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Driving abroad: How to experience the world and stay safe

When you pass your driving test and receive your license the new sense of freedom can be overwhelming. This freedom and sense of adventure is magnified when you first drive in a foreign country. Whether it's a short road trip or a long distance journey across a whole continent, driving abroad gives you the opportunity to experience a new country in a unique way. You can stop to see sites whenever you like, you can carry more stuff with you and most importantly you can take your friends along for the ride.

Although driving abroad can be a fantastic and mind opening experience there are lot of things to take into consideration before you set off. First of all you need to understand the laws and technicalities of the country you're going to be travelling in. It's also a good idea to try to understand the local practices and customs so you don't have to unexpectedly learn on the hard shoulder!

Driving licenses and insurance

If you hold a British driving license you are able to drive in other European Union member countries. In the UK the minimum driving age is 17 however in different member states minimum driving ages do vary so it's important to check before you go.

If you are going to be driving in a country outside of the EU it's advisable to obtain an International Driving Permit. An IDP is a document that translates your driving license details into a number of different languages so authorities can interpret your driving entitlements quickly without any hassle. IDPs are issued by the Post Office and the RAC and you must be over the age of 18 to apply for one.

Before driving abroad it's important to check the type of insurance the country you are going to be travelling in requires. European laws state that insurance issued in any member country has to be valid across the rest of the EU. If you are travelling outside of the EU it's recommended to obtain a Green Card. The Green Card system is internationally recognised proof that you hold the minimum insurance requirements, i.e. third party cover, to drive in a foreign country. However the card itself does not count as insurance, but simply provides proof to other drivers and officials that you're insured, should you need to.

Things to have with you in the car

If you're not fluent in the language of the country you're driving in it's a good idea to carry a dictionary with you so you can translate road signs and ask for directions. If you're going to be travelling for longer distances it could be worth investing in a Sat Nav. You can download maps and software for almost any location in the world meaning you can easily find directions and avoid getting lost regardless of wherever you are.

If you're pulled over by the authorities you might need to provide your driving license, proof of insurance and even your passport; make sure you have these with you at all times. It's also a good idea to bring photocopies of these documents with you as well so you can provide copies to anyone that might need them, such as a car hire company.

Driving customs and laws

Driving laws and customs vary from nation to nation, it's important to know what the roads are like in the place you're visiting so you can have a better idea of what to expect. Here are a few tips for some popular travel destinations:

Thailand

In Thailand you must be 18 years old to drive a car, but you can be as young as 15 to drive a small motorbike. Driving in Thai cities can be quite daunting as the traffic is incredibly busy and roads often change daily. For example a normal street might turn into a bus lane overnight without any prior warning.

In rural areas driving can be quite dangerous, particularly at night as there are very few street lights and many drivers drive without headlights. Although drink driving is illegal in Thailand it's sadly quite common particularly outside the towns and cities. Before driving in Thailand on your own it's advisable to ride as a passenger with a local driver to get a better idea of how the roads work.

Africa

Driving customs vary in each African country, however there are some general driving tips that apply to the whole of the continent.

Driving at night in certain parts of Africa can be extremely dangerous as sadly roadside robberies and ambushings are fairly common, particularly in areas of unrest.

As the level of road maintenance can be fairly poor, especially in rural areas, it's important to be extra cautious and vigilant when you're behind the wheel.

In towns cut off from major cities there can be very few police stations or officials for miles. This means that some of the locals can sometimes take a relaxed approach to road safety. For example cars driving at night without headlights are not uncommon and unfortunately neither are drunk drivers.

When driving in Africa you're quite likely to come across road blocks. Although many of the road blocks you might encounter are completely legitimate and legal there are some run by criminals aiming to exploit drivers. If you're stopped at a road block demand to see proper identification. If you are required to pay any fines ask to be taken to a local police station or government building. As much as you can, try to avoid paying cash to unidentified ‘officials' at road blocks as people demanding cash may be fraudsters trying to make a quick buck.

South America

Just like Africa, South America is a huge place so driving customs and standards will vary a lot between the different countries. But there are some general tips that you should consider before setting off on your journey.

The quality of the roads in South America can be quite poor in some areas. As the locals are used to the conditions they sometimes drive very sharply and quickly because they know what to expect. It's strongly advised that visitors don't try and keep up with them as they can easily cause an accident by not being used to the roads. It's sensible to drive carefully and defensively in order to be prepared for the unexpected and stay safe.

On many roads in South America you will come across Topes which are speed bumps aimed at reducing speeds when cars enter built up areas. The size of these bumps ranges from the size of a hose pipe to as a big as a football. Sometimes Topes are often not painted or marked at all which means they can be very difficult to spot. It's important to be particularly careful in the morning and late afternoon as the sun casts shadows across the road making it even harder to spot the Topes.

In certain parts of South America roadside robberies are fairly common. It's strongly advisable to avoid driving at night. It's important to research the area you're travelling in. If you have to drive through an area where robberies are common make sure you leave early enough to pass through before it gets dark.

Australia

Driving licenses from English speaking countries are valid in Australia for three months. Driving licenses from non-English speaking countries require an International Driving Permit.

Due to the sheer size of Australia you can find yourself driving for hundreds of miles without passing any towns or petrol stations. If you're planning a long trip across a rural area it's essential to check your car is in complete working order and that you have enough water and previsions with you before you set off. Speed cameras are very common in Australia as they are used in every state. If you're caught speeding by 10km/hour over the limit you can expect a fine of around $200, but if you are caught exceeding the speed limit by over 30km/hour you will be required to make a court appearance and should expect a tougher punishment, such as a large fine or driving ban.

New Zealand

The roads in New Zealand are well maintained and are similar to those in Europe. You're able to drive in New Zealand with a foreign license for 12 months, after that you are expected to apply for a local permit.

New Zealand is famous for sheep and cattle farming. While driving in the countryside you will often find crossings where farmers move animals from one field to another. In these situations you need drive carefully and be prepared to stop to let the animals cross. During the summer there can be long periods of dry weather, these conditions can lead to a build up of rubber and engine oil on the road. When it does finally rain this build up can make the roads extremely slippery and dangerous to drive on, so be prepared and drive carefully in wet weather.

Summary

The most important thing to do before you set off is check you have the required documents and ensure you are aware of the major laws like speed limits. If you're driving in developing countries it's strongly advisable to spend time as a passenger with someone who knows the roads. By doing this you can get a feel of what to expect so you'll be more prepared when you get out onto the roads.

It goes without saying that you should be sober and alert enough to drive. If you've just got off a 12 hour flight it's not a good idea to jump straight behind the wheel of a car and try and navigate a brand new motorway system. Driving in a new country can be scary so be careful and if you feel uncomfortable just pull over, it's really that simple.

 

About the Author

Sarah Drew works for RED Instructor Training who provide driving instructor training across the UK.

Has it been set in stone that you need a passport to come back in the Country? Driving?

We are traveling to Mexico and a lil concerned that we might need a passport to come back in. We have a Drivers License and Birth Certificate is that enough? Are they being really strict?

NOPE! If you're only driving you don't need one yet, but January 2008 it will be a law whether you fly or drive, passports will be mandatory.

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