Driving Abroad for first time!

stripeyfox

Recently had a promotion at work and have been asked to visit company's offices in Holland and Belgium. Have never driven abroad before (though will be doing so when I go to Canada on holiday next year) and I'm a little nervous about it. I clearly cannot turn down this opportunity so I was wondering if anyone has any tips (other than driving on the right!).
My debut journey will be from Schipol Airport into Amsterdam!

redux

you will concentrate hard enough that you won't have a problem - just be careful a couple of days after you get home

after a while you won't notice the difference

pavlovs_dog

the first time we drove abroad was on holiday in america last year.

we researched the different rules and regs thoroughly before we went, so that we felt well informed (this makes a world of difference to your confidence). in particular, having an understanding of the difference between an automatic and a manual car, although admittedly ths probably wont be much of an issue in europe.

research the area before you set off, and get your hands on maps so you can plan your journey. its much easier to concentrate on driving on the 'wrong' side of the road if you have a vague idea where you are going. it may be worth asking if there's any chance you can get a car with sat nav to ease things further?

when you pick the car up, take time to settle in and get a feel for it. when you feel ready to set off, do a few practice laps round the car park to accustomise yourself to being on the wrong side of the road, turning the wrong way at junctions etc. then, when you are ready, hit the open road.

the final piece of advice i can give is to make sure that whenever you start off, stop, get to a junction, stop at lights, approach a roundabout (as an aside these dont exist in america, which was rather strange ) do so with even more caution than you would normally do in the UK, as this is the time when you will be most at risk of an accident.

but most importantly of all, relax and try to have fun!

moonrakerz

stripeyfox wrote:

My debut journey will be from Schipol Airport into Amsterdam!

Get the train !

balsingh

moonrakerz wrote:

Get the train !

I agree .... the train service from schipol to amsterdam is regular and efficient. Getting around amsterdam can be done easily by tram. Seriously, forget the car. Think about it, you want to arrive at your work premises fresh are relaxed which wont be the case after a first time drive in a new country.

stripeyfox

Unfortunately I have no choice. I will be escorting some clients around our facilities in Holland and Belgium. Not so worried about navigation as my colleague will lead the way in another vehicle.

Barter

I think you'll adapt quite quickly to driving on the right - I did anyway; the thing you might forget in a LHD car is that your handbrake (& gearstick) are down to your right - you automatically reach down to the left!

Lob_Rockster

driving in Europe is pretty similar to the UK; just remember to stay on the RHS of the road!

Holland and Belgium are not bad to drive in to be honest. Belgians are worse drivers, Dutch have more speed camera.

What I've always tended to do is try to read the signs and especially road markings as quickly and efficiently as possible - some junctions will puzzle you.

And try to keep the other chap in the lead of course

Stuckupahill

one quick tip...

when you have to stop - for petrol, rest stop, parking etc - try to make sure you pull in on the RIGHT side of the road - ie the side you are driving on.

It's easy to forget and automatically start driving on the left when you start off again, so if you are already on the right side of the road you are less likely to do that.

apart from that, sit back, chill out and enjoy the scenery!

Andy

tomstickland

If you're a confident and alert driver then you'll find the changeover fine, but keep a check on yourself. It can be a lot more tiring as well because you have to think things through a lot more rather than use well developed habits.
It's easy enough though and good fun.

Wig

The one thing that is likely to get you, is stopping at a T juction and joining the main road. you have to remember to take the right side of the road (no pun intended). I messed it up once and only once, nothing hapened just got a bit of a scare is all, just be careful.

Roundabouts should be ok because the road guides you in the right direction.