There are many beautiful places to see in Italy such as the Dolomite mountains, the spectacular countryside or it’s wonderful cities so hiring a car is the best way to see Italy in all it’s splendour. You can use this free driving guide to ensure your trip goes as smoothly as possible.

Driving in the main cities of Italy isn’t for the faint hearted. We recommend you park in the suburbs then make your way via public transport but ensure you leave your car in a proper parking zone. The fines in Italy are expensive and can sometimes take months to filter their way through from the car hire companies.

The road signs in Italy are are not always clear and can leave you with little or no warning of your needed direction, especially on motorways. Advanced planning is recommended with a map or better still you can hire a sat nav for Italy from our website for total peace of mind. Sat nav’s aren’t usually pre-bookable from the car hire companies so don’t take the risk and take one with you. Our prices over 50% cheaper as well, please take a look at our price comparison table.

Not all roads in Italy are a pleasure to drive on and some road conditions can be quite rough. This can lead to damage of the underside of your car so try and avoid these roads if possible. It would be wise to check with your car insurer if you are covered for this type of damage. If you are hiring a car it isn’t uncommon to find that this type of damage isn’t covered so again, check first.

Italy’s winters are known to be quite cold, especially in the mountainous areas where snow chains are highly recommended. Another recommmendation would be to use winter fuel or a fuel additive to prevent your vehicle’s petrol from freezing which could leave you with a very expensive bill.

If you have a collision accident or there has has been a theft then you should immediately contact the police who will provide you with a police report. You should then contact your car insurers or your car hire company to inform them of the incident.

Further information:

All occupants of a vehicle are required to wear a seat-belt at all times.

Front seat passengers must be a minimum of 12 years of age or sitting in an appropriate child restraint.

A warning triangle should be placed at the rear of a vehicle in the event of a breakdown or accident.

A high vis vest must be kept in the car at all times.

If visibility is low during the day then headlights must be on (dipped).

When driving on motorways or dual carriagways headlights must be on (dipped).

When driving through tunnels headlights must be on (dipped).

If your rental car isn’t supplied with all the neccessary safety equipment and you are issued with a fine speak to your rental company. They always strive to provide everything but it is not always possible but will provide you with a refund if fined.

Mobile phones can only be used if you are using it hands-free.

Parking usually takes place on the right hand side of the road and is indicated by blue zones. A parking disc may be required which can be purchased from Service Stations and are valid in most towns.

Useful Phrases

Destra – Right

Incrocio – Crossroads

Lavori in corso – Roadworks

Nord – North

Rallentare – Slow down

Senso unico – One way street

Senso vietata – No parking

Sud – South

Svolta – Bend or turning

Tornate – Winding road

Uscita – Exit

Unleaded petrol – Benzima

Diesel – Gasolio

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A majority of our customers do come from London or are travelling to the area emphasising the differculties people have in navigating the capital. Even for people living in London knowing all the back roads and short cuts is unlikely unless you have alot of time on your hands to study an A-Z or you happen to be a black cab driver. With A-Z’s often complicated and black cabs being expensive sat nav hire in London is a must. In years gone by driving to London was a major stress point but with the use of a sat nav it actually makes it an enjoyable drive passing by many famous landmarks. The other benefit of using a sat nav in London is that you are informed after entering your route that you will be travelling on a toll road (Congestion Zone) taking any uncertainty away as to whether you need to pay the charge in the parts you are visiting.

For those customers who are travelling to London for the first time here are some things to know about the Congestion Charge.

The congestion charge came into effect in February 2003 with the aim to lower the levels of traffic in London and also encourage more people to car share an duse public transport. The times at which you need to pay to drive into London are 0700 to 1800. There are no charges outside of these hours and also at Weekends and Public Holidays. The daily charge is £8 if you pay on the first charging day and £10 if you pay on the first charging day after travel. It is definitely not a good idea to avoid paying as you will be issued with a £120 non payment penalty charge.

For more information or to pay your Congestion Zone charges please click here

If you have any advice on driving in London please feel free to leave a comment for our other users.

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Driving around the USA is highly recommmended but it is important to be familiar with the rules and regulations which no doubt will be different to your own country. You can use this free driving guide to learn the essentials before your trip to make your driving experience in the USA as stressless as possible.

The Americans have some different terminology when it comes to some aspects of your hire car but most will be familiar. For starters it’s not a car but an auto and you fill it with gas and not petrol, the car has a trunk not a boot and the bonnet is a hood. Finally the car comes with a windshield as opposed to a windscreen. The road rules will also be different to what you are used to so when you pick up your hire car take your time and get advice from car rental agent. There is usually some useful leaflets at the desk to take away with you which give advice on speed limits, parking restrictions and other essentials.

In some parts the signposts aren’t the best to rely on for directions so a map would be a good idea, or even better would be a sat nav. You can hire a sat nav for the USA from our website to take with you as it isn’t usually possible to book one in advance. Please also take a look at our pricing comparison table for rates which are over 50% cheaper than the car hire companies. If you decide to opt for the map the directions at junctions give road numbers and compass headings so it would be a good idea to prepare your route before you embark on your journey. If you do get lost and need directions then make sure you pull over in a built-up and well-lit area or a gas station to reduce your chances of becoming a victim of car crime.

Most cars in the US are quite large but this is not as daunting as it sounds because the roads and parking spaces are subsequently bigger as well. Automatic vehicles are also very popular in the states which makes for a more pleasurable driving experience. Please note that cars in the US indicator lights are also different, the brakelight doubles up as the indicator and flashes to notify other drivers the vehicle is turning.

The motorways or freeways as they are known in the USA often have a dedicated lane called a High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane. This is to be used only by cars with a minimum number of passengers (plus the driver) at peak times to help with congestion. Be aware of these lanes as you will be served a fine if they are used illegally.

Other important information:

1. Parking restrictions are in force where indicated with painted kerbs.
2. The drink driving limit in the USA is 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood.
3. The motorway speed limit is 113 KPH or 70 MPH.
4. The open road speed limit is 105 KPH or 65 MPH.
5. The built up area speed limit is 48 KPH or 30 MPH.
6. When you need to re-fuel you car you must pay before filling.
7. All seat belts are compulsory.
8. Children must be at least 4 years old to ride in the front seat.
9. Generally right turns are allowed at red traffic lights.
10. There are no roundabouts, instead there are multiple junctions. The driver who arrives first has priority.
11. If a school bus is stationery with it’s lights flashing then you must stop behind it.