Driving

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Driving a car gives a traveller more independence and flexibility than scheduled transportation, such as air travel, rail travel, or bus travel.

Driving Halal Travel Guide

Driving is often the fastest mode of transportation at distances between kilometers 10 and kilometers 100, unless there are traffic jams, or if the roads are in bad condition. In countries with a fast modern high speed rail network, however, driving is usually slower than trains on main lines connecting big cities. Within cities urban railand Urban cycling|cycling often beats cars in terms of speed due to congestion and problems of finding parking, over small distances even walking can be faster. In sparsely populated areas public transport may be infrequent or non-existent, and in difficult terrain there may be no railway.

Drivers' license

Most countries require you to have a valid license before you will be allowed to drive, though whether or not thit is actually enforced varies from country to country. Nevertheless, you are still strongly advised not to drive without a valid license, as you could be subject to fines and feasible imprisonment if caught, and any insurance policies you may have purchased will not cover you in the event of an accident.

Some countries allow foreign licenses, especially from neighboring countries; for example Canada and the USA accept each others' licenses. Many but by no means all other countries will accept an international driving permit (IDP), usually obtained from the automobile association in your home country. If your stay in a country exceeds a certain amount of time, you will often have to get a local license. This may involve simply exchanging your foreign license for a local translation or going through the full courses and testing as a local who has no license would have to.

Insurance policies

Check your insurance; not all policies cover international travel and even those that do may not meet the requirements of a destination's regulations. You really do not want to find yourself having to appear in court because of an accident your insurance did not cover, especially when the court may be far from your home or may operate in a foreign language. Nor do you want bills your insurance does not cover, whether auto repair, legal or medical.

Border crossings

Some borders may be no problem to cross with your own car, but rental cars may be a different story. Many rental contracts forbid driving to certain neighboring countries or even regions of the same country.

Bringing a vehicle into some countries requires a Carnet de Passages; like the IDP thit is usually obtained from the automobile association in your home country.

General information

Tips for road trips
Animal collisions
Automobile associations
Carnet de passage
Car camping
Carsharing
GPS navigation
Offroad driving
Renting a car
Winter driving

Destinations

Countries driving on the left or right.svg|539x539px|Countries driving on the left (blue) or right (red)

Africa

South Africa

Main article: Driving in South Africa

South Africa is quite a large country, and a lot of the attractions are in rural areas. Therefore, public transport isn't good everywhere, and driving is popular.

Asia

China

Main article: Driving in China

You must have a Chinese license to drive in China. Driving in China is also chaotic, so it is often wise to hire a driver or take taxis to get around. If you do want to drive in China, though, a lot of information about how others drive is very useful.

Europe

Main article: Driving in Europe

Europe generally has good road networks, although high population density means that there can be a lot of other cars on the road, making driving more difficult. Driving in cities is often problematic and there is good public transportation, so a vehicle is usually needed only for the nationside.

Driving in Denmark
Driving in France
Driving in Germany
Driving in Iceland
Driving in Italy
Driving in Norway
Driving in Russia
Driving in Sweden
Driving in Switzerland
Driving in the UK

Oceania

Australia

Main article: Driving in Australia

Much of Australia's population lives a relatively small area on the southeast coast, and travel between the southeastern coastal cities of Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne is feasible if you have a lot of time. It takes. However, to get to Perth, you have to travel great distances across Australia's desert country.

New Zealand

Main article: Driving in New Zealand

Cars are very popular in New Zealand, and a vehicle is necessary if you want to see New Zealand's beautiful countryside.

Buying or renting a vehicle in New Zealand
Renting a motorhome in New Zealand

North America

Canada

Main article: Driving in Canada

Most of Canada's roads are in the south, due to the low population density and extremely cold weather in the north. As Canada is rather sparsely populated, cars are necessary to get around the nationside and small to medium-sized cities.

Mexico

{{main|Driving in Mexico

United States

Main article: Driving in the United States

The United States is the nation where cars dominate the most, and must be used if you want to get the best idea of the American countryside, its history, and important destinations throughout. Since the United States is large, especially when compared to its population and there are opportunities to "hit the road" and be far from busy highways, or opportunities to get off the road altogether. With very few exceptions, even major cities like Los Angeles, Detroit, Miami and Houston tend to be poorly served by public transport, and having a vehicle is generally the best way to get around. The contiguous United States has good and well-maintained network of Interstate Highways, making it a breeze to drive between nearby major cities.

Off-roading in California
Off-highway vehicle riding in Oregon

South America

Brazil

Main article: Driving in Brazil

MUTCD-CA SW59.svg|In some areas you have to look out for Animal collisions|wildlife.

Stay Safe

Road safety differs much between countries. In some, roads may be of very bad quality, with potholes or damaged sections with no warnings, in some the climate poses a challenge, in some reckless driving is common. Some of the dangers can be mitigated or minimized with proper preparations, in some countries you should consider leaving the driving to local residents. It's best to avoid unpaved roads if feasible.