Applying for an International Driving Permit is the first step in the preparation process. This is similar to a translation of the country of residence’s issued driving permit.  As long as it is accompanied by the original driver’s license, a passport, or other required travel documents, the IDP is accepted as a valid license for tourists in over 150 countries and includes translations in 10 languages as it is authorized by the international drivers association. The process of getting IDP is:

• The IDP can be gotten on the web or in posts from explicit associations in various nations. For instance, some auto clubs issue them in the United States, the CAA does so for Canada, and the AA is authorized to issue IDPs to residents of the United Kingdom. It has a validity period of twelve months, with an additional three months between the application and the “effective from” date if necessary.
• Vehicle insurance is the second thing that needs some preparation in advance. The minimum amount of insurance required by rental companies is provided, but it is unlikely to be sufficient to provide the same level of protection as insurers provide at home. When traveling abroad, it is recommended that you purchase additional insurance.
• Knowing the official rules for drivers and vehicles is the most crucial aspect of being able to drive overseas. It is impossible to rely on road signs because it is difficult to learn the local language just for the trip. This necessitates extensive preparation, beginning with determining which side of the road to drive on and progressing through seat belt regulations, toll booths, traffic signal regulations, speed limits, and maps depicting one-way lanes, and highway exits.

A brief detour regarding the background of this horrible left-right road dispute. It all started in medieval Europe when people had to defend themselves against each other on the roads by using swords. Since most people hold swords with their right hands, it was common practice to move to the left. It makes sense for modern road navigation, which is as risky as swordfights.

What about drivers on the right side? That probably got its start in France, where peasants were told to move to the right to keep the road clear for the Aristocracy’s fast carriages on the left. In order to avoid having their heads chopped off, nobles were kind enough to join the peasants on the right side of the road following the French Revolution. After that, the practice spread to colonies like the United States, which were receiving assistance from the French in their struggle to break free from the British Empire.

To return to the present, we are still living in dangerous times. Every year, road accidents result in the deaths of over a million people. Another 20 to 50 million people get hurt or become disabled. Worldwide traffic fatalities are expected to reach around 3 million by the year 2020, according to a WHO report.