One of the first questions that will be raised when you are planning on relocating or buying a holiday home overseas is whether or not you will be able to drive while you are there.
The last thing that you want is to plan your whole trip around hiring a car only to arrive and realise that you do not have the correct documentation. With this in mind, we have compiled a little information for you on the most important things to consider when you plan on driving in a different country.
First and foremost, roads in different countries can vary dramatically, as can the “rules of the road”! If you do decide to hire a car, take your vehicle with you or purchase a new one once you have settled in, the most important thing to remember is to take your time adjusting to the roads and the customs of your fellow drivers. After all, your safety is the most important thing.
Before jetting off to your new life or on a jaunt to your holiday home, you will need to ensure you have all of your documentation in order. This is a simple case of checking that the details of your driving licence are up to date and that you actually remember to take it with you.
If the country that you are going to is part of the European Economic Area and you are only going on a temporary basis, you will be able to use your GB licence to drive and to hire a car.
If you are moving to a non-EU country then your best bet is to contact the driving licence authority in the country. They will be able to tell you everything you need to know about whether or not you can simply swap your GB licence or whether you will have to take another test.
If you spend time in a number of countries then it might be worth investigating an International Driving Permit (IDP). This is a formal document which translates the details of your driving licence into several languages thus enabling foreign authorities to understand your driving entitlements, validity periods and your identity without any confusion. IDPs are issued by the Automobile Association (AA) and the Royal Automobile Club (RAC) and will only set you back about £5.50. For the sake of paying the small fee, it is worth sorting yourself out an IDP.
For a free guide to moving abroad download The Overseas Guides Company’s free Emigration guide by clicking here.
For a free report on how to save money when making currency transfers, whether they be regular pension payments or to complete on a property, click here, or visit the Currency Zone.