Car insurance – Tips & Advice – Road safety
Driving in countries outside Europe takes a little extra advance preparation. As well as checking the motoring laws in each country you’ll want to find out whether you’ll need to obtain an International Driver Permit (IDP) before you leave the UK. You can apply for one online (try the Green Flag website) or at larger post offices, it can be post-dated by up to three months and it’s valid for one year.
United States
As you’d expect in a country where the car is king, there are wide, open roads and thousands of car hire companies to choose from in the US. While by law you can drive in the US with a full UK licence held for at least a year, car hire companies may not accept this, which is why the US embassy advises you to have an IDP.
There’s also the question of state laws. Each state has different traffic laws and regulations. However, as a general rule, front and rear seatbelts must be worn at all times and the speed limit in most states is 65 miles per hour (mph) on motorways dropping to 25-30 mph on residential streets. When you’re hiring a car, it’s worth checking the laws of the states you’ll be driving through with the car rental company.
The minimum age to hire a car is 21, rising to 25 in some states and if you’re over 70 you’ll need to check the upper age limits as they vary from state to state too. You’ll need a credit card to rent a car and make sure you find out what’s included in the price. For more on driving in the US visit www.usembassy.org.uk and click on tourism.
Australia and New Zealand
The good news is that they drive on the left in both countries, but, unlike the UK, you need to carry your licence with you at all times or face an on-the-spot fine. You don’t require an IDP – a UK licence is valid for stays of up to three months and, as long as you are 21 or over, car hire companies will accept it too.
Despite initial similarities, there are differences you need to be aware of. For example, lights change straight from red to green like in the US and when going from green to red they stay on amber longer than they do here. Speed and distance are measured in kilometres too.
The speed limit in Australia is 60kmh (35mph) for built-up areas but has been reduced to 50kmh (30mph) in parts of Brisbane and Sydney. Motorway speed limits in Australia and New Zealand are lower than UK ones – 100kmh (62mph). Front and rear seatbelts have to be worn at all times in both countries.
Middle East
In the countries of the Middle East, vehicles drive on the right and, while road conditions and driving regulations vary in the region, there are some general points to consider. First of all, you’ll need an IDP and prepare yourself for challenging conditions – minor roads might be poorly maintained, city ones will be very busy and driving practices a little unorthodox.
If you’re of a nervous disposition you may want to consider hiring a chauffer-driven car. Avoid drinking any alcohol at all on days when you’ll be driving as many countries in the region have zero tolerance to drivers under the influence – unlike the UK there is no acceptable legal limit. For driving information on Turkey, Kuwait, Jordan, Qatar, Lebanon and the United Arab Emirates see www.nationaldrivesafe.co.uk
Far East
The ease and practicalities of driving in this vast area stretching from Japan to Borneo and China to Thailand varies as much as its landscape and individual cultures. You’ll need an IDP and to check the legal requirements in each country before you go. For example, foreign visitors are not permitted to drive a car in China and many of the roads in Vietnam and Cambodia are in a poor state, which could make driving treacherous. In contrast, roads in Malaysia are generally of a high standard. Wherever you’re travelling to, it’s best to check the requirements of each country before you leave the UK.
Related information:
Driving from the UK to Europe – driving to the continent has never been easier, but make sure you plan your route and check your insurance cover before you go
Travel wise – useful tips on avoiding theft while you’re on holiday
Breaking down abroad – information on how we can cover you for breakdown in Europe
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