Your driver’s license

This may seem like the most obvious point, but, don’t forget your driver’s license. Make sure that it is valid for at least six months from the time you hire a car. It’s a good idea to take a copy of your license and keep one in your suitcase and one in your wallet. In fact, take another copy so that when you pick up the car, the transaction is quick.

Insurance

When you hire a car you will be offered various kinds of insurances. Some cover you in full, others only cover the basics. We suggest you take the 100% insurance cover so that if anything happens to the vehicle, you don’t have to worry at all. Read the terms and conditions carefully when you sign the insurance policy. And check if your insurance policy at home will cover you for car hire abroad.

Familiarize yourself with the rules of the road

Do they drive on the right or left hand side of the road? It’s a good idea to find out well before you start driving. Also, check up on speed limits and any rules of the road that may be different to yours. Stick to the laws. You do not want to collect speeding fines in a foreign country or be in any kind of trouble with the law.

Take it easy

It doesn’t matter where you are driving, even if it is the autobahn in Germany, take it slowly in the beginning. It takes time to get used to a rental car and it takes time to feel confident driving in a foreign country. There is no hurry and remember - you are on holiday, you can go as slowly as you want. Saying that, some highways have minimum limits, so be aware of those too.

Try not to over-plan

The worst thing to do on a self drive holiday is to give yourself an unrealistic and hard to match timetable. Rather arrive somewhere in the middle of the day than the middle of the night. It’s okay to do less, in fact it is really nice to do less. Look at the map BEFORE you get in the car and plan your route carefully.

When unsure, ask for help

If you don’t know where you are going, get lost, or have a problem with the car, ask for help. Your rental car will come with a checklist including emergency phone numbers. Use them if you have to. And if you get lost, although we strongly recommend you get a navigation system, ask for help . Locals are usually incredibly friendly and will send you off in the right direction.

Only share the driving if you have permission

When you hire a car, you can ask to have an additional driver. If you do not ask in advance, you are not insured for an additional driver. Also, check the age limit for the additional driver. Many countries will not hire cars to young adults, i.e., under the age of 25. Check these rules as they differ from country to country.

Specify if you want an automatic or manual car

If you have never driven a manual car, and you get one at the airport, you may have a small panic attack. When you book your car, specific what kind of car you want. When you pick up the car, check it thoroughly for any dents, scratches or damage