Driving to France! N00b questions / advice.
Discussion
Hi all.
Looking to go for 5 days to France, possibly Normundy sort of area / West coast.
I've never driven before, so have done some research..
A few things I'm confused about -
1. What do I actually need? Haha. GB Sticker, Hi-Vis, and some headlight adjusters? Apparently the breathalyzer idea is no longer needed?
2. Toll roads! Is it worth just paying as you go, or worth signing up to this: https://www.saneftolling.co.uk/support/faq/support...
Seems good value, for whatever it is... haha.
3. Getting a puncture in the middle of nowhere is kind of playing on my mind. The jack that comes with my car (330cd) is pants, would I be horrifically silly to take along my proper jack.. *just incase?* I will also be buying European breakdown cover!
Other than that, any top tips or driving roads or places to stay / visit would be awesome!
Thanks
Tom
Looking to go for 5 days to France, possibly Normundy sort of area / West coast.
I've never driven before, so have done some research..
A few things I'm confused about -
1. What do I actually need? Haha. GB Sticker, Hi-Vis, and some headlight adjusters? Apparently the breathalyzer idea is no longer needed?
2. Toll roads! Is it worth just paying as you go, or worth signing up to this: https://www.saneftolling.co.uk/support/faq/support...
Seems good value, for whatever it is... haha.
3. Getting a puncture in the middle of nowhere is kind of playing on my mind. The jack that comes with my car (330cd) is pants, would I be horrifically silly to take along my proper jack.. *just incase?* I will also be buying European breakdown cover!
Other than that, any top tips or driving roads or places to stay / visit would be awesome!
Thanks
Tom
blueST said:
Firstly, driving in France is almost a total pleasure compared to here. You will hate our roads when you get back.
Don't sweat too much about what to take. What you actually must have vs what people think is a good idea is not always easy figure out.
V5 and insurance docs, absolutely must take.
Beam deflectors are a requirement, but many don't bother. If nothing else, it's courteous not to drive round blinding everyone at night. Just use electrical tape, don't spend £10 on a kit. Google will tell you where to stick it. Some cars with projector lights have a shutter you can flip down to alter beam.
GB sticker. Technically yes again, but I haven't bothered for a long time. If you have the country code on your plates already, you don't need another sticker obviously. You should have your hi viz vests somewhere you can reach them without leaving the car. Last I heard, breathalysers were a requirement but there is no penalty if you are caught without them! I usually chuck a warning triangle in because my dad told me they were needed about thirty years ago. Don't know if it is true or not though
I have driven to France something like three times a year for the last 15 years with some, or all, or none of the above and no one has ever asked to see any of it. But then I never had a crash, touch wood. If you had a run in with Gendarmes for speeding or having a bump, maybe they would want to check.
As for the Sanef toll tag. I wouldn't bother for a single trip. I have one and it costs a fair few Euros to set up and there's a few other small fees. If you go this time and you find the tolls a hassle consider it for next time.
I wouldn't take the jack. If your factory one breaks then ring recovery. Punctures are rare these days.
Your a legend; thanks!Don't sweat too much about what to take. What you actually must have vs what people think is a good idea is not always easy figure out.
V5 and insurance docs, absolutely must take.
Beam deflectors are a requirement, but many don't bother. If nothing else, it's courteous not to drive round blinding everyone at night. Just use electrical tape, don't spend £10 on a kit. Google will tell you where to stick it. Some cars with projector lights have a shutter you can flip down to alter beam.
GB sticker. Technically yes again, but I haven't bothered for a long time. If you have the country code on your plates already, you don't need another sticker obviously. You should have your hi viz vests somewhere you can reach them without leaving the car. Last I heard, breathalysers were a requirement but there is no penalty if you are caught without them! I usually chuck a warning triangle in because my dad told me they were needed about thirty years ago. Don't know if it is true or not though
I have driven to France something like three times a year for the last 15 years with some, or all, or none of the above and no one has ever asked to see any of it. But then I never had a crash, touch wood. If you had a run in with Gendarmes for speeding or having a bump, maybe they would want to check.
As for the Sanef toll tag. I wouldn't bother for a single trip. I have one and it costs a fair few Euros to set up and there's a few other small fees. If you go this time and you find the tolls a hassle consider it for next time.
I wouldn't take the jack. If your factory one breaks then ring recovery. Punctures are rare these days.
I don't want to stick a GB sticker on my car haha. I hope it comes right off after lol.
I have actually driven around france when I was 18 but I was in my parents car and didn't need to worry about anything - the roads were awesome.
I'm guessing AA etc are just as good abroad? Or do they hire out local-ish people? Meh. Will give them a call!
Ta everyone.
Thanks everyone!
One thing I've just been reading about is the Diesel over there, can be a bit.. rubbish? Biodiesel of up to 8% or something!
I've got an E46 330CD and will fill up before entering France with the goodstuff, giving me a 650 mile tank range; will I be OK using french derv?
Insurance details TBC this lunchtime!!
One thing I've just been reading about is the Diesel over there, can be a bit.. rubbish? Biodiesel of up to 8% or something!
I've got an E46 330CD and will fill up before entering France with the goodstuff, giving me a 650 mile tank range; will I be OK using french derv?
Insurance details TBC this lunchtime!!
Cheers again.
I was reading the AA touring tips which is the only reason I asked. It says 'B8 biodiesel - you might come across this 8% biodiesel fuel and it may not be suitable for your vehicle..' Just wanted to be sure. Sweet!
Spoke to my insurance (Admiral) and I'm covered for free up to 30 days abroad.
Tunnel more expensive than I had thought at £190. However can use my clubcard points meaning I'm only paying £76! Winner
I was reading the AA touring tips which is the only reason I asked. It says 'B8 biodiesel - you might come across this 8% biodiesel fuel and it may not be suitable for your vehicle..' Just wanted to be sure. Sweet!
Spoke to my insurance (Admiral) and I'm covered for free up to 30 days abroad.
Tunnel more expensive than I had thought at £190. However can use my clubcard points meaning I'm only paying £76! Winner
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