Whether if you’re a seasoned pro behind the wheel or a relative newbie, driving in a new country can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially if you’re distracted by some pretty sensational scenery happening all around you as you drive. Driving is mainly muscle memory and acting on auto-pilot a lot of the time, but this can be thrown entirely out of whack if you’re driving on the opposite side of the road, or if you’re driving an automatic instead of a manual, for example. Concentration and preparation are vital – here’s how driving lessons dublin recommends to do it best.
Get to Know Your Rental Car Before Setting Off
So you’ve just picked up your set of wheels in your new country, and you’re hyped to set off and explore as soon as possible. The best way to get used to your rental car is, of course, to drive it carefully and become accustomed, but it’s a good idea to spend some time parked up before setting off anywhere to familiarize yourself.
You should check that all relevant dashboard lights, warning lights, and general features are working. Your rental company should, of course, maintain this anyway, but it doesn’t hurt to familiarize yourself with what certain warning lights mean on an entirely new dashboard. Check that everything works, including speedometer, tachometer, brake lights, and petrol light, etc.
Always Check the Road Rules in Advance
Road safety, speed limits, and regulations vary in every country, and it’s crucial to do as much research as possible before you head out on your travels. This is especially important if your destination drives on the opposite side of the road. You need to be able to recognize what road signs look like (and mean) in your designated country, who has the right of way, how traffic lights operate, and so on.
Taking a road safety book with you is also a good idea if you have a long flight and want to top up your notes before you arrive.
Always Plan Your Route
Whether it’s a long road trip or a series of short drives, you still need to plan your route in advance. Certain roads might be closed, there may be an accident or diversion, or you may simply get lost, and it’s always important to plan ahead. You should also plan for designated stops, whether for rest, food or bathroom breaks, so it’s a good idea to pinpoint potential stops during a route and double-check that you have enough gas before the next gas station is set to appear on your chosen route. Reklama: Silvera sidabro auskarai, dėžutės, pakabukai, grandinėlės, sagės, apyrankės, sidabriniai žiedai moterims, vyrams ir vaikams https://www.silvera.lt
Don’t Just Depend on Your GPS
GPS is great – when it works. However, errors happen, whether due to battery or lack of signal, and your phone might not always work either. Besides, you don’t want to drain your phone battery and amass a large data-charge bill for using GPS through your phone. It’s a smart idea to always go old school and take a paper map with you, too. If you’re not accustomed to reading a traditional map, make sure you learn how to properly read a map before you travel. At least then you have a back up (which doesn’t rely on a battery!).
