There’s nothing quite like the thrill of exploring new places, especially from behind the wheel. But driving abroad for the first time can present unique challenges, particularly if you are a new driver. Whether you’re planning a European road trip, navigating the bustling streets of Mexico City or anything in between, it’s important to prepare and understand the rules of the road in your destination country. Here are 10 vital tips to help you on your way.
Do Your Homework
Remember, knowledge is power. Research and familiarize yourself with the local driving laws and customs of the country you’re visiting. For example, Germany has a highway system called the Autobahn which has no speed limit! On the other hand, you have some European countries like Poland, Bulgaria and Serbia that require you to have your headlights on at all times.
Each country has its own driving quicks and customs that can be shocking if you aren’t prepared. Even things as benign as speed limits can be totally different. So, don’t let yourself get caught out and research the country you’ll be driving in.
Take Time Getting Comfortable
Driving in a brand new country can be a very stressful experience, particularly for new drivers. Instead of getting straight into the action, find a quiet parking lot and take some time to get used to the vehicle as well as things like driving on the opposite side of the road (if that applies), speaking of which...
Right vs. Left: Breaking Old Habits
If you’re used to driving on the right, like in the United States, countries where driving is on the left-hand side, like the UK, Australia, and Japan, can feel a bit disorientating. Practice extra caution on roundabouts, turning at intersections, and remember that your spatial awareness in the car will be switched!
The following chart can provide some guidance on which countries drive on different sides of the road.
Remember Auto Isn’t Always Standard
In the United States, most vehicles use automatic transmission which change gears automatically based on the driving conditions. But in places like the United Kingdom, stick shift (or manual transmission) is much more popular which means you need to change the gears yourself.
So, when you’re renting abroad, please remember to check the transmission of the vehicle you’re getting and avoid a nasty surprise as you try to take the vehicle off the lot.
Grab Your International Driving Permit (IDP)
An IDP is a document that allows you to drive in over 150 countries worldwide. It’s pretty much your U.S. driver’s license translated into 10 languages! This is a must-have if you’re planning to rent a car in a number of countries so, depending on where you’ll be driving, it may be a good idea to get one.
If you have a U.S. driver’s license, you can drive in Canada, Mexico, and the UK without needing an IDP.
Car Rental: Choose Your Car Wisely
When renting a car abroad, do some research. What type of car suits your travel itinerary? Compact cars might be easier for narrow European streets, while an SUV may be more suited to rough terrains. Don’t forget about rental insurance - it’s your safeguard in case of any mishaps.
Don’t Be Overly Ambitious
If it’s your first time driving abroad, then go easy on yourself and don’t make your itinerary too difficult. Driving abroad can be stressful for even the most experienced drivers; there is no reason to make your trip needlessly difficult.
In Case of Emergency
Emergencies happen. Make sure you know the local emergency numbers, roadside assistance services, and basic phrases in the local language to describe your situation.
GPS and Navigation
Reliable navigation tools are your best friend on foreign roads. That’s why you definitely want some form of GPS, whether that be Google or Apple maps on your phone, or even a GPS system from the rental car company. The last thing you want is to be stranded in an unfamiliar place.
It’s also a good idea to have some kind of offline option, whether it’s a downloadable or physical map. You never know when you may lose signal.
Get Insurance
This is a no brainer and definitely something you won’t want to risk being without. Make sure you are fully insured when driving abroad. This goes for new and experienced drivers alike. Accidents can happen and this is even more true for foreign drivers. Making sure you are covered can provide peace of mind, especially when something goes wrong.
Driving in a foreign country can be a stressful experience, particularly for new drivers. But, as long as you are prepared and remember to drive sensibly, you’ll be sure to have a great time!
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Written by Patrick McCann, Founder of WeTryTires.