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You may be used to jumping in the car and heading wherever you please without giving it a second thought. However, if you’re planning on driving abroad or in a foreign country any time soon, you may not find it that easy.
Every country is entirely unique, and so are its roads, road laws and the mindset of its native drivers! When traveling abroad you need to be prepared for the fact that not everyone driving may have a license, you may need to switch to the other side of the road or the roads themselves may be in a terribly poor condition. Either way, if you want to fully enjoy your traveling experience and make it wholly authentic by getting behind the wheel, that's great! However, you should exercise caution and maintain safety as your top priority. You'll find more tips here.
Read on for how to stay safe when driving abroad.
Always bring your travel documents
The kinds of documents you need to have on you when you’re driving will vary from country to country, but as a rule of thumb always have the following available in case you need to present it to authorities:
- Your insurance policy
- Vehicle registration documents
- Your driving license
- A driving permit
In certain countries, you may need to present a green card. So make sure you do plenty of research before you travel so you're aware of what documents you need to drive legally.
Get to grips with local driving customs
As mentioned above, you may need to think twice before simply driving off in a foreign country. Even something that seems perfectly innocent and legal at home could land you in hot water abroad. Overtaking a school bus with its hazards on in Germany, or not having a spare set of glasses in your vehicle (if shown wearing them on your license) in Spain, or just driving on the wrong side of the road can get you in trouble or cause a serious accident. Make sure you complete plenty of research as to what will differ from your home country.
It’s also a good idea to brush up on your theoretical knowledge too. As road signs, especially those in a foreign language may confuse and disorientate you!
Don’t feel pressured
Of course, if you're driving in a new city or country, you're going to be driving a little slower and cautiously than you normally would. This is fine and recommended, however, locals may not agree, and you may find yourself under pressure to speed up or pull over. Try not to succumb to pressure from other road users, if you feel you must, pull over when it is safe and allow the impatient drivers to pass. Keeping yourself safe is your priority here.
Make sure your car is roadworthy
Ensuring your vehicle or hire car is roadworthy will help you to drive safely abroad. Check the tires, the steering and your headlamps. Ensure that your signals are working and your wipers. Check the oil and other engine levels. You should also check if you’re required to carry a warning triangle or a high-vis jacket in your vehicle in case you break down.
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