[anjan_c2007]

Well described @supermax. Another point I wish to add is about pedestrians, especially in the Western democracies. They are given right of way and when the signal gets green for them to cross over at a zebra crossing, just halt patiently waiting for the last person to cross over.

Another fact to be remembered is that any differently abled person of senior citizen can use a lever/button on the zebra crossing to engage himself or herself, the "green signal for pedestrians" out of turn, to cross over. Hence, watch out for such red signals for the moving traffic where all cars, bikes, trucks etc come to a dead stop.

And as rightly pointed out in the OP, parking in most parking lots is metered. One has to be very vigilant and if due to some reason there's a delay, the car user has to get his parking time extended to the new limit, before the expiry of his time.

[supermax]

Originally Posted by GTO

Great points. Throwing in my two paise:

- At least for the first day (if not two), sit on the passenger seat and observe.

- Get the maximum possible insurance coverage. If you cannot afford the insurance premium, you cannot afford the car rental.
- As a petrolhead, rent some awesome cars .

Can't agree more! Whenever it comes to insurance, I remember the scene from 'Meet the Parents' where Ben Stiller grimaces when his rental car's windshield caves in, while his prospective FIL chips in with 'But I'm sure you have insurance, right?'
Lovely car, the Dodge SRT. A neighbor of mine owns a 3.2L Chrysler Crossfire, a fairly unique car produced during the Daimler-Chrysler days. It has a true-blue SRT6 supercharged version of AMG's M112 engine, mated with a 5 speed automatic gearbox from the SLK320. Pretty much all of the parts are Mercedes parts, and Chrysler is pretty much just the badging. I've even sat in the driver seat, but haven't driven it. The engine note is sweet music!

Originally Posted by narayans80

Over planning or doing more research never hurt. If you are the trip planner in the household. The more you know beforehand, the less surprised you are. This applies whether you are planning a trip in India or abroad.

A pertinent point is to be flexible.

Also rest+food+refuel stops. These are not factored in any of the maps.

Yup. Flexibility is the key. Regarding the over-planning, what I meant was that it's one thing to make plans, but it's best not to finalize everything, as last minute cancellations mean that you won't even qualify for refunds. Having plans but leaving the ticket booking to the last also has its share of risks, but maybe a middle ground is safest. On my own trip, I wanted to book a certain cruise in advance, as I didn't want to risk it becoming sold-out, but having prebooked it also meant a lot of additional stress on us to make it to the place in time, as we'd been significantly delayed earlier in the trip.

About the fuel stops, I fully agree. In my notes for my Norway trip, I'd noted the locations of prospective stop points, and fuel stops. Whether we actually stopped there or not was moot, but I'd planned our route with those points which were easy to find, should we have the need for them.

Originally Posted by Newtown

This was a good read.

There is one incident that will forever be etched in my memory, and it was both scary and hilarious.

As soon as he said the traffic started crawling ahead and I see them parked on the dam curb causing the entire exit to jam up and waving to us frantically to draw our attention.

It was hilarious, crazy, scary and embarrassing all at the same time to see the cops trying to clear them off the curb.

Oh my goodness! And to think that he was totally oblivious to the chaos he'd created behind him! I've come across my share of these clueless individuals, and the kicker is that they are convinced that they are good drivers! Why? Because they haven't been involved in any serious accidents! What they are totally oblivious to is the fact that all the other road users have given them an extra wide berth, noting that they are dangerous drivers! And yet when they decide to settle down in Europe, and try to get local driving licenses, and they fail the test miserably time and again, they can't believe they have been failed on driving tests, and often decide that the only reason they've failed is because of racism!

Originally Posted by KrisTvpm

FWIW, some minor additions.

Don't honk as one is used to in India, to declare their/their vehicle's "grand arrival"!
No one cares; honk ONLY if absolutely necessary.

Don't flash headlight to say/mean "I'm coming, you gtfo"; do so (a minor flash/flicker) if one politely wants to convey "I see you, you may take precedence, I'll wait"

Totally agree with the no honking and roundabout points. About the lights though, I have never come across anybody flashing the light to convey that the oncoming vehicle may take precedence though.

Originally Posted by KiloAlpha

This is, in my opinion, one of the most ignored pieces of advice.

To add to this - observe the locals and follow what they do. The old adage "When in Rome do what the Romans do" is very apt. If you do this, even if you can't fully understand the language/signage, most of the time you will be OK.

Good advice! There is a slight risk with following locals though; if you copy them, you have to ensure that you copy them perfectly, and not more or less, because they know very well where the risks are, be it from law enforcement, speed cameras, pinch points, danger zones and what not. Push when they push, and take it really easy when they do so, as failing to do so would mean running the risk of getting fines for overspeeding or worse!

Originally Posted by rrsteer

Generally speaking how difficult is it for an experienced regular driver on Indian roads to adapt to driving in EU countries? More specifically, is it advisable for someone (someone being an experienced driver in India) on vacation in EU to pick up a rental?

The more experienced a user is on Indian roads (and has no other experience of driving anywhere else), the harder it is going to be, for them to adapt to driving sensibly on EU roads. There are some fundamental differences which one must accept right from the get-go, to do well:

1. Pedestrians are to be treated as royalty, and not as an after-thought or worse.
2. Tailgating is a strict no-no. Indian drivers are used to being in bumper-to-bumper traffic, and not leaving any room in front to opportunistic 2 and 3 wheelers who rush into the gaps. While driving abroad, the speeds are considerably higher and you really need to maintain a good distance to the vehicle ahead of you.
3. Speed limits and other road restrictions are not suggestions; they need to be followed, even if other local drivers seem to be ignoring/breaking/bending them, as the locals know where they can get away with it (and where not!)
4. Lane changes need planning, so cutting across lanes at the last minute or when one suddenly realizes that they are on the wrong lane are totally unacceptable. If on a wrong lane, continue and plan your return to the intended path.

[swe.desi]

Originally Posted by rrsteer

Generally speaking how difficult is it for an experienced regular driver on Indian roads to adapt to driving in EU countries? More specifically, is it advisable for someone (someone being an experienced driver in India) on vacation in EU to pick up a rental?

Driving in Europe means following dozens of rules while driving on the 'wrong' side, and at the same time having a high amount of trust in the drivers of the other vehicles, at least in Sweden. It can get overwhelming.

As mentioned in the previous posts, if one is careful and prepared beforehand it should be possible to not get into a dangerous situation. But it is a given that one will make mistakes when driving in a new land, it's important to fix the mistakes calmly and without breaking the rules. If you miss an exit, drive further and take the next exit.

Only bad drivers never miss their exit.

The most important thing I feel is to be humble and understand that the Indian driving experience might help with the mechanics of operating a vehicle, but not the implementation of the driving rules.

A personal example, I was always on the defensive driving into intersections and would brake if I saw a car inching towards a stop, even on the main/priority road. I was not trusting whether the car would pull out or not, as I was used to in India.
I was thoroughly chastised for this by my driving instructor as slowing down on the priority road would impede the flow of traffic, and could cause an accident.

[manishk123]

A useful tip I got from someone was to remember that the road divider must always be on the Driver's side.

This little mental note helps me stay on the correct side of the road while taking intersections in LHD countries.

[Janus]

Originally Posted by NomadSK

Interesting, some other which I had observed specific to the countries,

Germany - Don't drive continuously in fast lane, specially on Autobahn, there will be someone on your tail in a flash, you won't even come to know. Trust me there will be Schumacher's on the road. While renting the car, the guy at the counter informed me the speed limit of the tyres as 300Kmph, I was like, No, I'm not going at that speed anyway.

I wouldn't label it as a fast lane, every lane on the inside is an overtaking lane. If the Autobahn is empty with no temp speed limits enforced, then you are allowed to go fast.

In India, due to overloaded lorries, two/three wheelers and livestock we label the inside lane as fast lane and outside lane as slow lane.

Originally Posted by supermax

Oh my goodness! And to think that he was totally oblivious to the chaos he'd created behind him! I've come across my share of these clueless individuals, and the kicker is that they are convinced that they are good drivers! Why? Because they haven't been involved in any serious accidents! What they are totally oblivious to is the fact that all the other road users have given them an extra wide berth, noting that they are dangerous drivers! And yet when they decide to settle down in Europe, and try to get local driving licenses, and they fail the test miserably time and again, they can't believe they have been failed on driving tests, and often decide that the only reason they've failed is because of racism!

Ohh man, I have seen so many fall flat on their face after mentioning to the driving instructor that they have been driving for 15-20 years and only to fail the test multiple times.

The best approach is to tell the instructor that you have some driving experience but treat you as a beginner and start from the top. But to save few bucks, most of them avoid this and take the least number of lessons to pass the driving tests and then learn on the road.

The other day I saw a post in FB from a worried Indian Expat asking how long he should be anxious about receiving a notice for speeding over post. He was feeling nervous/terrified for 14 days that he will lose his license doing 40 in a 30 zone

[StarrySky]

Originally Posted by KrisTvpm

FWIW, some minor additions.

Don't honk
* at blind curves to notify the vehicle approaching from other side

Adding to this, it is safe to not honk on blind curves because everyone keeps strictly to their own lane. So do not venture out of lane.

If one is driving on country roads, it is quite possible to see bicycle riders also on the roads. You might come upon one in your lane just after a blind turn. Be prepared to slow down in your own lane and not swerve into the opposite lane.

Give a wide berth to cyclists and other two-wheeler riders when you overtake them.

Originally Posted by KrisTvpm

* at cross-roads ("chaurasa"), to again, notify others - one can't "outsource" the responsibility of checking road is safe, to others. One must check & ensure it's safe & only then cross

Be aware of whether the road that you are on has any road sign saying if it is a priority road or if it has give way signs. If you are on a priority road, people behind you will probably not expect you to slow down or stop when you reach a crossing.

[NiInJa]

As someone who recently started driving in U.K. after driving all the years in India. One thing to do initially is focus on the rules by avoiding talking and having conversation with passengers.

Because, our brain is conditioned to drive a certain way all these years and it is very easy to forget small rules which can cause big accidents.

Example: In India, we usually don't slow down or stop and look at the right side when turning left at a junction entering main road, because it is understood that other cars/bikes will slow down or wait for you to go if your speed is higher. In U.K., you have to stop when merging like this into other's path, it is a rule and generally understood hence no one will slow down on such junctions.

We recently did a road trip to the highlands (the famous NC500 in Scotland) and there was Nissan Qashqai that entered the main road from our left without even stopping. I and the Ford Ranger ahead of us braked hard, the guy ahead of us kept honking at the Qashqai making it stop and gave him some advice (I hope ). It was no surprise the Nissan was driven by an Indian couple!

Also, another thing to remember while driving abroad on motorways and country roads: Vehicles are driven too fast, constantly by Indian standards, if you get involved in a crash, it definitely won't be a 'minor' one. So make sure the car is having good tyres and does not stall on the road for any reason.

[Jeroen]

Some members already mentioned pedestrians!

Just to add a bit; in the EU pedestrians are considered the most vulnerable persons on the road. So as a motorist you are expected to adjust your driving when you get near an area where pedestrians are likely to be.

In some countries the rule is that as soon as a pedestrian shows an inclination to cross the road, all cars must stop. They don’t need to use zebras. Only if they are within a certain distance does a pedestrian need to use the zebra.

On top of that you will find these quite a few countries in the EU have a lot of cyclists. Again, legally they are considered more vulnerable than a motorist. You hit a cyclist or a pedestrian in most cases you are automatically guilty unless you can prove the pedestrian or cyclist did something completely unexpected.

Again, legally speaking you are unlikely to win such a case. Lots of jurisprudence. Especially if kids are involved you as the motorist will always be in the wrong. You are expected to know kids do unexpected and stupid things so you must anticipate it!

In case of an accident, in many cases the cops won’t even show up. It differs per country but in general if there are no casualties you and the other party are expected to to solve it amicably. Fill out the forms, arrange for a tow truck and so on.

There are a few countries still where you are not allowed to move your car after an accident. In most countries you are actually expected to move the cars out of the way yourself!

Also, if the cops do show up, be prepared to be breathelised!

Jeroen

[s4ch]

Originally Posted by KrisTvpm

• Don't flash headlight to say/mean "I'm coming...do so (a minor flash/flicker) if one politely wants to convey "I see you, you may take precedence, I'll wait"

Originally Posted by supermax

About the lights though, I have never come across anybody flashing the light to convey that the oncoming vehicle may take precedence though.

In the UK, the only time you flash your headlights is when you want to inform an oncoming car that you are yielding to them, that they can go first. This is very common practice. I assume it is the same in the EU as well.

Basically, the premise of driving in most countries abroad is that you show courtesy to others on the road, by yielding to them, not hurrying them up, not tailgating them, not cutting them off and giving everyone (motorists, cyclists, pedestrians) P-L-E-N-T-Y of space.

It is an ABSOLUTE JOY to drive in these countries simply because 95%+ of others show such courtesy.

I really do try and follow this when in India too and have found it be way less stressful when driving.

[MaxTorque]

Originally Posted by s4ch

In the UK, the only time you flash your headlights is when you want to inform an oncoming car that you are yielding to them, that they can go first. This is very common practice. I assume it is the same in the EU as well.

In Australia (not sure everywhere) if a stationery car blinking they are giving us way. If a moving car is blinking that means a cop or speed checking camera is there. Even police knows this sometimes they joke about it in their socia media channels.

[ajmat]

Originally Posted by MaxTorque

Even police knows this sometimes they joke about it in their socia media channels.

In the UK, you could be prosecuted for aiding and abetting.

A couple of points when I have observed Indian colleagues drive in the US. (I got pretty aggro and took over!)

1: Maintain your distance. One colleague kept tailgating and the car in front was getting pretty agitated.

2: Just because you see a Range Rover drive fast in wet conditions, does not mean you can keep up with it. Know the cars capabilities and your own.

[benbsb29]

Originally Posted by ajmat

In the UK, you could be prosecuted for aiding and abetting.

Similar in Australia as well, although a lot depends on the officer who has stopped you.

Link

Flashing your headlights to warn other road users of police ahead – or a mobile speed camera – is almost as Australian as the two-finger steering-wheel wave.

But did you know it could land you a fine of up to $552 in some parts of Australia?

https://www.drive.com.au/caradvice/i...ice-australia/

[libranof1987]

Most points are covered, but here's some from personal experience:

1) If you're renting a vehicle right after landing in that country, email them well in advance and ensure your Driving Licence / IDP will be accepted. The desk agents often have very different interpretations of processes; some will allow a rental on the basis of the Indian DL, while some will have a bunch of questions even on presenting the IDP

2) Take all the coverage, with minimum deductible. Also check the policy on fuel: whether you have to top up the tank, or can return as-is, at the end of your journey

Most premium credit cards have features that offer a liability waiver on rental cars booked on them; don't be penny-wise-pound-foolish. Take the policy with the maximum liability cover offered by the rental agency.

* Be polite and courteous (as one should be regardless), and there's a good chance you might get an upgrade

3) Rules and regulations vary across countries and continents, so read and ask to be sure

4) Give yourself time to acclimatise; muscle memory and habit might force you to react as you would if you were in India, in crunch situations

5) BE VERY RESPECTFUL and obedient with law enforcement.

One of the best tips I've read (for driving in the US): when pulled over, turn off the engine, keep the keys on the dash (where the cop can see them), and your hands on the wheel. If you need to move your hand off it to retrieve say, the license and registration from your pocket or the glove compartment, tell the cop you're doing so.

6) Follow rules to the T. There's absolutely no margin for error, "adjust a little bit", "it's just a few metres" etc.

Enjoy the cars and roads!

[CapKoura]

A few tips after driving in the US for two years:

If one has solely driven RHD cars and is going to drive an LHD car, the brain is wired to estimate the four corners of the car from the right side seat. Once you shift to the left side, it takes some time to get used to the front right corner of the car, especially in tight spaces. Practicing parking for some time in an empty lot or an unused street helps a lot.

The average on-road speed is quite high, even in cities. One has to take care to match the traffic speed when starting from a stoplight, or when merging onto a highway.

This point is mainly for the US, as I am not aware of the laws in other countries. The insurance is very strict when it comes to coverage, and a vehicle is not covered if it is being driven by a driver not a part of that vehicle's insurance. Refrain from driving a vehicle, that you aren't insured on, on public roads.

Also, quite an interesting observation, particularly with the '22 Camry that I frequently used. The IRVM of the car, once adjusted to the driver's seating position, doesn't reflect the rear windscreen perfectly parallel as it is in cars in India. The windscreen appears as if you're looking at it from an angle. While it doesn't affect the rear view in any way, it takes some time getting used to.

[hondatoyotafan]

Originally Posted by Theyota

Visitors to USA, don't get out of your car if pulled over. Safe park the car with blinkers on, put both your palms on the steering and wait for the cop to come to you. Don't take off your hands from the steering while talking to him. If you have to get any documents from the golve box, etc., inform the cop about it before you take off the hands off the steering.

Else you will scare the hell out of the cop and he may pull his gun on you !

I Remember when we were students and our car was pulled over because my Senior was overspeeding. The front passenger was a fresh off the boat arrival from India and in spite of us warning he wanted to negotiate and give some 'chai-paani' and negotiate the fine. As soon as he opened the door and got onto the freeway towards the two patrol cars which pulled us over(usually there is a backup during night hours) all the cops came out of their cars with their Glocks drawn and one mistake would have finished him off.

He was detained for a while and counselled and let off later without any charges.