Insurance for young drivers and taking to foreign roads

If you've got your driver's licence, and you're covered by insurance for young drivers, you may decide to plan a road-trip.

However, if you decide to go on an American adventure, you would need an international licence and to be aware that most UK insurance policies won't cover you to drive in the States. Plus, driving in the US may throw up some other problems, such as understanding the lingo.

US car terms to confuse a new driver
Yes, it's probably not going to be as difficult as driving somewhere which doesn't use the English language at all, but there are some differences between British English and American English that could confuse you if you're not expecting them.

So, to clear up some potential misunderstandings, so that you can concentrate on driving on the other side of the road to normal, here are some terms that it might be handy to know.

British English into American English

• Car boot = Trunk
• Car bonnet = Hood
• Gear box = Transmission
• Gear stick = Gear shift
• Hand brake = Emergency brake
• Windscreen = Windshield
• Wheel arches/ wings = Fenders
• Duel carriageway = Divided carriageway
• Foot path = Side walk
• Motorway = Freeway
• Petrol station = Gas station
• Petrol-head = Gear-head/Motor-head
• Post code = ZIP code
• Zebra crossing = Crosswalk
• Caravan park = Trailer park
• Car park = Parking lot/Parking garage
• Estate car = Station wagon

Some of these you might already be aware of because of the plethora of US films and TV series we are familiar with, but others may be new to you.

Even if you're not a new driver, if you've not been over to America before you could still find that being out on the roads can be a mind-scrambling affair – so make it easier for yourself.

Something else you should do before going to any foreign country in which you plan to drive, is look up that country's road traffic laws. Every state in America has its own set of laws and regulations, so make sure you know what could get you into trouble and avoid doing it.

Insurance for young drivers and safe journeys
Being unaware of road traffic laws in other countries, or being unfamiliar with foreign road signs, could result in you suffering a crash.

If you are a responsible motorist and research laws and signage before taking to the road in a different country, then you could be the type of driver who can also save money with insurethebox.

We reward safe and considerate drivers, so contact us about receiving insurance for young drivers on 0333 123 1308, or click on the get a quote button to get started online.