Driving in a foreign country for the first time can be a daunting experience. From driving on opposite sides of the car or road to following different rules and regulations, you have a lot to contend with when driving abroad.
But, you do get used to driving abroad. Whether it’s driving on the other side of the road or just dealing with hectic traffic or slightly different laws, give it time and you will become familiar with it.
10 Tips for Driving Abroad for the First Time
1.Get Used to the Car
Before you start your first drive abroad, sit in the car for a bit and take your time to familiarize yourself with it.
Find out where all the controls are and make sure your mirrors and your seat are adjusted properly.
To become more confident, consider driving around a quiet park, which is a great way to practice the auxiliary controls and further familiarize yourself with the car. Especially if you are sitting on the other side of the car and/or driving on the other side of the road, take your time to get used to these new conditions!
2. Consider Taking Advanced Driving Courses
A driving course will help you to improve your position, control, and speed depending on the amount of traffic and road conditions. The course will turn you into a more confident driver. You can apply for classes online on sites such as drivingguide.com to increase your driving knowledge.
Taking such classes before you embark on your international trip will help you to feel more prepared for driving in foreign countries.
3. Know the Laws and Speed Limits
Laws differ from one country to another, which makes it wise to do your research before you start driving abroad.
For example, in some countries, turning on red is permitted at many intersections; in others, the practice is totally prohibited. In some countries, traffic already on a roundabout has the right of way; in other countries, traffic entering the roundabout has it, while vehicles already on the roundabout must yield.
Start by checking the side of the road that you will be driving on and the essential documents that you need to carry. But also read up on things such as traffic signs in the country you are traveling to, toll roads, restricted areas, etc. What are the child-seat regulations that you need to follow and what is the drink-drive limit?
4. Opt for an Automatic Car
Because you will be nervous about driving in a foreign place, opting for an automatic car, which is almost impossible to stall, might be a good choice.
With an automatic car, you will not have to worry about changing the clutch or gear which means you will be able to focus on the road better.
However, not every car rental agency in each country offers automatic car. So if you do decide to rent an automatic car for your first time driving abroad, make sure you check beforehand if your chosen rental agency has any available.
5. Pay Attention to the Road
Depending on the country that you are visiting, you might find that the drivers are more aggressive than the ones back home.
However, you should not let them intimidate you and do not respond to any rude gestures no matter how tempting it is. If you feel overwhelmed, pull over or move to the slow lane until you get back your composure. Pay attention to the road ahead instead of focusing on what the other drivers are doing.
6. Stay in the Slow Lane
When driving on foreign roads, it is quite natural to feel anxious. If you want to feel relaxed when driving, you should drive at your own pace in the slow lane. Once you feel ready to drive on the faster lanes, you should do it. If you feel nervous about switching lanes, just wait for a big gap in traffic before you do it.
7. Avoid Driving When Tired
When driving in unfamiliar territory, it is important that you remain alert. This means that you should not drive immediately after a long flight. No matter how short your drive is, make sure that you take a break whenever you feel your concentration lapsing. A quick nap at a service station and a cup of coffee can do wonders and will help you feel more awake.
8. Do Not Be Over-Ambitious
You should try to avoid long drives when driving for the first time in a foreign country. Opt for shorter drives until you gain enough confidence to drive for longer periods.
Moreover, you need to avoid city driving because busy locations require more focus, which can be overwhelming for first-timers. And if possible, take your first drive abroad when the weather is good.
9. Choose a Small Car
If you are traveling alone and do not need excessive space for your luggage, consider booking a small car. Not only are these cars easy to maneuver and park, they are also cheaper to rent. If you need more space than an economy car can give you, you should pick the smallest car for your needs. You do not want to be stuck maneuvering a large car in foreign traffic.
I often drive in Spain and I couldn’t imagine driving a big car through some of the narrow alleys in those historic town centers. So unless I am traveling with more than two other people I will always go for the smallest car available.
10. Request a GPS
When driving abroad, getting lost is one of the biggest concerns that people have. If you are worried about losing your way, you should consider asking for a GPS from the rental company from which you are renting a vehicle. Not only will a GPS help you to avoid arguments over destinations, but it will also help you to find some must-see attractions on your own.
With a GPS, you will be able to enjoy your trip peacefully without the fear of getting lost in foreign territory.
Alternatively, if your mobile phone works in the country you are traveling to and you have enough data, Google Maps is normally what I use to find my way around.
Understandably, most people are anxious about driving abroad. The above tips will help you to feel more confident as you drive in a foreign country.
And of course, the more often you drive abroad the easier it becomes. But, even after more than 10 years of driving abroad it still always takes a person some time to get used to the different circumstances (laws, quality of the roads, driving style, etc) in each country.
So just take your time, and your experience driving abroad for the first time will be just fine!
If you are planning to rent a car and explore the foreign land you are visiting, then Finalrentals is here to help you with your car rental needs.
