To make your trip safer and more enjoyable when driving in a country that you are not familiar with, Irish Advanced Motorists/IAM Fleet offers the following general guidelines.

If you are considering driving your own car in a foreign country check with your insurance company in case you need additional cover, an International Driving Licence, Green Card or Bail Bond. Third party motor insurance is compulsory. If the vehicle is not registered in your name, you will need to carry a letter from the registered owner giving you permission to drive. Be sure to place your insurance company's emergency contact number in your car.

Always carry your driving licence (if your licence doesn't incorporate a photograph you must carry your passport to validate the licence). You must also carry the vehicle registration document and certificate of motor insurance.

Before setting off make sure that the car you are driving is roadworthy and that the headlights have been properly adjusted to avoid glare. Get the car checked, especially the filters, belts, fluid levels and have the oil changed. Check the condition of your wiper blades. Check the operation of your turn signals, brake lights as well as the high and low beams. Examine the tread on your tires. Make sure your car is prepared for the weather it will encounter on your trip.

Pack an emergency First Aid kit in your car. Include motion sickness medication if anyone in your group suffers from it.

Visibility Vests are now compulsory in Italy, Austria and Spain (and likely to become compulsory throughout the EU) if you need to walk on a motorway. It is recommended that you carry a warning triangle in case of breakdown.

When you arrive, remember driving on the opposite side of the road will seem strange so extra concentration is required. Be especially careful when leaving service stations, rest-stops or when you are a few days into your trip as you may revert to your normal driving pattern. Make sure that you know and obey the rules of the road and road signs in the country in which you are travelling. Most countries have different rules and regulations, being a tourist may not get you off the hook. Regarding road signs, remember the general rule- triangles warn, circles prohibit and rectangles inform.