The most noticeable aspect of Spanish driving is the overuse of the car or. Although in general driving standards are quite good, drivers do tend to be impatient, particularly in traffic jams will stop the minimum age for driving in Spain 18, and there are strict laws against drink-driving. If you are bringing new car into Spain, you will need your vehicle registration document and driving licence.
Car hire is not difficult to find and isn't too expensive (except in the Balearics and Canaries). You must provide a full driving licence and identification (passport). You need to be 21 and have had a driving licence for at least a year. I advise you to check what is included in the price, particularly where the insurance is extra or not. The better-known companies will be able to provide baby seats, etc. Most if not all companies will also provide you with instructions of what to do in case of an accident or breakdown, this information is often in English.
The speed restrictions around Spain are as follows, within built-up areas it is 50 km an hour, on ordinary roads is 90 km an hour, and on dual carriageways and motorways is 120 km an hour. Quite often you will find that the speed limit is controlled by radar, there on the spot fines for traffic offences, notably speeding and drink-driving, and credit cards are accepted.
Some motorways are free and some carried toll charges (which can be expensive). Look out for the sign peaje (toll). Payment is due on completion of each sector covered. You do not receive any tickets. Non-toll motorways, however are more like dual carriageways with numerous exits. They offer a great number of possibilities for stopping, ranging from simple cafe bars to restaurants, hotels and petrol stations. There are also big service stations with full facilities, but they are few and far between.
Despite the tips that I've just given you about driving in Spain, it can be quite difficult particularly if you do not speak Spanish. I would advise you to learn before you travel to Spain, it is actually quite an easy language to learn. I've been teaching Spanish courses in community colleges for almost 2 decades, and it never ceases to amaze me how quickly people pick up the basics.
www.squidoo.com/Learn-Spanish-speaking
Click the XML Icon Above to Receive Reference & Education Articles Via RSS!
