Driving abroad?
Discussion
I've spent all day looking at videos of people driving round mountain passes in the Alps and considering how much I already adore that area of the world I'd love to just set out and go for a mooch round there.
Admittedly I don't have a car worthy of a trip like that (just a bog standard Corsa D) but I do have a lot of free time (recently finished my job) and plenty of cash saved up.
Only thing really holding me back is the fact that I've never driven abroad, in fact in three and a bit years of driving I've barely been more than 100 miles away from where I live (NW England).
Just wondering really, how easy is it to adapt to driving on the wrong side, learning the way of their roads (who you give way to and such like) and what do I really have to look out for?
Also any recommendations of the best places to go/stay would be nice.
Cheers in advance.
Admittedly I don't have a car worthy of a trip like that (just a bog standard Corsa D) but I do have a lot of free time (recently finished my job) and plenty of cash saved up.
Only thing really holding me back is the fact that I've never driven abroad, in fact in three and a bit years of driving I've barely been more than 100 miles away from where I live (NW England).
Just wondering really, how easy is it to adapt to driving on the wrong side, learning the way of their roads (who you give way to and such like) and what do I really have to look out for?
Also any recommendations of the best places to go/stay would be nice.
Cheers in advance.
I’ve only ever driven in France but I had similar reservations the first time I drove abroad. Don’t worry about it; it’s a piece of cake.
In some ways driving a RHD car on the ‘wrong’ side of the road is easier because you’re already familiar with the width of the vehicle.
Generally speaking, the roads and motorways in France are quieter and better maintained (but then the majority of them are privately operated toll roads). However, it’s a much more enjoyable driving experience all round.
Just remember to swot up on the requirements e.g. first aid kit, warning triangle, documents etc.
You may want to research the 'priorite a droit' rule. If you're not aware of it then it can cause some confusion.
In some ways driving a RHD car on the ‘wrong’ side of the road is easier because you’re already familiar with the width of the vehicle.
Generally speaking, the roads and motorways in France are quieter and better maintained (but then the majority of them are privately operated toll roads). However, it’s a much more enjoyable driving experience all round.
Just remember to swot up on the requirements e.g. first aid kit, warning triangle, documents etc.
You may want to research the 'priorite a droit' rule. If you're not aware of it then it can cause some confusion.
In my experience, it is a bit of a shock but you do get used to it very quickly! Nothing quite as surprising as getting to a roundabout and seeing cars come round it the wrong way!
I never found myself making mistakes on big or busy roads.. it was always stupid stuff when you were not paying attention, like driving out of a supermarket or something. Found myself face to face on the wrong side of the road opposite an irate German before I realised I had done anything wrong
It really helps if you can follow a friend who's been over there before and knows the rules.. and then it's pretty plain sailing.
I never found myself making mistakes on big or busy roads.. it was always stupid stuff when you were not paying attention, like driving out of a supermarket or something. Found myself face to face on the wrong side of the road opposite an irate German before I realised I had done anything wrong
It really helps if you can follow a friend who's been over there before and knows the rules.. and then it's pretty plain sailing.
As everybody has said, it is pretty easy and you get used to very quickly. It does help if you have a passenger though at certain times such as overtaking and pulling out of some junctions.
The only dodgy driving thing in France is that you have to watch out for traffic coming from the right, they had a law which means you have to give way. So you could be belting along a decent B road at 60mph and there is a minor road junction on the right, you have to give way to a vehicle at this junction who wants to go in your direction.
Often this means that they pull out in front of you which results in rapid testing of your brakes!
This is less common that it used to be as common sense does seem to be prevailing, but certainly in the rural areas where there are more 'oldies' it is still prevalent - as I found the other year in the Camargue.
English plates don't seem to be a bother either, if anything you are given a bit more slack - I found this in France and Holland.
The only dodgy driving thing in France is that you have to watch out for traffic coming from the right, they had a law which means you have to give way. So you could be belting along a decent B road at 60mph and there is a minor road junction on the right, you have to give way to a vehicle at this junction who wants to go in your direction.
Often this means that they pull out in front of you which results in rapid testing of your brakes!
This is less common that it used to be as common sense does seem to be prevailing, but certainly in the rural areas where there are more 'oldies' it is still prevalent - as I found the other year in the Camargue.
English plates don't seem to be a bother either, if anything you are given a bit more slack - I found this in France and Holland.
One thing to be mindful of over there (certainly in Holland) is that the rules of the road are slightly different. Similarly to what the poster above me wrote regarding people having priority to just pull out from side roads, I believe the mindset over there is that you can basically commit to something like joining a motorway and it's up to the traffic already on that road to get out of the way.. rather than the system here of waiting to join and waiting for people to move over for you!
Had it a few times driving through Holland when people would just come ploughing down a slip road to join a motorway and just barge in between our convoy of cars without a seconds hesitation, or waiting for one of us to move out of the way!
Had it a few times driving through Holland when people would just come ploughing down a slip road to join a motorway and just barge in between our convoy of cars without a seconds hesitation, or waiting for one of us to move out of the way!
I'm 22 and have driven every combination of drive side/side of road to drive on, it takes no time at all to get used to.
Honestly the only thing to worry about in Europe is local laws as stated above such as giving way to traffic coming from the right, keeping a hi-vis vest to hand, and always give yourself a slap when you get into your car and tell yourself to drive on the correct side.
Bring plenty of documentation with you, as described on the AA website or one of the other frequently updated travel sites.
Don't take the piss on the speed either, some EU countries make the UK speed laws look relaxed. That said, for the most part if your not doing crazy speeds its just on the spot fines to contend with, check the situation local to where you intend to travel.
Recommendations: From experience I'd say there is good stuff to be had in Spain, France, and Austria. Switzerland has nice roads but theoretically their speed stance is pretty harsh. I don't really like Italy for driving so much, the roads are quite amusing but the driving standard is shocking, plenty of heart in mouth moments.
Honestly the only thing to worry about in Europe is local laws as stated above such as giving way to traffic coming from the right, keeping a hi-vis vest to hand, and always give yourself a slap when you get into your car and tell yourself to drive on the correct side.
Bring plenty of documentation with you, as described on the AA website or one of the other frequently updated travel sites.
Don't take the piss on the speed either, some EU countries make the UK speed laws look relaxed. That said, for the most part if your not doing crazy speeds its just on the spot fines to contend with, check the situation local to where you intend to travel.
Recommendations: From experience I'd say there is good stuff to be had in Spain, France, and Austria. Switzerland has nice roads but theoretically their speed stance is pretty harsh. I don't really like Italy for driving so much, the roads are quite amusing but the driving standard is shocking, plenty of heart in mouth moments.
Within a year of passing, I'd already driven to South Holland twice from Exeter.
It's real easy. The worst thing is turning right onto a dual carraigeway. Oh, and Belgium.
People saying give way to the right above are referring to "Priotite a droite" which translated means priority to the right, and will be shown on road signs by a Yellow diamond with a white border and thick black line through it, and applies to the whole stretch of road, till a clear yellow diamond is shown. It's hardley widespread and in some cases, showing GB plates will pardon you from a mistake.
It's real easy. The worst thing is turning right onto a dual carraigeway. Oh, and Belgium.
People saying give way to the right above are referring to "Priotite a droite" which translated means priority to the right, and will be shown on road signs by a Yellow diamond with a white border and thick black line through it, and applies to the whole stretch of road, till a clear yellow diamond is shown. It's hardley widespread and in some cases, showing GB plates will pardon you from a mistake.
Edited by maniac0796 on Tuesday 2nd August 19:09
As the others said you get used to it really quickly. I drove on my own to Germany through France, Belgium and the Netherlands for the first time a couple of years back and was quite nervous, but it was fine. Everyone coming off the ferry/tunnel is going the same way to start with so it gives you time to adjust to going the wrong way 'round roundabouts etc. On the motorways/autobahns driving was easily, really no different to here but you use your nearside mirror more and obviously faster in Germany and with better lane discipline. The only times I had to think about what I was doing was coming off motorways into towns, and reminding myself occasionally to drive on the right. Pretty much everyone I met was polite and friendly, and some quite interested to see a car with the steering wheel on the right
Like others said make sure you have all your documents with you, hi-viz vest/bulbs and all that malarky, I've been over twice now and not been checked/stopped at all but I've been sensible and stuck to speed limits, especially in built-up areas.
Like others said make sure you have all your documents with you, hi-viz vest/bulbs and all that malarky, I've been over twice now and not been checked/stopped at all but I've been sensible and stuck to speed limits, especially in built-up areas.
We have travelled and camped in europe many times. The first time we went was in 1997 with a 1.2 vauxhall Corsa Merit. The car you take does not matter .... The experience is what matters.
I got used to driving on the wrong side within about two hours .... But now find it easier and easier for the transition from left to right.
Overtaking on some roads normal roads can be tricky ... But in france they are usually very long and atraight so it is a breeze. As others have mentioned the strange priorities at junctions and roundabouts can cause embarrassment, but never any 'really' dangerous moments.
The first trip in the corsa was great fun. We went to Rouen, Paris, Luxembourg, Koln, Amsterdam and Calais. Great little road trip, prob most memorable bit was on the autobahn doing an inidcated 105mph, with beemers appearing from nowhere, hassling me to go faster to overtake some trucks. Shame the 1.2litre engine couldn't cope.......
Mike
I got used to driving on the wrong side within about two hours .... But now find it easier and easier for the transition from left to right.
Overtaking on some roads normal roads can be tricky ... But in france they are usually very long and atraight so it is a breeze. As others have mentioned the strange priorities at junctions and roundabouts can cause embarrassment, but never any 'really' dangerous moments.
The first trip in the corsa was great fun. We went to Rouen, Paris, Luxembourg, Koln, Amsterdam and Calais. Great little road trip, prob most memorable bit was on the autobahn doing an inidcated 105mph, with beemers appearing from nowhere, hassling me to go faster to overtake some trucks. Shame the 1.2litre engine couldn't cope.......
Mike
I had my Evo VII over in Norway for a few months whilst working there, no problem driving at all in fact there was a couple of twistie back roads that they used for hill climbs/sprints etc which were good fun
The toll roads were a nuisance though as they were on the wrong side for a right hand drive car
The toll roads were a nuisance though as they were on the wrong side for a right hand drive car
Me and my mate drove to Le Mans this year, our first time driving abroad. I did the first stint off the ferry and found it really simple and quick to get used to. (My mate didn't when he set off in a quiet village, the panic in my voice set him right sharpish!)
The first roundabout was a weird sensation when circling it anticlockwise. A top tip is to try and arrive at the give way line of a roundabout facing as straight as possible, angling away means an awkward stretch over your left shoulder in some circumstances.
Another tip for motorway driving is to move your left-hand wing mirror to the left a little, helps you to see in your blind spot when pulling into lane 2.
Other than that, go for it! We did the 750 mile journey to Le Mans in 13 hours of driving (plus ferry), all in a 1.3 diesel Corsa C.
The first roundabout was a weird sensation when circling it anticlockwise. A top tip is to try and arrive at the give way line of a roundabout facing as straight as possible, angling away means an awkward stretch over your left shoulder in some circumstances.
Another tip for motorway driving is to move your left-hand wing mirror to the left a little, helps you to see in your blind spot when pulling into lane 2.
Other than that, go for it! We did the 750 mile journey to Le Mans in 13 hours of driving (plus ferry), all in a 1.3 diesel Corsa C.
France is pretty boring as s
te until you get down south.
Recently got back from a long ride (motorbike but still the same rules apply) which went from France to Italy to Switzerland.
If you get a chance, drive the cote d'azur and the Italian riviera, then go and drive the Stelvio over to Switzerland.
It really doesn't matter what car you drive as long as you have a laugh. You won't be speeding much anyway as the plod have got very very strict recently, and they will st on you from a massive high if they catch you.
Fuel up and have fun, and remember to take a mate, it'll be boring otherwise.
te until you get down south. Recently got back from a long ride (motorbike but still the same rules apply) which went from France to Italy to Switzerland.
If you get a chance, drive the cote d'azur and the Italian riviera, then go and drive the Stelvio over to Switzerland.
It really doesn't matter what car you drive as long as you have a laugh. You won't be speeding much anyway as the plod have got very very strict recently, and they will s
t on you from a massive high if they catch you. Fuel up and have fun, and remember to take a mate, it'll be boring otherwise.
mcelliott said:
Awesome roads in France, and fairly deserted roads. One useful tip is to get a toll sensor - this avoids having to queue with all the little people at the toll booths, you can just whizz straight through the designated 't' lanes, easy peasy.
Agreed!!My folks have got one of these that we borrow when we go, and they do save a lot of time!!!
Chicane-UK said:
.....when you were not paying attention, like driving out of a supermarket or something. Found myself face to face on the wrong side of the road opposite an irate German before ............
Done exactly the same myself.Honestly you will find it quite easy. I drive on the contenant every month as well as regularly in the US.
I use both lefty rentals as well as my own right hander.
As above, only mistakes I've made were when not concentrating.
Again as said, French Auto-routes are great as they traffic is so light.
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