Are you planning on driving your own car abroad this year? More and more Brits are packing their cars to the hilt and hopping on a ferry, an option which is often cheaper and more convenient than flights and car-hire. This convenience, however, can quickly evaporate if you are not prepared. We take a look at what you need to know to make your holiday driving experience as stress-free as possible.
Know Your Roads
The UK, Irish Republic, Cyprus and Malta are the only European countries that drive on the left-hand side of the road. Driving on the right-hand side might seem pretty straight forward, but remember that you will have to take roundabouts anti-clockwise and give way to your left, not your right. Driving abroad can be more challenging in a left-hand drive car, so drive cautiously and don’t feel pressurised to drive as fast as you might do at home.
Adjust Your Headlights
Have you ever sat in the ferry queue wondering why everyone else is frantically fiddling with their headlights? It is the law to adjust the headlights of your left-hand drive car so that they don’t dazzle oncoming drivers when you are driving on the right. You can buy stickers online and in most shops, that will adjust your beam, making your headlights safe for overseas driving.
Carry Change
Unlike most UK roads, many overseas roads have tolls. Most these days accept card, but paying for the tolls can be awkward, and a little embarrassing, if your card doesn’t work or if the toll booth doesn’t have that facility. Many a holiday argument has been caused by mounting frustration and embarrassment at a toll booth! As soon as you disembark from your ferry or train, go to a shop and get change, to make the toll system as seamless as possible.
Know the Laws
There was a time when tourists could get away with the odd rule-break abroad, but most European countries are tightening up their laws, and many can now issue on-the-spot fines for certain driving offences. You can’t be expected to learn the Spanish equivalent of the highway code, but there are certain things you need to know, e.g. in Switzerland and Spain, people who need prescription glasses must carry a spare pair in the car, in Italy, you must park in the direction of the traffic, and in Spain, you mustn’t drive wearing flipflops.
Be Prepared
Nothing can protect you completely from the unknown: another car could bump into you, your car could get stolen or damaged, or it could develop a fault. Even something as simple as a flat battery isn’t quite so simple when you are on foreign soil. Make sure you have your full drivers licence with you, that you are appropriately insured, and that you have European breakdown cover.
Before you go, get your car checked by your local garage – tell them you are planning a long trip and ask them to give it a once-over, for complete peace of mind on your holiday.
For more road safety advice, and for help finding local trusted garages, follow Trust A Garage on Facebook and Twitter.