DRIVING ABROAD

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While driving can be a fun and empowering way to discover a country, it comes with certain challenges. Adapting to a new traffic flow, finding your way on foreign (and sometimes treacherous) roads, learning the local rules and driving etiquette… While it may seem overwhelming at first, a little preparation goes a long way when it comes to driving abroad. Here are a few things to consider before taking the wheel on your next trip.

International Driver Permit

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a standardized translation of your driver’s licence allowing you to drive in most countries. The IDP is an A6 format booklet containing a photo of you and your basic information in a dozen of the most widely spoken languages, including French, English, Russian and Spanish. Because of its many translations, IDPs are considered a legal travel document and a valid form of identification in more than 150 countries . It must be accompanied by your regular licence to be valid though. There are two types of IDPs; the 1949 convention model, which is valid for one year following issuing date, and the 1968 convention model, valid for up to 3 years, but one year after arriving in foreign country. However, the validity of any model cannot exceed the validity of your domestic driver’s licence. Your IDP must be issued by the country that issued your regular driver’s licence. In Canada, CAA is the only organization allowed to issue IDPs . Anyone else offering IDPs to Canadians is running a scam. You do not need to be a CAA member to apply for an IDP and at the time of writing this post, the cost was $25 +taxes. Check this link out to learn more about IDPs.

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Know Ahead

  • Is the country left-hand traffic (LHT) or right-hand traffic (RHT) ? Canada is RHT, so cars have the steering wheel on the left, which is called left-hand drive (RHD). Consequently, roundabouts circulate counterclockwise and overtake is done in the left lane. On the other hand, in LHT countries, cars are right-hand drive (RHD), roundabouts circulate clockwise and overtake is done through the right. This can be really difficult to adapt to, so make sure you get used to the car’s control panel before hitting the road. It’s a good idea to practise in parking lots or quiet streets before embarking on a big road trip.

  • Does the destination use metric ( km/h ) or imperial ( mph ) ? Make sure you look at the right gauge on your speedometer!

  • Are you planning on bringing your own vehicle ? You might need a Carnet de Passages en Douane (CDP) in order to avoid duty fees. Also, make sure your destination doesn't require special vignettes like the Air Quality Certificate in France or Austria’s Motorway Toll Sticker. If you’re travelling to a country with a different traffic flow, make sure wrong-hand-driving is legal.

  • Some car-rental companies have minimal age requirement varying between 18 and 25. Some companies also charge a Young Renter Fee (also called Age Differential Charge or Underage Driver’s Fee).

  • Does your insurance cover driving abroad? Do they require you to have an IDP? Ask if your policy includes endorsement/OPCF 27 (Legal Liability for Damage to Non-Owned Automobiles), in which case you will have to option to claim a loss under your own insurer or through the rental company’s insurance policy.

  • How long are you allowed to drive for? Some countries have specific restrictions regarding the amount of time foreigners can drive before requiring them to get a local licence.

  • Learn the local laws and regulations. While driving seems pretty intuitive for experienced drivers, you’d be surprised by the road rules in some places. Did you know that you can be fined for driving a dirty car in Russia? It’s illegal to splash pedestrians while driving in a puddle in Japan. Drivers in Denmark have to check underneath their cars before leaving. Headlights must be switched on when driving in Sweden, even in the daytime. In Spain, drivers wearing glasses need to keep a second pair in their car. Do some research and save yourself unnecessary fines!

Quick Tips

  • Carry local currency for toll roads and bridges;

  • Avoid city centres during rush hours if possible;

  • Learn how to drive standard, as automatic cars may be hard to find abroad;

  • Get information about the local climate and possible road conditions (winter tires or chains, alternative routes in case of intense weather events, etc.);

  • Be aware of the fact that road signs may not be translated.

Tips Arianne Méthot Driving , Travel Tips