Holiday Driving and Road Safety

Safe holidays for travelers starts with proper planning of your holiday. Safe holidays can be enjoyed by all of us if we take the time before our holiday to do some research before heading off to our holiday destination.

Holiday driving and Road Safety plays a big part in having a safe holiday whether we are traveling around Australia or overseas.

Do I need an International Drivers License?

In most cases, you will find that your current Australian drivers license allows you to drive in a foreign country. Be sure to check with your travel agent when booking your holiday for the exact information because different countries have different rules and regulations.

For example, you can use your Australian Drivers License in New Zealand for up to a year before you have to apply for a local drivers license.

Anyone from overseas that wants to drive a car in Australia can do so for only three (3) months on their current overseas Drivers License before having to apply for an Australian Drivers License.

• If you are hiring cars in different countries, or traveling through different countries in Europe, then you are advised to get an International Drivers License before you depart Australian shores.
• The majority of car rental companies will want to see an International Drivers License before they will allow you to hire a vehicle. An International Drivers License can also become a valuable document should you be pulled over by the police in a non English speaking country.



Top Tips On Staying Safe Driving Overseas

Do Not Drink and Drive: It’s fairly obvious and it is even more dangerous on foreign roads that you have never driven on.

Take Regular Rests: Many people will go on long distance drives when traveling through Europe. Driving along the highways from Spain through to France is a common long distance trip that many will make when heading home and it can be a dangerous one if you are driving while tired. Driving overseas is no different to driving at home, except you aren’t as familiar with the roads.

Tips On Avoiding Car-Jacking: This is more prevalent for those traveling in the United States and some South American countries where you could be abducted/kidnapped if you find yourself in the wrong place. Rental cars generally stand out in the United States like a yellow cab and most travelers have their wallets around their waist so it isn’t hard to spot the tourist

• Make sure that if you are going to go for a drive that you know your route before you go.
• Ask the hotel staff for advice about the route you have chosen to get to wherever you’re going.

People are always willing to help. So don’t be afraid to ask for directions and advice before you set off on your trip.