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UK Being Driven Abroad

16:36 Mon 24th May 2010 |

Many people now, it seems, are driving on holiday rather than taking the plane. This gives a much more adventurous feel to your getaway. It also is much more flexible and may even be more environmentally favourable than alternative methods of transport.
No doubt this is the reason why nearly one in five drivers in the UK will be taking their car abroad in the next year, it has been claimed.

Drivers should make themselves familiar with road laws in other countries in order to make sure they do not become involved in an accident. If you are thinking of taking your car on holiday with you it can also be helpful to check out the political situation in any countries you plan to visit. Making sure you are fully covered is also vital. Most insurance companies have tailored foreign travel policies and can give helpful advice about what you need.

Advice from Foreign & Commonwealth Office about driving abroad:
* Familiarise yourself with the driving laws of the country you are visiting – including local speed limits and which side of the road they drive on!
* You should be aware that provisional licences do not entitle the holder to drive outside the territory of the issuing member state.
* Check with your insurance company that you’re fully covered to drive abroad including breakdown recovery and any medical expenses resulting from an accident.
* Check whether you need a Green Card for any countries you may be visiting – this provides minimum insurance.
* Check whether you need an International Driving Permit.
* Service your vehicle before leaving the UK.
* Check you can comply with the vehicle requirements of the countries you’ll visit. Earlier this month, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office commented that 31 per cent of drivers abroad have accidentally driven on the wrong side of a foreign highway.

If you want to know more about travel abroad why not ask AnswerBank Travel.

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