Hiring a car for 1st time in Spain.?

Show all answers

Captain Sarcasm

Driving in Spain is relatively easy and virtually all of the signs are either the same as ours or clearly understandable by the picture on the sign.

The Spanish tend to be like most European drivers, impatient and they drive too fast. Very similar to the UK really.

My best advice;

1) Get a good map reader sat in the passenger seat, or even better a European Satnav.

2) Allow plenty of time for your journey so as not to put yourself under any pressure.

3) Slow down and allow yourself time to get used to driving on the right and to allow yourself time to read the signs properly.

If you follow the above you should have few, if any problems.

rose1

You'll be heading down the A7 motorway from Valencia to Alicante
If you check this link you can view the route in English:
www.repsolypf.com/es_en
on the right side you will see Campsa Guide, press this link and you can plan your exact route. The toll will cost you 12.95â‚¬

Whilst on the motorway you should have no problems with driving and other drivers, but I must say the worst thing I find (after 16 years here) is that people never indicate at all. The one thing I would say to watch out for is when you are going round a roundabout someone on the inside lane invariably cuts in front of you to go off to the right, it is a bad thing as obviously you could have a nasty accident, so just be aware of that.
Another thing if you are in a hire car (I presume so) if someone flashes you trying to tell you there is something wrong with your car DO NOT STOP this is a possible robbery in progress. It happens very frequently on this strip of road and especially to hire cars, so don't stop for anyone no matter what they do or say. You have been warned!!
I don't wish to frighten you but we are all so relaxed when we are going on holiday and I would hate to see it start the wrong way.
Usually you will have no problems at all, it's like the UK there are good and bad everywhere just be vigilant.
Good luck and have a great time

Joan el guiri

Spanish driving is best summed up by the fact that Catalans are the Spaniards most likely to stop at a red light|

The previous contributor is correct.follow his advice.

The area where you will be driving is not one of the bad ones although the statistics say otherwise. This is because of the lemming like rush by those in Madrid to get to the beach.

The secret is to take your time and do not rush.

One tip. I mark an arrow pointing to the right in the rear view mirrow. Thus at a roundabout you look in the mirror and get a reminder.

To keep spaniards out of your back window, use your screen washers.

The accidents in Spain are mainly caused by driving too close to the car in front and going too fast. This means far too close and far too fast.

Road signing is bad to indifferent, especially in the countryside. One Sppanish car magazine prints the most incredible photos.
As in London you can be following a sign to a place and the signs suddenly disappear. Buy a new map and follow the road numbers.

Spain has just started points on the licence but the results have not begun to appear in driving habits.

Millions of foreigners drive without any problems in Spain. Just be sober and drive considerately and you will enjoy the superior roads without any problems.

Fnjoy your holiday AND DON'T WORRY!

derf

Non-Residents can drive in spain on a foreign driving license for a maximum of 6 months in the calendar year. EU residents can drive on their existing EU license until it runs outs. When it does run out you must apply for a Spanish driving licence. Non-EU residents must obtain a Spanish driving license after one year.

Speed Limits
Autopistas/autovias 120kph
Dual carriageways 100kph
Country roads 90kph
Urban roads 50kph
Residential areas 20kph

See http://www.spain4uk.co.uk/retiring_guide/driving.htm for more details

SunnyDays

They are lunatics! They don't indicate, wear seatbelts and take any notice of other road users or use their mirrors! Just allow lots of space, don't use your mobile while driving, always wear seatbelts, and be ready to be pipped at traffic lights if you don't move over within a nanosecond!
They have no idea how to go round a roundabout, they've only had then 20 years so are still learning

harry

just remember your on the wrong side , everything is the opposite way round , roundabout's , cross road's , etc

god help ya.....very fast drivers in spain,,,everything on opp side... i wud say drive real slow.................

carol p

When you pick up your hire car make sure you have two dayglo jackets two triangles and spare bulbs with the car and also copys of the registation documents as this is a leagal requirement in spain the hire company may charge a returable deposit for these items be cause most people nick them on return If you need glasses for driving you also need a spare pair in the car also a legal requirement and as of the first of april spainish police can put points on your license the best method of driving is defensivley dont get annoyed just accept that all spanish drivers are idiots

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: