how difficult is it for an American to adjust to driving on the LEFT?

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Jun 19th, 2002, 08:07 PM

#21

Mike Stump

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On Transmissions If you use a standard shift at home using one in the UK should not be a problem. If you don't use one at home in the UK is not the place to learn. I have noticed that over many trips to the UK some cars have good manual transmissions and some don't. Problems with a standard shift may be the car and not your technique. On Speed Limits Freeway, or motorway, speeds are about the same as in the US. Speed limits on secondary A and B roads are 60 unless otherwise marked, although keeping up with the locals on these roads is often more than I am comfortable with. One thing I always do when I'm traveling is pull over and let local traffic by. Living in Arizona I've spent a lot of time behind slow tourists so I know how it feels. On the Highway Code Get a copy of the UK driving manual called the Highway Code. This seems basic; if you don't know the rules how can you drive safely in a country. Keeping Left Instead of Keep Left I try and remember that the steering wheel goes in the center of the road. It has worked so far ;-) Pelican Crossings While driving if you come upon a crosswalk with yellow lights on poles and zig zag markings on the road it is probably a pedestrian right of way called a Pelican Crossing. Please don't run over the locals. Pedestrians Someone else made a good point about crossing streets. After a few close calls I now stop before I cross, look both directions until I figure out which direction the traffic is coming from, and then I cross when it is safe. This is especially true in London which has a lot of one way streets. During my first trips to London I was amazed at how habitual it is to look to the left before crossing a street. Remember these habits are hard to break so stop, look BOTH ways, and then cross when it is safe.

Jun 26th, 2002, 01:37 PM

#22

AmyC

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Just got back from 10 days in Scotland and Ireland. Driving on the left wasn't nearly as difficult as I feared. One thing that may help: Pay the extra amount to get an automatic transition. That gives you one less thing to worry about. Keep saying to yourself, "Keep left." Remember when turning that it's "little left" and "big right." Always look to the right first, then the left because that's where the traffic will hit you first. I probably overcompensated by driving too close to the left, so my passengers could always tell me "too close on the left" with no anger or repercussions. Highway driving is fairly similar to the U.S., althogh lanes are somewhat narrower. And roundabouts aren't difficult once you grasp the signs. Driving tips: Cars seem to drive closer together (no 2-second rule, apparently) than in the States. When passing, get over to the right and get back in the left lane immediately. No lingering in the right lane of a dual carriageway. Don't let fear stop you from trying it. Driving on the left is a challenge, but not a terribly difficult one to overcome. If I can do it, anyone can! Good luck and enjoy your trip.