Sort out the paperwork before you fly

Ask ALBaraka which original documents each driver must present, and confirm driver eligibility before making plans around a particular vehicle. Check the driving-licence and International Driving Permit requirements that apply to your licence’s issuing country with the relevant authorities. A visitor guide cannot confirm every traveller’s individual eligibility.

Keep the rental confirmation and agreed contact numbers accessible offline. If you are adding another driver, have that person approved in the rental agreement before sharing the driving. Do not assume a passenger with a licence is automatically authorised to drive the car.

Use the handover to learn the car

Walk around the car with the representative and record the condition, fuel level and any existing damage on the handover record. Check that your luggage fits without blocking the driver’s view. Ask about the correct fuel, lights, parking brake and how to open the fuel flap before leaving.

Confirm the return location, fuel arrangement, mileage allowance, deposit and excess. Ask which contact to use for a breakdown or an incident and what documents the company needs afterwards. Save that answer; do not leave it until you are standing beside the road.

Give yourself time to settle into the roads

Jordan drives on the right, according to the Jordan Tourism Board’s transport guidance. Set navigation before moving, keep your phone out of your hands while driving and have every occupant use the available seat belt. Follow posted signs and instructions from traffic officers.

For your first intercity journey, prefer daylight and a route you have reviewed in advance. Watch for changing road surfaces, roadworks and animals. If visibility or conditions deteriorate, revise the plan instead of trying to recover time by driving faster. The official UK travel advice includes a road-travel section; also check advice issued for your own nationality.

Plan fuel, navigation and parking

Ask which fuel grade the actual car requires and repeat it clearly at the fuel stop. Fill up before a longer drive rather than relying on the final station shown on a map. Carry enough drinking water for the journey and schedule comfortable breaks.

Download the area map before setting off, keep your phone charged and save the exact accommodation entrance. At the destination, look for permitted parking and check any charge or closing time. Ask the accommodation where guests should leave their cars; do not assume a map pin marks an accessible car park.

Check conditions, then choose the route

Read the Jordan Meteorological Department forecast before a longer journey and follow local closure instructions. Avoid flooded roads and do not enter a wadi when warnings are in force. Winter weather can disrupt higher routes, so keep plans flexible.

Stay on paved roads unless your agreement explicitly allows a particular alternative. Having an SUV does not establish off-road permission or insurance cover. In Wadi Rum, arrange the appropriate meeting and desert transport with your camp or local operator instead of following a camp pin across sand.

For an emergency in Jordan, call 911, the number published by the Public Security Directorate. For rental assistance, use the contact in your rental agreement. Keep these two purposes distinct.