Being able to drive a car, van or motorbike on vacation can help you make the most of your trip and see all the sites in comfort, whenever you want to. Hiring a car makes it easy to get around and gives you the flexibility to plan your own time on vacation. However, driving abroad when you are not used to the country or to the car can be difficult. Find out how to drive safely overseas and what you can do to avoid accidents and mishap.

Learn the laws of the country you will be driving in, including which side of the road is used and what the speed limits are. Buy maps and other guidebooks before you travel to help plan your routes and itinerary. Before you set out in the car plan your journey so you don’t encounter navigational problems on the road.

If you are driving your own car abroad, make sure it is fully serviced before you go. Ensure all the parts are running as they should be and that the vehicle is safe to drive. Experiencing a breakdown is so much more difficult when it happens in a foreign country. Check the validity of your insurance and your registration. If you are hiring a car make sure it is in good working order before you drive it away.

Check that your insurance policy covers you for driving abroad. If it doesn’t, you need to take out visitor travel insurance or travel insurance that covers you for driving. You should be covered for breakdown, accident and liability when you are driving overseas. Pack an emergency driving kit with tools, a spare tire, first aid kit and fire extinguisher. For hire cars, check that these items are included with the hire. Also bring your registration documents and insurance details with you.