Driving abroad can be an incredibly worthwhile experience, allowing you and your family or friends to experience the landscape of other countries and travel at your own pace.
It’s important that if you’re planning to drive abroad for your next trip, that you understand the rules and have the right documentation to hand. Here are some top tips to ensure you’re well-informed before you jump behind the wheel.
Documentation
Documentation is very important when deciding to drive abroad. As well as a driving license, you may also need an international driving permit (IDP) for some countries. This depends on which country you’re visiting and how long you’re staying. Remember that if you are travelling through more than one country, you might need different types of IDPs.
You should make sure that your driving license is valid and renew it if it’s about to expire. If you’re planning to take your own vehicle, you will also need to make sure that you pack your log book and insurance certificate too.
Insurance
Although you should be insured to drive in the UK, it’s not a given that your insurance will cover you to drive abroad. All insurance in the UK will provide the minimum third party cover to drive in the EU, but you should check if your policy has extra for things like theft or damage when abroad.
You might also need to carry a green card in some countries such as Turkey and Morocco. A green card proves that you have vehicle insurance, and you can get one from your insurer.
Rules when abroad
Driving abroad isn’t exactly the same as driving in the UK, with road signs, markings and speed limits being different across the globe. Before you travel to a country, make sure to familiarise yourself with the different road laws.
In some countries, you may have to display the right identifier which could include letters or a flag. In some cases, you should also ensure you have additional safety equipment in your car as per the country’s rules, such as reflective jackets, warning triangles and winter chains for your tyres.
Travel advice for countries
Before travelling anywhere, you should always check the Government’s travel advice. Government advice covers entry requirements, safety issues, health risks, details about local laws and any recent threat from terrorism.
