If it’s going to be your first time driving abroad, Europe is always a sensible place to start. But that doesn’t mean you can show up without any preparation. Driving on the continent is more relaxed and safer than almost anywhere in the world, but it is still important to follow the rules of the road and learn the ins and outs of driving here.
Are you aware of any road traffic rules in Europe? If you are a novice driver or this will be the first time you are driving in Europe, you should contact the best driving school that offers car hire service with an expert European driver in Southhall who will teach you the appropriate rules of driving in this continent.
Also, here is some information that may be useful to you!
What are road traffic rules in Europe?
Knowing the main traffic laws is essential to ensure greater safety and avoid penalties such as fines and points on your license. In most European countries, there is the main rule that every driver should follow that they have to drive on the right side of the road except in Cyprus, Ireland and Malta. In these 3 countries, you can drive on the left side. To know more legal requirements of European countries, read the below points to know more.
Essential tips for driving in Europe
These are our essential tips for driving in Europe.
- Turn on the lights during the day
Lights on during the day make vehicles more distinguishable at greater distances. This makes it easier for everyone to distinguish different types of vehicles on cloudy, rainy, foggy days, at dusk, etc. Also, distinguish vehicles in advance and be able to apply defensive driving actions in cases where they are necessary. They also allow us to identify the direction the vehicles are going on simple two-way roads just by looking at the color of the lights.
- Warning triangle
In European countries, displaying a warning triangle to alert drivers of any hazard is an important legal requirement. Therefore, every driver should have two warning triangles in front and to the rear of the vehicle during a breakdown.
- Reflective jacket
Drivers, who are driving in European countries, should carry reflective jackets with them. If any breakdown happens, this jacket will save the life of the driver. This is one of the road safety rules which you should follow otherwise spot fines might be issued to the drivers. Along with this, every driver should carry a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, and a spare bulb set in their vehicles.
- Use the seat belt
The majority of injuries caused in a traffic accident are the result of different impacts that the driver receives in the passenger compartment. This is because the vehicle produces a very large deceleration when an impact occurs, but the driver’s body continues at the same speed that the vehicle was traveling before the impact.
Studies carried out show the result that the use of a seat belt reduces the possibility of serious injuries or death by 80%. The use of seat belts is recommended not only for the driver but for the person who is sitting beside the driver.
- Use the headrest
The headrest is not a comfort element of the vehicle, it is a safety element designed to support the movement of the head backward in both a rear and frontal impact, avoiding very serious cervical injuries and breaking the neck of people.
- Proper age of driving
In many countries, you can start driving at the age of 18. However, in the UK, the appropriate time for driving on the road is at the age of 17. Also, you should remember that holding a cell phone while driving is banned in Europe.
In addition, it is essential that, before your trip, you take the time necessary to thoroughly learn the traffic rules of the country in which you are going to drive in Europe. So contact with European driver car hire Southhall and learn the rules to follow them. It will make the whole trip much more relaxed and comfortable.
Do you comply with the legal requirements?
To drive in the UK, you must be over 17 years of age and have a valid license to drive motor vehicles on any public road. You must also be able to read a license plate from 20 meters away. Only legal residents can apply for a UK driving license, so foreign nationals are required to prove they have been living in the country for 185 days in the last 12 months.
Obtaining a driving license in the UK as a foreigner may seem daunting, but the basic process is not that difficult. The first tip is that there is no special place for foreigners to get a UK provisional driving license, just apply as you would if you were 16 and just learning to drive!
You can apply for a provisional license on the DVLA website. Once you have applied, this website will take time. So, don’t worry! You can complete this process within the shortest period by hiring the best driving school that offers this service.
In the meantime, you will have to prepare for your theory exam. Most instructors will help you learn the theory by asking questions during lessons. You can also familiarize yourself with the content and format of the test by taking mock exams. Before booking the driving test, you have to pass the theory test.
Take the exam!
The last step is to take your driving test. You will be asked to fill in your details as well as your instructor’s details in case you wish to check their availability. After choosing your test center and date, you will be required to pay an amount. Your chosen driving school will send you all the directions to your driving test! On the day, you should remember to bring your provisional license as well as proof of the successful results of your theory. Otherwise, you may not be allowed to take the exam.
To successfully pass the driving exam, you should carefully remember these two necessary points:
- You have to drive safely in various traffic conditions, and
- You should have an idea about Highway Code while driving
What are the documents you should have to drive in Europe?
After completing all the processes and obtaining the driving license, you have to carry some necessary documents with you while driving on the road. They are
- Driving licence
- International Driving Permit
- Valid passport
- Car insurance documentation
- Breakdown cover
- Proof of vehicle use or ownership
- European Health Insurance Card
Now you have a basic idea about the benefits of driving in a European country. So, are you ready to Hire a Car in Enfield to learn to drive in Europe, you should contact Confident pass driving school. Our highly skilled instructors know how to make the new drivers feel at ease on the European road. To know more details about us, visit our website to know more!