The importance of ensuring that you are covered whilst driving on foreign roads cannot be overstated.
Often completely unintentional, it’s all too easy to make a mistake that can result in potentially costly and dangerous consequences.
The following article could prove to help ensure you are ticking all of the right boxes.
More than six million British motorists admit to driving on the wrong side of the road when abroad.
Issues include going the wrong way around roundabouts and pulling into the wrong side of the road at junctions, with men twice as likely to make these mistakes, according to rental firm Goldcar.
While making sure you’re on the correct side of the road is down to you, there are several things to do to make sure you’re covered and legal on foreign roads.
Insurance
The most important thing to do if you’re planning on driving abroad is to call your insurance provider and make sure you’re covered for foreign travel.
Some will cover this automatically up to a certain mileage, but might only offer third party protection. So you might want to pay to get increased protection.
Others might charge for the additional insurance. But as this is a legal requirement, you need some kind of cover.
What do I need to take with me?
Rules vary from country to country, but there are some things you should definitely have with you.
You will need your driving licence,insurance documents, MOT certificate and V5C vehicle registration document.
In some countries this is a legal requirement, in others it’s not, but it’s always best to have them with you in case you get pulled over.
Your UK driving licence is valid in a lot of countries, but you might want to consider getting an International Driving Permit. You can buy this online from the AA, RAC or Post Office and you do not need to sit any kind of test.
Breakdown cover
While not a legal requirement, having breakdown cover protecting you abroad is a really good idea if you’re driving overseas.
Your standard breakdown cover might not cover this (although it might do) so it’s worth phoning up to check and paying for this service while you’re away.
What else will I need?
Along with your licence and registration documents, some countries require you by law to carry other things with you when driving.
For example, in France you must have (among other things) hi-vis jackets for everyone in the car, a first aid kit and a breathalyser.
There is a lot of information about this online, so check before you travel.
Wrong side
Driving on the right also brings with it some other issues which you might not necessarily think about.
First, your headlights are directed slightly to the left, so you can see road signs. If you’re driving on the right this now shines directly at oncoming traffic, so you will need beam deflectors or to adjust them manually.
Speed limits might also be in kilometres not miles per hour. Most modern cars have MPH and KPH displayed, so remember which one is which so you don’t end up with a ticket.
Modern cars all carry a GB sticker on the number plate, but if you’re in an older car you will need to attach a GB sticker.
You also need to be aware things (such as toll booths) will often be on the wrong side of the vehicle for the driver.
For the full AOL article, please click here.
Getting On ‘The Right Road’
Whatever your level of driving experience Surrey Driving Force can offer driving lessons in Surrey to suit you. From driving tests to refresher courses, our friendly and experienced instructors will help you to achieve your goal quickly and affordably.
- Competitive rates
- Friendly, patient and fully qualified Driving Instructors
- Test success in as few lessons as possible
- Convenient pick-ups from home, work or school
- New, air-conditioned, dual control cars
- Reduced driving lesson prices when you block book
- Driving lessons seven days a week
As Well As Surrey Driving Lessons We Offer:
- Intensive Courses
- Mock Practical Tests
- Pass Plus
- Motorway Driving Training
- Refresher Training
- Taxi Driver Training
- Advanced Driver Training
- ADI Training – ADI Part 1, ADI Part 2, ADI Part 3
Don’t Forget!
Theory Test Pro – FREE!
Surrey Driving Force students have full access to premium content via Theory Test Pro whilst learning with us. This is a great resource and really helps our students pass their theory test first time. It’s also available as a free app to download on iPhone or Android, where again you can access the premium content.
