driving abroad

If you're planning on hiring a car to see the sights or taking a road trip, you will need to check with the relevant country's embassy about the laws and driving licence requirements of the country you're visiting. These can vary greatly from your home country.

If you intend on hiring a car whist abroad check the car is roadworthy and familiarise yourself with the controls before you set off on your journey.

Check the car hire insurance provides adequate cover for you and all passengers travelling with you.

Alway wear a seat belt and familiarise yourself with the local traffic laws.

Always carry emergency and breakdown telephone numbers and stick to well travelled roads and NEVER drink and drive.

LICENCES AND INTERNATIONAL DRIVING PERMITS

Check that your licence is up-to-date, and has the correct address on it.

Although most popular holiday resorts will let you hire a vehicle on your home country licence, an International Driving Permit (IDP) might be useful for more extensive travel. It also provides an extra form of photo identification, and is valid for a year. You will need to get your IDP before you leave for your travels.

Always take your full driving licence with you when driving abroad, even if you hold an IDP. You'll need it to hire a car and will be asked to show it to support the IDP if stopped by the police. You risk a fine if you try driving on an IDP alone.

DRIVING IN EUROPE

If you are driving in the European Economic Area (EEA) countries (EU member states plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway), you can use your own licence If you are taking your own car, you will need to check with your insurance company that your insurance is valid. Your insurance company can provide an International Motor Insurance Certificate, should this be needed for Europe.

In some European countries it is a legal requirement to have a first-aid kit, fire extinguisher, warning triangle, headlamp beam reflectors and spare lamp bulbs with you. If you hire a car in Europe, check that these items are in place, the police will hold you responsible, not the hire company, if they are not.

Wherever you drive in Europe, it is mandatory to carry the original Vehicle Registration Document. If you don't have this, you will need a letter of authority from the owner or a Vehicle on Hire Certificate (VE103B).

If you're taking a car into another country, it should be for your own use and must not be lent or hired to anyone else. If you decide to leave it behind, or sell it, you must tell the local customs. After six months, you maybe required to license the vehicle locally and pay import duties.

You no longer need to show a country of origin sticker in European Union countries. However, you'll still need one if you are planning on driving in non EU countries.

DRIVING IN THE USA

Rental car companies in the United States often only provide the minimum of insurance for the state you plan to drive in. Always take out top-up cover and arrange this before you leave, as the cost can be a lot higher once in the US. Make sure you and your rental company know which states you plan to drive in. Don't cross over into any states not covered by your insurance.

DRIVING IN NEW ZEALAND

If you plan on driving in New Zealand you will find motor insurance is not a legal requirement. Taking out private accident insurance is strongly recommended. This is because under New Zealand law you do not have the right to sue a third party in the event of an accident. Instead the Accident Compensation helps pay for your care if you are injured as the result of an accident. However, this only covers you for part of the cost of treatment in New Zealand. Drivers are strongly recommended to take out comprehensive motor insurance when driving in New Zealand. Delayed travel or loss of income is not covered.

MOTORCYCLE AND SCOOTER HIRE

Many people who never ride a motorcycle or scooter in their home country think nothing of renting one when abroad. Given the number of tourists who suffer serious injury or even death on scooters, the best advice is to avoid them unless you are an experienced rider. If you do decide to hire one, be sure to wear a good quality helmet and check the bike carefully before leaving and never ride a scooter under the influence of alcohol or drugs.