Driving in a foreign country can be scary, even if it’s just for the day. If you’re planning on driving in a different country, there are some things you should know. You may not know the road rules, or the signs may be all in another language. Here are five helpful tips to remember when driving abroad so you’ll feel more comfortable and confident behind the wheel.
Learn what different road signs mean
It’s important to know what the different road signs mean, especially if you’re driving in a country where English is not the primary language. When it comes to roads and traffic, there are international symbols that all drivers should be aware of. For example, a stop sign means “stop” or “arret” in French, and a yield sign is “cédez le passage“. Knowing what these symbols mean will help you feel more confident on a foreign country’s roads.
Not only do you need to know how to read the signs, but you also need to know what they mean.
Drive a car you are comfortable with
If you’re used to driving a smaller car in the US for example, it would be best to rent a smaller car in France. If you’re used to driving a large SUV in the US, it would be best to rent an SUV when in France. This is because cars in Europe tend to be smaller and more compact than cars in America. The roads are also narrower and curvy, so it’s good to have a vehicle with enough width and power to manoeuvre these roads easily.
An excellent way to find an appropriate car is to hire a local outlet to know the correct type of car for the area, such as sydneyutehire.com.au. You can find a vehicle you are more comfortable with and withstand your activities.
Know speed limits and driving laws
Before getting in the car, familiarise yourself with speed limits and driving laws. Knowing the speed limit helps a lot when you’re driving in a foreign country because you know whether or not you’re going too fast. You might also want to learn some of the road signs in advance to help you read them when they come up.
Consider an advanced driving course.
Even if you’re a good driver, it’s always a good idea to brush up on your skills before driving abroad. The road rules can vary from country to country, and you may not be familiar with the signs or what they mean. Taking an advanced driving course can help you learn about any specific rules and signs so you’ll know what to do when you’re behind the wheel. Remember that speed limits can be in kilometres per hour instead of miles per hour, so if you haven’t taken a course on kilometres, now is a good time.
Stay in the slow lanes.
First, keep in the slow lane. This will prevent you from getting in trouble with cars that are going faster than you in the fast lane. It’s also a good idea to stay towards the centre of your lane when driving on a two-lane highway with a centre divider. When passing slower vehicles, use caution and only do so when it is safe to do so.