Introduction 

Different countries have different traffic rules and road cultures. When visiting another country, you may want to hit the road and drive a rental car. 

While that’s a good option to consider, there are a few things to know. 

You must be sure about the car’s safety. Consider all the traffic rules the country has for foreigners driving on their streets. It’s also important to see if you need specific documents to drive outside your homeland. 

Read this article to learn some tips on how to use your driving skills the right way when on foreign lands. 

Do you have to Drive, though? 

Sometimes, it’s more of a choice than a necessity. If you’re going to another country for professional reasons, you may have to drive your own car. Whether you’re a corporate professional or someone driving for a taxi pool company, you must keep a few things in mind. 

For example, if you’re taking a private jet from Kuwait and visiting the magnificent city, you’ll want to know how things work around here. 

  • Firstly you’ll want to know what the traffic rules are in this country. 
  • Second, How do they handle traffic accidents? 
  • Third, are there any specific licenses and documentation you need to legally drive on the road? 

These are some basic things to keep in your mind. But, if you’re just visiting the country, you may not need to rent a car. Hiring a personal driver can be a much better experience at times. They know their way around the cities and can take you to the nearest tourist sites in the blink of an eye. 

Drive First Before You Drive Fast

The rental car you’re taking isn’t the car you left in the garage of your home. Whether it’s a one-way trip or a round-trip one, test the car before renting it. Most car rental services would have a test-driving policy before you take it for a rental. 

Driving the car around the parking lot will give a clear picture of the car’s health condition. Regarding health, we suggest checking if the seat belts are working fine. Does the car have airbags installed? Are the brakes functioning properly? What are the conditions of the windshield wipers? 

It’s crucial to run a thorough check of the car before you take it for a rental, and a short drive around the parking reveals a lot. 

Also, while taking the test ride, verify if the headlights and signals are working properly. Check the fuel and the fluid levels for an extra level of caution. 

You Need the Maps

Most luxury cars nowadays have navigation features with a screen showing maps. If you’re taking a standard car, navigational features are easily available – so make sure you use them properly. 

Before you start the engine, map out your route. This will help you maintain a speed limit and stay prepared for potential high-traffic areas on the route. You’ll know where to go fast and where to slow down. 

Don’t have GPS and navigation options available in the car? No worries. Pick up your smartphone and use Google Maps instead. 

Here’s a word of advice. Even if you have a map, you can get help from the locals and take shortcuts along the way.

Know About the Traffic Rules & Road Culture

In some countries, speed limits and stop signs don’t mean much. Although many traffic rules are written and documented, the local route culture can become something else.

It’s important to know which factor to take seriously and what to avoid. For example, if you’re going to Thailand and caught up in a road accident, it’s the larger vehicle owner who’ll pay for the damage. This is irrespective of whose fault it was during the accident. 

It would help to ask the local drivers and people you have business with in the foreign country about the traffic rules. They can specify the core traffic rules you must obey. 

You’re Better Off Without Night Rides

With the road cultures and traffic rules apart, it’s best to avoid driving at night. Signals and headlights serve the purpose of communication on the road. If you’re driving at night, you need to have specific driving skills and an understanding of at-night traffic rules. 

For example, in some countries, drivers keep the headlight off to save battery. Yes, it sounds awkward. But that’s the truth. It’s often difficult to navigate through difficult traffic rules and road cultures. So, it’s best to stay away from the driver’s seat at night when visiting a foreign country.