Holiday driving mistakes Brits risk abroad – including safety item you must carry at all times & little-known permit
Whether you're using your own or a hired car, driving across a foreign country can be pretty nerve-wracking - but also incredibly fun.
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Driving abroad requires research and preparation, from understanding local signage to carrying essential equipment like warning triangles and high-visibility jackets
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Driving on the right-hand side for the first time can be daunting, but following road markings and traffic flow will help you adjust quickly
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On roundabouts, for example, remember to give way to the left, signal correctly, and adjust to unfamiliar traffic flow for a safe journey
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However, speaking exclusively to Sun Motors, Auto Express consumer editor Tom Jervis revealed drivers from Blighty should consider insurance, permits and driving on the other side of the road before getting behind the wheel overseas.
Make sure you carry the correct equipment with you; driving in France, for example, you have to carry with you at all times a warning triangle and a high-visibility jacket
Tom Jarvis, Auto Express
Indeed, driving abroad requires some prep - including some study on local signage, speed limits and general rules beforehand.
Furthermore, in the EU, a "UK" sticker placed on the rear of your car is mandatory, while some countries require equipment, like a warning triangle and high-visibility jacket, to be carried inside the car at all times.
Tom said: 'Driving abroad isn't simply a matter of getting off the ferry/train onto the other side of the road.
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'As with many other things, there are certain habits and rules - written and unwritten - to bear in mind.
'It's worth researching beforehand the signage and speed limits of any country you're planning to visit so you're not caught out.
'It's also a legal requirement that, when driving in the EU, you affix a 'UK' sticker to the rear of your car so locals can identify you as a tourist and, hopefully, give you a little extra breathing space.
'On that point, we recommend that you allow plenty of time; being in a rush means you're more likely to make mistakes and this could spell disaster when you're in an environment you're not familiar with.
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'Finally, make sure you carry the correct equipment with you; driving in France, for example, you have to carry with you at all times a warning triangle and a high-visibility jacket, among other things.
'Fitting some headlamp reflectors or adjusting your headlights electronically can also help prevent blinding other road users.'
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RIGHT OR WRONG?
As Brits, our brains are hardwired to drive on the left from our right-hand-drive vehicles.
That means driving on the other side of the road for the first time can be quite daunting - although Tom suggests following the road markings, signs and other traffic it will soon become second nature.
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Rural roads might be where many come unstuck - especially at night - as there are likely no lines on the road in these areas to help out.
Tom's five tips for driving on the right (wrong) side of the road
The Centre Line:
Ensure you're staying in lane by lining up the central road marking with the left-hand corner of your car's windscreen.
Use Your Sat-Nav:
Your navigation system will guide you where to turn and serve as a helpful reminder on roundabouts. It's especially useful for navigating one-way systems with unfamiliar road signs, and it will alert you to changes in speed limits.
Dual Carriageways:
Stick to the right-hand lane, as this is the normal driving lane unless overtaking. Remember, your blind spot will now be over your left shoulder.
Turning Left:
This manoeuvre involves cutting across traffic, so give way to oncoming vehicles – similar to making a right turn in the UK. On fast-moving roads, you may need to pull over to the right before crossing at a right angle to avoid blocking traffic. Pay attention to the signs.
Roundabouts:
Give way to the left rather than the right at roundabouts and don't forget to signal right when exiting.
Thankfully, Brit drivers with a full UK photocard driving licence won't need an International Driving Permit to drive in the EU.
But in 140 other countries, including the
Tom added: 'Thankfully, the GOV.UK website has an extensive list of each country's requirements, so there's no need to search around.
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'The permit costs £5.50 and you can apply for one from larger Post Office branches or anywhere with a PayPoint.'
UK residents also don't need to carry a special document proving they have insurance for driving abroad.
These documents, known as an insurance 'green card', will only be needed if you intend to drive your car in many countries outside the EU.
Tom said: 'To apply for one, you simply need to telephone your insurer and ask; it will usually be e-mailed across with no charge or only a small admin fee.
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'Check that the cover is the same as you have in the UK rather than just being the legal minimum, and tell your insurer exactly where you're going.
'That will ensure the green card is valid in every country you're travelling through.'
'If you have car insurance in the UK, you will automatically have third party cover in the EU,' he added.
'However, most people driving abroad will want to get fully comprehensive insurance for travelling in Europe, and you will need to check your insurance policy to see exactly what is covered.
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'It may be included or you may have to make special arrangements with your insurer. In any case, it's important to carry details of your insurance policy with you when driving your car abroad.'
HIRE & GO
For petrolheads, renting a vehicle on holiday can be great fun - giving you a chance to drive something different.
Tom added: 'It's also less stressful to let the hire company take care of all the legal necessities, such as the high-visibility jackets, winter tyres and warning triangles that you may need when driving abroad.
'But you still need to be on your guard to make sure your rental car doesn't empty your wallet.'
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Tom advises that first, you should make sure you have the right licence to drive in the country you are visiting - this may include an International Driving Permit if it is outside Europe.
'You will also need to check that you are within the age range specified by the hire company; there will be upper and lower limits, but these can sometimes be stretched for an extra fee,' Tom said.
'When looking for deals online, check out the insurance restrictions.
'Many companies offer basic cover but suggest you upgrade to a more comprehensive package.
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"It's usually cheaper to arrange this with a third-party company before you leave. Also take note of the situation with fuel.
'Some firms supply the car with a full tank and insist you return it full. Check where the nearest filling station is to the airport and leave time to top up on your return, or you will be charged a steep fee.
'Finally, make a note of any existing damage to the car before you leave the company lot, preferably with photos, and try to get the details acknowledged by a member of staff.'
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