Driving abroad

I wish they would sort out the télépéage so that it works over the border in Spain. It gives a funny little sigh and dies when you get to the first barrier in Irun!
We reckon that you get the annual payment back in fuel if you go through one of the very busy ones like Tours in high season. My daughter has had one for ages and they love the way people see the UK reg and assume they can't possibly have the badge, then look amazed when they go sailing through. I am surprised by how few of my French neighbours have them though; it really is a no-brainer.
It is great that they are putting in loads more of the speed limited drive-through barriers too, rather than having to stop and start again.

I don't think there is a limit of 70 in the US because we have hired cars there many times. I asked when booking if there was a limit and the answer was "As long as you are over 21". I said "I think I can manage that!". However, you will know yourself when it gets too much, and now we feel we don't want the hassle.

Thanks granjura. We have the Italian version but obviously it's no good in France. It's certainly much easier and you don't have to fiddle about with cash or cards at the toll booths! We shall investigate the French version. We thought about it before but weren't sure how to go about it!!

Very helpful Granjura .thanks.

OH and I were both over 70 when we last went to USA and were able to hire a car no problem - of course we are used to driving on the right and it is easier with a hire car in US as they are automatic gear boxes.

Talk about coincidence! After I read your post about Télépéage, granjura, I found the web site and sent the link to DS1 who is driving down to Corsica at the end of the month. He has just emailed me to say he had already ordered his tag and had an email today to say it's on its way.

I agree. Our kids tried that once with the grandkids on board, we forbade them ever to do it again saying that they could not visit the property again unless they had stayed 2 nights in hotels in France en route.

We drove from Leicester to Denia once in one go- when we were much younger and shared the driving- madness though!!! Sheer stupidity!

About 45 mins south of Alicante but the journey is an integral part of my holiday, and I adore the scenery whatever the direction. It is a long journey but over 3 days its manageable. Nevertheless I look forward to a good night's sleep at the hotels whenever I finally reach them.

As said, how about inviting a friend to join you- and s/he can fly back and have a holiday at your place. Win win for both.

You are very welcome. How far do you have to drive in Spain?

Thanks so much for your prompt response. Obviously I will overnight in France for 2 nights in hotels, as I've done for many years. Have a property in Spain so always need to ferry stuff back and forth, therefore flying not an option, and I hate flying anyway. I was aware of Telepeage but did not know it could be accessed by visitors to France. Will certainly try pursuing the telepeage option, for which information I am very grateful to you.

For French motorways you can prepay via the télépéage system- so you do not need to queue or pay at booth- much much easier:

Understanding The Concept Of Télépéage

Télépéage is one of the best kept secrets of the French. For years they have been using the technology to speed through French tolls whilst the British holiday makers have had to sit in queues. But what exactly is Télépéage and how can it help you?

The technology

Télépéage is a standard French phrase that relates to automated toll payment systems. By fitting a transponder to your vehicle you are able to approach the tolling booth in special Télépéage lanes. These lanes are fitted with beacons which will detect your transponder and automatically open the barrier so that you can drive through without having to stop and pay manually or queue if there is lots of traffic. The transponder, or tag as it is sometimes referred, is a small and unobtrusive device that fits to the vehicle window screen behind the rear view mirror. The battery in the transponder will usually last between 5 and 7 years.

How you are charged

Whenever you use your Sanef Télépéage system to drive through French tolls our systems will log it. You will then be charged the same amount as you would be if you paid manually, on top of a €5 monthly active service fee for that calendar month. If you use the system again in a separate calendar month then you will be charged a further €5 – however that will be your final charge for the rest of the year. You can only be charged a maximum of €10 service charge over the course of one calendar year. Payment will be debited directly from your bank account using the details provided when you set up your Sanef account.

Why choose Sanef Tolling

In the past Télépéage has been difficult to access for British travellers. In order to lay their hands on a transponder a British citizen had to be able to provide a French based address and bank account. Setting up your Télépéage could also prove problematic if you did not have a good understanding of the French language. Sanef Tolling has now made the whole process much simpler and your account can easily be set up online. We also provide English speaking assistance over the phone in addition to email support. With Sanef Tolling it has never been quicker or easier to navigate your way through French tolls.

If you would like further information on how Télépéage technology works or have any further queries then please contact our friendly advisors on +44(0) 113 815 1930. Alternatively you can email at [email protected] for a prompt response.

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A heck of a long way to drive on your own- I don't mind sharing long journeys, but would not like it on my own- we keep an eye on each other when we drive, and any signs of droopy eyes or tiredness- and also the issue with large numbers of desperate illegal immigrants all over the place would make me concerned too- despite being very 'street wise' and no scaredy cat.

Why not fly and rent a car when there? Or ask a friend to join you to travel to Spain if you have to drive?

I have driven on French motorways for years without incident, and acted as navigator around Paris, no issues. However as I hope to attempt the journey to Southern Spain via France on my own soon, the part that worries me most is the Peage (toll booths), as I will have to get out of the car to pay at each booth and I dread causing delay to the drivers behind me. Also, I will feel a bit vulnerable at isolated unmanned toll booths especially at night. Anyone have any experience of driving solo in RH drive car through toll booths on continent, and can you offer any advice/tips to bolster my confidence?

Strangely enough, on the two occasions when I have taken my own car over (or under) the channel, I've had no problem adjusting to driving on the right and made no mistake, even on the Paris ring road. But then, I was a bit younger then.

First the issue of which side of the road. I've driven in the UK fairly recently and found the changeover quite easy (we live in France.) But then I had driven in UK for ages previously.
I would say it depends on what kind of road conditions you're driving in. I mean mainly whether it's quiet roads or busy motorways around big cities.
I will be 80 next year if I live that long. I love driving round the area where we live, quiet roads and lovely scenery. But I no longer dare to drive into the nearest big city (Toulouse) with all its interweaving motorways. Nearly as bad as the M25.
So I would say ok for country roads but not for urban driving.

I do find it uite hard in the passenger seat of our LHD in the UK. When we were over last week there seemed to be a lot of drivers pushing through narrow gaps and failing to give way. I think the heat had turned their brains!

As a driver, my problem is when I'm in the passenger seat of the left hand drive car.

I sit there wondering where the steering wheel and pedals have gone!

Also, breathing in when near parked cars!

x

I don't think it does rise does it? I thought you got 30 days abroad on most policies? Ours certainly doesn't from France to England.
I get a lot of opportunity to observe British drivers abroad and I have never really noticed any difference, except perhaps that older drivers are more cautious. Younger drivers are just as likely to ignore priorité à droite which does seem to be a consistent problem.
When we used to come here on holiday I never had a problem in France but really had to concentrate hard when we got back to England and I went back to work, especially on country lanes.

I presume the insurance premium would rise when taking own car across the channel .

nonnasusie I think there is quite a difference between driving when 70 and at 80, although I know one shouldn't generalise.

That's the sort of thing that worries me granjura. As you say, you and your man are used to switching from driving on the right to the left. Also , as you say coming out of cities and built up areas, not to mention mountain roads , when you are in a right hand drive car driving on the right can be difficult.

ooops bellasnana - 70 of course! He is a very good and confident driver- and will be for many many years I hope. We were hit by some stupid idiot coming down in a Motorhome far too fast, from Zermatt, last week- good job OH has nerves of steel and was hugging the side of the road at reasonable speed- the motorhome was about a foot over the line as it came out of a tunnel on a bend... a huge bang and the car shuddered- poor bil got a real shock- but only the wing mirror was taken off. We stopped after the tunnel to sort of put it back with elastoplast from the emergency pack- and hoped the driver would turn back and give insurance detail, as per the law, but he (she?) didn't! Grrr... UK plates!

They can't have not noticed- as it was quite a bang and shudder- and they must have sustained damage too!

I have been driving all over the UK for nearly 30 yrs. I enjoy it.
I have never had the courage to drive abroad.