Driving abroad

After an unfortunate encounter with a bus in Granada when I was 70, I now refuse to drive in Europe. Whether I'd have been better at an earlier age, I doubt, having,in my 50s, managed to remove the wing mirror of a rented Fiesta by miscalculating the car's width.

Looks like the bus for you Anno!

Yes, Atqui, last month, I found the bus services in Majorca more than satisfactory. And in SW France a couple of years ago.

Depends very much on the person and on previous experience. For us, driving right hand/left hand drive cars on either side of the road, automatic or manual- is just second nature as we have always switched from a very young age (I came to live in London 1 month after I'd passed my test here in Switzerland (CH) - and had to learn to drive in centre of London on 'wrong' side of the road, which was a bit at first.

If you are not used to driving on 'wrong' side of the road and with a left hand drive vehicle- then I'd say you shouldn't. Coming out of airports can be a nightmare, and so are sea-side and mountain roads. I have UK friends who will not drive on Mway or into town for instance... and really if you are not a confident driver in the first place, it would not be a good idea anyhow, at whatever age.

In the USA, I believe you can't hire a vehicle if you are over 70. Would be interested to hear of exceptions as OH will be 780 next year and we plan to go visit the US again next autumn. Don't fancy do all the driving on my own as we always share normally.

granjura I know it's a 'typo' but I had to chuckle at your OH being 780 next year.

I don't agree with arbitrary age limits on things. If you are experienced and competent then I can't see a problem. If you have never done it and are nervous about it, then probably not a good idea to start on the Paris ring road.
Would it be England or France where we French-resident English wouldn't be allowed to drive?

We have 2 cars, one a left hand drive, one right hand which we brought from England. my DH drives both with ease as he is used to it like granjura. We always take the right hand drive one to England when we drive over as it is the bigger and more comfortable (the other is a panda)!! We would be stuck if there was an age limit DH is 70 next Feb.

They don't drive on the 'wrong' side of the road, they drive on the right side of the road.

I'm OK in my own car which is an automatic and I can adjust to driving on the right without any problems. I have only driven a left hand drive (manual) hire car once - in Tenerife - and I found it a lot harder.

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

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!

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.

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

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

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.

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 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!

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.

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.

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?

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?

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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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.

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