To help you prepare for your next driving adventure on the continent, we’ve teamed up with Lookers, who offer a variety of car servicing plans, to offer you tips and advice.
It’s key to remember that roads in different countries can have different rules to what you’ve become accustomed to in the UK. Therefore, if you’re planning a trip around Europe, it’s important to be prepared for when you get behind the wheel.
Planning your route in advance
Advanced planning is crucial if you’re planning a road trip in a country abroad. It’s important that you plan all of your routes to avoid any lost time and to ensure that you see as much of Europe as you can on your vacation.
You should invest in a map of Europe or take advantage of an internet route planner — this will also help you locate any service stations and other facilities you may need, such as restaurants and hotels, which can be incredibly useful when you’re driving around.
Hiring a car for your trip
If you’re needing to hire a car while you’re abroad, make sure you give the vehicle a thorough check over before you leave the company’s forecourt. This way, you can note any previous damage to it before driving off.
It’s important, as it is with any contract that you sign, to carefully read over the terms and conditions so that you are aware of exactly what you’re paying for. This could highlight the type of vehicle, times available and the end date. Not only that, you can avoid any unnecessary charges that could present themselves and ask any questions that you might have.
Tourists can be charged an extortionate price to rent a car on holiday, so it’s often cheaper to rent by the week rather than by the day. If you were to book your vehicle in advance, this can also help reduce further cost, as rental companies will usually decide on this when their inventory is high. If you’re looking for a bargain, it’s always advised to look around to find the best competitive price.
How do traffic laws vary across the continent?
Rules across the globe can sometimes be universal. This includes the use of a seatbelt, speed limits and blood alcohol levels — which is something all drivers should be aware of. In continental Europe, all drivers drive on the right-hand side of the road, but in some local areas, people may drive down the centre of the road.
It’s obvious that each country will vary slightly in certain traffic laws. This makes it super important that you become knowledgeable about what you should and shouldn’t do on the roads. If you plan to travel through different cities when you’re away, traffic laws could again differ. Drivers should be preparing themselves by learning the rules of the road.
Do you need any specific documents?
Depending on where you’re planning to visit, it might be necessary to take an International Driving Permit with you so you can rent a car when you’re abroad to legally drive on the public highway.
Carrying proof of insurance is also advisable. This is especially the case when it comes to crossing different borders around Europe. You’ll always be able to ask for further information from your car rental agency and they’ll likely be more than happy to explain what you need when travelling. Remember to take your national driving licence with you, as every country in the European Union you visit will require it.
So, where is next on your adventure? This was our guide to driving in Europe and we hope it was of use to you!
