your provider to see whether you are covered while travelling abroad. The same applies to break-down cover, which may be included within your insurance policy, and/or your vehicle’s finance agreement. If you’re not covered across any of these, we would recommend seeking additional coverage or get in touch with the original provider to see whether travelling abroad with the vehicle is a possibility.

In addition to the areas we’ve mentioned, abiding by a range of good driving practices will go a long way and help you avoid any unnecessary accidents when driving abroad. Taking extra care and being more cautious while on the road is a great place to start. As driving styles, road conditions, weather, and many other elements can vary considerably from country to country, it can be hard to know what to expect. Leaving a greater distance between you and the vehicle in front while also eliminating any distractions while driving is recommended.

Thinking of taking your own vehicle abroad? Why not upgrade to something new and enjoy the drive even more. We’ve got a lovely selection of different brands and types of vehicles to choose from. We’re sure that you’ll find something that really appeals to you.

You can find a variety of other guides on our website, from Top Five Ways To Save Money On Your Car This Winter, How To Wash Your Car Correctly, Living with an Electric Vehicle - How to Maximise Your Range and much more.

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