If you're driving in Azerbaijan your checklist requirements are:

• A valid UK driving licence - both the photo and paper parts
• An International Driving Permit - find out more here
• Your passport and visa - keep them with you at all times as local police often do spot checks
• A GB sticker on the back of your car - even if your car has 'Euro-plates' (number-plates that show a circle of 12 stars on a blue background)
• Your motor insurance certificate and V5 registration document or hire car paperwork
• A warning triangle inside the car in case you break down
• Headlamp converters (stickers you put on your headlights when you're driving on the right, so your lights don't dazzle motorists coming the other way)
• A first aid kit
• A fire extinguisher

You must also:

• Be 18 or over
• Make sure everyone in the car wears a seatbelt at all times
• Wear a crash helmet if you're riding a motorcycle

It's a good idea to have:

• Spare bulbs for your car's external lights

Other things you should know:

• The drink driving limit is zero - so there must be no alcohol in your blood when driving
• Take care when driving through Azerbaijan, particularly at night. Roads can be of a poor standard, particularly in rural areas and are not well lit
• Some locals can be reckless behind the wheel
• Not all insurers cover driving in Azerbaijan so check before you go
• Watch out for pedestrians - many step out into the road and cross wherever is convenient
• Don't turn left, cutting across traffic. If you need to turn left, drive further on until you can find a safe place to turn round, then drive back the other way to turn off
• Outside Baku, petrol stations are few and far between so it's a good idea to carry a can of petrol with you

Useful guides and maps

Michelin Motoring Atlas: Europe

What RAC can do for you

RAC offers great-value, flexible European breakdown cover tailored to meet your needs. We also offer comprehensive travel insurance, including cover for medical expenses, baggage, personal money and belongings.

Sources Foreign & Commonwealth Office, www.nationaldrivesafe.co.uk, www.smarttraveller.gov.au, www.azerb.com.

Disclaimer: RAC are not responsible for the content of external websites. The information provided is correct as of August 2009 to the best of our knowledge and should be referred to for information purposes only - it should not be relied upon as formal advice. Please always check the current requirements of the country you are visiting before you leave.