Driving on the wrong side of the road

[Peter]

I have never driven abroad. The reason being I am really scared that it would be difficult to remember what side I am on, also that I would make other catastrophic mistakes, like going around roundabouts the wrong way etc etc.

So, how easy is it really, does it just happen naturally? Am I worrying over nothing? When we went on holiday a few years ago, I wouldn't drive the hire car! I made my wife, who takes things in her stride.

What are your first memories of driving on the wrong side of the road, was it easy to adjust, and then re-adjust when you were back in the UK?

 

[conaero]

I dont find it too bad. You have to think twice at every junction, but to be honest, the roundabouts feed you the correct way so its very hard to get it wrong.

The one thing you do want to be aware of, and nearly ended up in me smashing up a hire car in Italy a few years back, is if you are traveling down a 2 way street, don't forget that you have to cross on coming traffic when turning left, I didn't, and nearly got killed!

Get your co pilot to watch what you do and take an active role in the driving, not being afraid to shout at you if you get it wrong.

Oh, and when you come home, I find its just the same to re learn the UK roads and not make silly mistakes as you are conditioned to driving abroad!

Hope this helps.

 

[Parisien]

First drove abroad in 1981, usually drive on continent 4-6 times a year, done 2000 miles round trips.

At the start I would stick a "keep to right" note on dashboard/speedo area and ALWAYS checked what I was doing after each and every stop......its what you have a co-pilot for!!!

I do love driving abroad cos most of the roads in N Ireland are S**T!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


P

 

[urbanmaser]

Most accidents happen at junctions where you look right instead of left and then edge out forgetting that it should be the other way around

 

[lozcb]

Having spent the first 5 years of my driving life, working in Iran with yearly trips back to UK , always seemed kinda natural to me , more natural than driving on on the left never seen it as an issue im sure you wouldn't either Peter after 10 minutes just taking care you 'll wonder what all the fuss was about , now get your sorry *** and that bootiful lammy down to Le Mans and meet up with us lot in June

regards loz

 

[conaero]

OOOhhhh, Le Mans, cant wait.