QUICK GUIDE TO DRIVING ABROAD

A bit of preparation can help you stay on the right side of the road... and the law

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TAKING your car outside the UK can be fun, family friendly and cost-effective, and our tips will help you stay safe and legal on holiday.

Many of us choose to drive while on holiday, but whether you're using your own or a hire car, driving in a foreign country can be a testing experience.

DRIVING ABROAD: THE BASICS

Driving abroad isn’t simply a matter of getting off the ferry/train onto the other side of the road; as with many other things, there are certain habits and rules (written and unwritten) to bear in mind.

It's worth researching the signage and speed limits of the any country you're planning to visit so you're not caught out. It’s also a legal requirement that, when driving in the EU, you affix a ‘UK’ sticker.

Finally, make sure you're carrying the correct equipment with you; when driving in France, for example, you have to have a warning triangle, spare bulbs and a hi-visibility jacket, among other things. Many modern cars have electronic settings for switching the headlamp beam to the other side of the road — rather than using old-style stickers — to prevent blinding other road users.

DO I NEED AN INTERNATIONAL DRIVING PERMIT?