Driving Abroad

Many people during the course of their driving lives take the opportunity to drive whilst abroad on holiday or business. Likewise the idea of going on a driving holiday is something that appeals to many and so they take pains to plan journeys that will take them from the domestic roads of the United Kingdom onto the roads and motorways of Europe and beyond.

Driving Licences

When driving abroad the standard United Kingdom driver's licence can be used to allow you to hire a vehicle and also to drive on the roads in European and countries further afield. It is important to remember however that this is only allowed for a limited period of time, after which you would have to apply for a driving licence in the country in which you were staying. For example if you were employed to work in Germany you could only use your United Kingdom driving licence for a period of twelve months, after which time you would have to be in possession of a German driving licence to continue you driving.

It is important to check the legislation regarding driving licences and their expiration in other countries before you travel.

Insurance

Most insurance companies have policies that cover driving abroad and also cover the procurement of a rental car if there are any unforeseen difficulties arising out of an accident or break-down. However you should contact your insurance company well in advance of your journey to ensure that you are fully covered in case of any such circumstance occurring during the course of your journey. If you are in possession of a fully comprehensive insurance policy it is more than likely that all aspects of travelling abroad will be taken into consideration including the paying of medical fees but it is best to double check.

Also ensure that before you set off on your journey you have all the relevant paperwork with you; driver's licence, MOT certificate and insurance documentation.

Likewise insure that all of your documentation is valid and that nothing is left to chance.

Rules of the Road

When driving abroad it is of the utmost importance to remember that the rules of driving on the roads of other countries can be very different from those of British roads.,

To give an example of this German drivers drive on what are known as the Autobahn - the equivalent to our motorways - but there are notable differences. The Autobahn has no speed limits so drivers may drive at a speed of their own choosing, most choosing to drive in the upper limits of their vehicle's speed.

If there speed limits imposed they will be visible on kilometres per hour (kph) and it is important to adhere to these speed limits. Many of the police forces in the European Union are not perhaps as understanding as those of the United Kingdom.

Before you begin your journey - irrespective of the country - you should take the time to familiarise yourself with their traffic laws and rules of the road. Failure to do so could result in a fine or worse being involved in an accident.

Safety

When driving abroad it is of the utmost importance that you pay attention to the roads at all times. This is obviously very important if you are driving in a country that you have not visited before. Again checking the rules of the road before you leave is a must.

As to is making sure that your car is roadworthy before you set off. Before you start your journey have your vehicle serviced and any faults repaired. Make sure of the following:

• Tyres are filled to the correct air pressure
• Brakes are in good working order
• Speedometer is working properly
• Seatbelts are thoroughly tested
• All lights and indicators are functioning
• All mirrors are in place

Also when travelling you should ensure that any items which aren't necessary for the journey are removed and that all available space is at a premium. It is vital to have an emergency first aid kit in the car as well as an emergency breakdown kit which should include a light, a warning triangle and possibly some blankets in case you are stranded overnight.

Making sure that the aforementioned tasks are carried out should leave you with the peace of mind to enjoy your driving experience abroad and also keep you and your loved ones save in your vehicle whilst doing so.