Driving around EU

[jack uk]

Hello, I am 19 and have been driving a new 1.4 TDI Polo for just over a year now, for this summer I am thinking about driving over to Spain and just generally around Europe, what are the laws driving over there and am I aloud to drive over there?

Thanks,
Jack

 

[Pyscho_Si]

I'm considering doing the same this summer and just but a book which gives advise about driving abroad and the different rules for different companies. Can't remember the name of the book but it is by those people who do all the car manuals.

 

[Majago]

I'm considering doing the same this summer and just but a book which gives advise about driving abroad and the different rules for different companies. Can't remember the name of the book but it is by those people who do all the car manuals.

Haynes?

Have a look at this website. It's looks pretty handy for EU regs.

 

[OllyM]

Hello, I am 19 and have been driving a new 1.4 TDI Polo for just over a year now, for this summer I am thinking about driving over to Spain and just generally around Europe, what are the laws driving over there and am I aloud to drive over there?

As long as you're over 18 and have a full licence you'll be fine. I'm the same age as you and have driven through Germany, France, Switzerland, Belgium etc. with no problems.

Make sure you comply with all the requirements of the country that you're visiting, some require hi-vis jackets in the back of the car (Spain does I think), a warning triangle, first aid kit, spare bulbs etc. - the AA site tells you what you need. Oh and make sure you have all your documents (insurance certificate, V5 and MOT for the car and your driving licence).

 

[jack uk]

Thanks for your input guys, I am not sure how I will handle driving through different country's, I get a headache just driving into Birmingham city centre haha. I Think I might get an oldish car for this trip to keep the miles down on my car.

Thanks,
Jack

 

[Pyscho_Si]

Thanks for your input guys, I am not sure how I will handle driving through different country's, I get a headache just driving into Birmingham city centre haha. I Think I might get an oldish car for this trip to keep the miles down on my car.

Thanks,
Jack

I would take a newer car and not worry about it breaking down and having to deal with it in a language you don't understand.

My plan is to stick to the toll roads as these should be quieter. From what I read the main danger will be overtaking and of course in France, driving pulling out of side roads who have right of way.

Plenty of eastern europeans driving across here in LHD cars so how hard can it be?

 

[jack uk]

I have heard about that in france, a work friend told me that it has changed since he was there, now traffic on major roads have rite of way.

 

[OllyM]

It's fine, you get used to it very quickly. To be honest it feels weird after getting back to the UK at first when you've been away for a more than a few days!

 

[Brando]

SOOO much easier and nicer to drive over there, and very easy to switch to driving on the wrong side. With the exception of Belgium their main roads and motorway equivalents put ours to shame. It's worth reading up first and also noting the individual laws. Most of Europe requires you to carry a high vis vest, warning triangle and a series of spare bulbs. Not having the right kit carries heavy fines if you have UK plates and are pulled. Do it!

 

[mjt]

I have heard about that in france, a work friend told me that it has changed since he was there, now traffic on major roads have rite of way.

if there are no signs, priority is ALWAYS from the right in france and belgium
unless you are on a roundabout or on a main road, indicated by a white diamond with an orange border

as with what everyone else has said, hi-vis jacket, bulbs, jack (if not a tyre kit) etc are compulsory

it's a very good idea to read up on the countries you are going to drive through before you set off.
you'll also need a GB sticker on the back and those stickers on the headlights