Driving in France?

Prudent

I have never driven abroad (apart from my parent's car in Cyprus which was easy as its the same side of the road).

I am looking for any hints or tips about driving a hire car in France.
Thanks

Itsgottabedone

Since the car you'll be renting will have steering wheel, etc on the correct side for driving on the right, you should find it much easier than driving a UK car there. As with all hire cars, it's a good idea to acquaint yourself with the controls (to avoid those "windscreen wipers on instead of indictor" moments) and how the petrol cap unlocks before you set off. Bon voyage!

PeteMc

Be aware is the best piece of advice you can be given. There are a number of threads on here explaining priorite a droite and other French nuances. Depending where you go it can be a breeze or absolute hell. If you do descend into the inferno that's central Paris keep smiling and just behave like the rest of them.

A left hand drive car feels more natural for driving on the right but I preferred a right hand drive car even though car parks and tolls could be a hassle.

ariba10

I felt happier in a right hand drive car.

There can be a tendency to try and change gear with the window winder, with a left hand drive.

barginunter

Well, those posts must have filled you with confidence. You will get used to the car very quickly - just take it steady. I've driven on busy roads in France and Spain which can be slightly stressful but really no more than in the UK. Motorways in France are great and there are lots of places to stop - some are just places to park and use the loo, others are Petrol stations with shopping and cafes.
I predict that within an hour you'll be feeling comfortable. France is a lovely country to drive through, enjoy it.

DebtHater

Why not take an English car? Much easier than having to worry about learning how to drive a left hand car.

I took my car to Belgium a few months ago, driving through France en route. Easy, we had no problems and despite what you think, French drivers are actually more courteous than we are.

Just bear in mind the speed limits are in KM, not MPH and as such, your hire car will read as KM first and MPH in the smaller numbers. I would imagine the hire company will include the essentials in the boot of the car - such as hi-vis jacket, warning triangle, first aid kit, good spare wheel and wheel changing kit etc which by law in Europe you most travel with at all times

cpdc1030

The main thing to remember is the yellow diamond symbol - when you see it you have priority - when it has a red cross it means you have to give priority to those joining the main route.

The main thing I get paranoid about is looking the wrong way at roundabouts, but I've been fine to date (fingers crossed).

I wouldn't say French drivers are more courteous than British drivers, but they aren't too bad. Not nearly as bad as in Canada.

Prudent

DebtHater wrote: »

Why not take an English car? Much easier than having to worry about learning how to drive a left hand car.

The holiday is a competition win (see my signature) and the car hire is included as are flights from Scotland

brodev

A small tip that I found helpful, especially on quiet country roads, is that I, the driver, had to be in the middle of the road.

DebtHater

cpdc1030 wrote: »

The main thing to remember is the yellow diamond symbol - when you see it you have priority - when it has a red cross it means you have to give priority to those joining the main route.

And dont flash your lights as a signal for people to go/pull out

Flashing your headlights in Europe is seen as a warning or a signal that you intend to keep going

Prudent

I think I had better get a book for the road signs. I was also wondering about a Sat Nav. Are they useful abroad?