With many of the UK's new drivers - amounting to more than a million in the past year - likely to be hiring unfamiliar cars for holiday driving, driver training experts BSM are warning them to carry out a few basic checks before handing over any hard-earned cash.

"Many drivers simply assume that they will steer clear of trouble if they hire the same model they usually drive", says BSM road safety expert Keith Cameron.

"But hire cars will almost certainly have had more intense - and possibly rougher - handling and it's important to check them out fully before driving them away."

BSM's top tips for first-time hirers are:-

Hiring from a well-known and reputable company will help minimise the risks.

Pre-booking from the UK often works out cheaper than hiring on the spot abroad.

Carry out a thorough visual check inside and outside the car before signing for it. Identify any existing defects - dents, scratches and so on - and make a note of them on the hire agreement.

Check that the car is properly insured, paying particular attention to any excess clause.

Check that all liquid levels, water, windscreen wash, oil and petrol are full.

Make sure that tyres are properly inflated, with sufficient depth of tread and undamaged walls.

Ensure you know where the tool kit and spare wheel are located.

Familiarise yourself with the car's controls before driving it away. You should know them sufficiently well that your hands will find them instantly and know instinctively how they operate.

Adjust all your mirrors and, if necessary, your seat before setting off.

Once on the move, try out all the controls before you join a busy road or travel at high speed. Test and get a feel for the brakes, clutch and accelerator. Ensure you have the maximum possible visibility all around the vehicle.

"Taking just a few minutes extra when you arrive to pick up the car can help avoid a holiday hire horror story," said Keith.