Expatify

Travel & Expat Lifestyle Magazine

Overseas Driving

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If you’re moving abroad plan on learning how to drive in your host country, even if you don’t plan on owning a car. Many countries have excellent public transport systems, but learning to drive will enable you to see much more of the country while you live there.

Before you go:

  1. Get an International Driving Permit.
  2. Check the minimum and maximum driving age.
  3. If you’re going to start driving as soon as you arrive, research the rules before you leave home. Find out about the laws and penalties associated with a traffic violation. You cannot rely on the excuse ‘I’m not from here,’ as all drivers on the road in any country are expected to know the rules before they get on the roads. Be a responsible expat!
  4. Research the requirements for your driver’s license, road permits, and auto insurance.
  5. If you rent a car, make sure you have liability insurance.

Before you get on the road:

  1. Review the road rules of the host country, including signs, road markings, and rules about junctions and traffic circles/roundabouts.
  2. Keep in mind that road conditions and road safety varies from country to country.
  3. Always buckle up. Some countries have penalties for people who violate this law, but even if they don’t you will be safer, especially in unfamiliar driving conditions.
  4. If the drivers in the country you are moving to drive on the opposite side of the road, it may be a good idea to practice driving on quieter roads before attempting the busy roads and town centres.
  5. Always know the route you will be traveling. Always have a copy of a good road map, and chart your course before beginning. Don’t rely solely on GPS because coverage and electrical/battery faults may cause chaos to your navigation!
  6. Do not pick up hitchhikers or strangers.
  7. Lock your doors. In some places the ‘trapped stop’ at traffic lights and junctions when you’re boxed in by other cars is a perfect opportunity for people to open your door and grab your bag.
  8. Never use your cell/mobile phone while driving in any country unless you have a handsfree device. Many studies have shown that speaking on the phone while holding it, or texting is too much of a distraction for safe driving–especially in a situation that is not familiar such as driving in an unfamiliar car or in unfamiliar road conditions. Many countries have strong penalties for doing this.

Research sources:

  1. Many rental car companies have country specific information.
  2. The embassies of each country often have driving information. Try Embassy World to find them.
  3. The U.S. Department of State’s website has useful, country specific information.
  4. Most guidebooks have a good section on driving basics for the country, and perhaps information on where to look for more detailed information. Make sure you’re reading an up to date book.

The International Driving Permit (IDP):

  1. The IDP is recognized in over 150 countries and has been authorized by the UN.
  2. It allows people who already have a driving license in their home country to drive in the host country without taking a test.
  3. The length of time one can use an IDP before taking a test in the host country will vary from country to country, but it is usually about a year.
  4. The IDP is printed in 10 languages: English, French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, German, Arabic, Italian, Scandinavian and Portuguese.
  5. Many car rental companies request an IDP even though one is not required to drive in their country.
  6. Some countries may require that you present your IDP along with your home country driver’s license.
  7. Make sure the IDP you purchase is from a recognized source or it will not be considered valid and legal or you’ll experience travel delays, extra expenses and perhaps face penalties.

How can I get an official IDP?

For a list of national sources of where to get an official IDP see the Drivers.com website.

Beyond the IDP

If you are staying in your host country for longer than a year, research how to obtain a license for the host country. You can check online with a government website, or before you make your move you can visit the host country’s embassy in your home country.

Comments

3 thoughts on “Overseas Driving

  1. I have learned (the hard way) that posting information on expat forums is a very tricky business given that so many rules are complicated by only applying to certain categories of persons. And they keep changing!
    ie I think some American states driving licenses are acceptable in Spain whilst others are not!

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