Piece of piss. Done it all over the world and never had a problem. Left hand drive, right hand drive, manual or auto.
Thing to remember is, most countries have much better roads and much less traffic than in the UK. You won’t have any problems whatsoever. And, if you’re like me, any car you hire will be better than the one you have here. |
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The roads are much less busy than here and the motorways have loads of places called ‘aires’ which can be good places for a rest. Take your time and indicate and just remember to be on the right. Weirdly, after a while, it will feel more natural than driving on the left. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Never done it, but maybe next year in France? Any advice,/? Best done in a local hire car..??"
One bit of advice was given me by my dad and it's best I've had. I have driven all over the world and I know how it's saved me a few times.
When you stop and pull over and return to the road... Remind yourself or better still have your passenger remind you each time... "Drive on the right".
Your brain goes into auto mode after a rest and it's easy to forget which side when you rejoin. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Never done it, but maybe next year in France? Any advice,/? Best done in a local hire car..??"
It is best done with a local car as your brain interprets things better too. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I do it all the time as I spend a lot of time in Spain. I’ve driven both my own and hire cars. Even though it makes no sense I prefer to drive my own. It’s the roundabouts that are the most difficult at first! |
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If you're using your own car make sure your insurance is valid for abroad, also get your headlights adjusted as you could end up infuriating other drivers and fall foul of the law.
Also read up on local laws which may be different than here.
Other than that, stay safe and have fun.
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I do it all the time as I spend a lot of time in Spain. I’ve driven both my own and hire cars. Even though it makes no sense I prefer to drive my own. It’s the roundabouts that are the most difficult at first! "
Oh and if you do take your own you’ll need to adjust the headlights  |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I do it all the time as I spend a lot of time in Spain. I’ve driven both my own and hire cars. Even though it makes no sense I prefer to drive my own. It’s the roundabouts that are the most difficult at first!
Oh and if you do take your own you’ll need to adjust the headlights "
only in France is necessary , rest of the Europe not so( I never doing this) also about keep the right, I use to repeat to myself: NEXT TO KERB and it’s helpful. Anyway for first time would suggest to go with your own car rather hire because would be easier to concentrate on the road instead been distracted by driving new car too. Another thing, Lhd car would change your distance feelings on both sides and problems with changing gears by right hand unless it’s automatic. |
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I love driving in France. It’s much more pleasant. My car can change from MPH to KPH which is useful. I still can’t get the hang of how far things are in kilometres though so just pretend they’re miles 
Where abouts are you heading, OP? And the tunnel is easy too! In fact, I think I’ll sort an Allez to Calais day trip.  |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"I love driving in France. It’s much more pleasant. My car can change from MPH to KPH which is useful. I still can’t get the hang of how far things are in kilometres though so just pretend they’re miles
Where abouts are you heading, OP? And the tunnel is easy too! In fact, I think I’ll sort an Allez to Calais day trip. "
I fancy Normandy and Brittany. |
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"I love driving in France. It’s much more pleasant. My car can change from MPH to KPH which is useful. I still can’t get the hang of how far things are in kilometres though so just pretend they’re miles
Where abouts are you heading, OP? And the tunnel is easy too! In fact, I think I’ll sort an Allez to Calais day trip.
I fancy Normandy and Brittany."
By ferry? Le Havre or Dieppe? Calais is several hours drive. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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France is easy. Just follow the rac advice for what you need to carry and the appropriate insurance. Also after Brexit you will need to pay a fee for your driving license to drive in Europe too. I feel more comfortable in my own car |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Do not put your indicator lights on when you are in a roundabout and you'd be one of us "
I tend to put the windscreen wipers on when I turn left or right  |
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Use a sat nav and avoid toll roads. Bloody extortionate in France! Junctions and roundabouts require a bit more thought than usual. We take our camper van over and hubby has no worries driving on wrong side of road. I navigate expertly obviously lol |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Use a sat nav and avoid toll roads. Bloody extortionate in France! Junctions and roundabouts require a bit more thought than usual. We take our camper van over and hubby has no worries driving on wrong side of road. I navigate expertly obviously lol"
It’s illegal to have the sat navs that warn you where speed cameras are though apparently! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Hire an automatic, otherwise you'll be reaching into the drivers door storage compartment for a gear change!!"
The amount of times I’ve bruised my elbow! |
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By *eah BabyCouple
over a year ago
Cheshire, Windermere ,Cumbria |
If popping into Spain don’t drive in flip flops, fine you on the spot for that one, suggest you check all the rules and regulations whichever country your travelling in as bobbies like to take your cash if they can. |
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