![\"driving-abroad-car-over-cliff\"](\"http:\/\/www.idrivesafely.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/driving-abroad-car-over-cliff.jpg\")
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On a recent trip to Ireland I had a crash course in a new style of driving. Luckily no actual crashing was involved, but I did learn how to drive on the left-hand side very quickly. And while you\u2019d expect that sliding in behind the wheel on the right side of the car would be an easy reminder that your driving maneuvers would also switch to the opposite side, my natural instincts kept trying to pull me to the \u201cwrong\u201d side of the road. Based on the number of \u201cDrive On Left\u201d signs I saw posted on roads across the country, I\u2019m guessing a lot of tourists make the same mistake.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re heading abroad and plan on renting a car, here are a few tips to keep in mind to so you and your loved ones safe.<\/p>\n
When renting a car internationally it\u2019s a good idea to find out if it\u2019s a manual or automatic transmission. If you\u2019re not familiar with driving a manual (only 3% of cars sold in the U.S.<\/a> from January to March of 2012 were manual), then you\u2019ll want to request an upgrade. Be prepared to pay an extra fee\u2013 it\u2019s worth it if you need it.<\/p>\n Try to get your hands on a driving guide for that country before you hit the road. You can find these at a foreign embassy, a foreign government tourist office, or an international rental car company. A good place to start for info on your country of destination is the U.S. State Department\u2019s website<\/a>.<\/p>\n The most important detail is to make sure you meet that country\u2019s minimum and maximum driving age requirements. And remember to always carry your driver\u2019s license and\/or an International Driving Permit<\/a> when you\u2019re behind the wheel.<\/p>\n Also remember to check your speed. You might see a sign for 100KPH, but keep in mind that it\u2019s really only 62.14MPH. So go easy on the gas pedal!<\/p>\nRules of the Road<\/h2>\n
![\"drive-left-side-sign\"](\"http:\/\/www.idrivesafely.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/drive-left-side-sign.jpg\")
While right-hand driving is more common globally, there are currently 76 countries<\/a> where driving on the left is the norm. But changing which side you drive upon is not the only difference when traveling on international roads. It\u2019s a good idea to bone up on basics like traffic lights and turning, roundabouts, passing, and other general rules of the road.<\/p>\nIs Your Drivers License Enough?<\/h2>\n