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Topic: Driving Abroad.

mascot

19/10/2013 at 9:22am
Location: brighton
Outfit: Suncamp 400se

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We are thinking about travelling abroad soon but I have never driven outside the UK. Although I am a very experienced driver I still find this a bit daunting especially with a trailer behind me. Any handy hints and tips would be very welcome. Cheers.

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veema

19/10/2013 at 9:25am
Location: Blackburn
Outfit: VWT6 campervan

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We drive in France and it is so easy...nothing like the stressful journeys we have in this country. The first couple of miles off the ferry are a bit weird, especially at roundabouts, but you soon adapt.

Kelper

19/10/2013 at 9:34am
Location: Northern Ireland
Outfit: Sterckeman Alize Concept CP480

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I often find it easier ... strangely ...
Much easier to judge how close you close you can get to the near side edge of the road ... or wall ... or sheer drop!
Only real prob is overtaking ... when OH has to call the shots efficiently!
You'll adapt very quickly ... and find it odd when you return to the left.

David Klyne

19/10/2013 at 9:49am
Location: Milton Keynes
Outfit: Bailey Alliance 66-2 Motorhome

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Although I have never added it up its quite possible I have driven more miles in Europe than the UK, certainly since we retired. I can understand the caution but as others have said after a few miles you start to settle into the differences, the main one being bum in the gutter! There are lots of resources online where you can familiarise yourself with road signs etc although most of these will look very similar to UK signs.

David

jaiash

19/10/2013 at 10:02am
Location: nr Derby
Outfit: Phoenix 440+

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a lengthy read....

millermicm

19/10/2013 at 12:30pm
Location: west country
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Best tip - drive on the right.

Every person who has driven abroad (literally millions) had to do it for the first time. Daunting but the reality is easy.

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mascot

19/10/2013 at 1:09pm
Location: brighton
Outfit: Suncamp 400se

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Thanks jaiash, another list is just what I need.

But really informative. Thanks.

Post last edited on 19/10/2013 13:35:10

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Roughyed52

19/10/2013 at 5:08pm
Location: Oldham
Outfit: Ace Award Nightstar

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It is really easy, there seems to be a switch in your brain that you didn't know was there that adjusts. In fact you may find yourself anxious about returning to driving on the left when you get back to the UK.

I find the time to watch out is when you start off on the second day. If you are the only vehicle on the road it is easy to pull out of a driveway onto the left hand side if you are not aware.

When you get back to the UK I find there is a little urge when turning right out of a one way street to end up on the wrong side of the road but it's easy to resist. I was scared stiff the first time I drove abroad but it's difficult to stay nervous after driving for three weeks through Holland. Germany and Poland. You'll be fine.

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JuneR101

19/10/2013 at 11:24pm
Location: Hertfordshire
Outfit: Pennine Countryman

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Driving in France can be a real delight as long as you avoid weekends in the peak holiday period when the main routes are packed solid.

This American website has some really useful information:

http://about-france.com/travel.htm

Or go to their main travel website and surf around:

http://www.about.com/travel/

Driving on the right soon becomes second nature but beware of dropping your guard when exiting petrol stations etc. I have, on more than one occasion, found myself on the 'wrong' side of the road. If you have a TomTom you can set it to remind you to drive on the right after making a stop. I don't know about other satnavs but my wife and co-pilot is pretty good at keeping me on the right side of the road!

Oh, and... don't forget to look both ways - twice - before pulling out!!

I hope this helps. It's very easy. You'll be surprised.

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awedlock

21/10/2013 at 6:08pm
Location: None Entered
Outfit: Cabanon Manga L VW T25 California

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I agree with JuneR...driving on the right side is easy enough but remembering which way traffic is supposed to be coming from when pulling out is the tricky bit. So look both ways twice !!

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