Brits driving abroad issued alert over 1 'most common' mistake

Thousands of British motorists are all making the same simple mistake when getting behind the wheel of vehicles in foreign countries. New data has revealed that two-thirds of British motorists driving abroad in Europe and beyond admit to getting lost while behind the wheel.

Losing their sense of direction is the most common mistake Brits make while driving in a foreign country. Scottish motorists get lost the most, with 80% admitting they have lost their way when embarking on a trip. Motorists from Wales were next, with 70% admitting they had lost their directions while away from home.

The data was extracted from a YouGov survey of 2,004 people across the UK with information collected in June 2025.

Experts at insurance experts Zego explained: "Apart from having a trusty GPS app on hand, it's crucial to familiarise yourself with the road signs of the country you'll be driving throughout, as they might differ from the ones you're used to.

"As you'll be driving through unfamiliar roads, extra vigilance is very important - be aware of your surroundings, be cautious when entering a roundabout and pay constant attention to speed limits."

Alongside getting lost, a distinctly British problem is also among the most serious issues afflicting motorists abroad. According to the data, a staggering 38% admit to driving on the wrong side of the road when in a different country.

Around 70% of nations drive on the right-hand side of the road, including all of the other countries in continental Europe.

It means those heading to popular European destinations such as France, Italy and Spain will have to pay extra attention to avoid being caught out.

This directly links to the next mistake, with a survey finding that hundreds were travelling the wrong way when tackling roundabouts. The poll found that around one in seven individuals (13%) claimed to have gone the wrong way around a roundabout.

Instead of turning right as in the UK, most countries that drive on the other side of the road will require motorists to turn left around the junctions. Zego warned that extra precautions were advised when travelling in France, with the country found to have the most roundabouts in the world, a whopping 42,986.

Zego added: "Chances are you'll be met by different driving styles on the road in your chosen destination, so it's important to maintain your calm as much as possible, don't be intimidated and keep driving responsibly."