side of the road? or do you get used to it really quickly? i'm driving in france next week and I'm kind of nervous, especially about roundabouts! french drivers aren't really known for their patience either.
2006-07-04 02:05:03 · 9 answers · asked by tom k 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
I was driving in France not so long ago and it was a nightmare (First few hours) Because i kept patting the door (Yes trying to change gear) and roundabouts are the other way (Go according to driving on the right). Best advice i can give you is ... Take a deep breath to relax and try to avoid busy roads/streets. There again ... Most of the driving you do on motorways so it's OK. I have to confess that i felt so unsure about roundabouts that i parked on the side and watched a couple of cars take them then followed. Some silly joker had told me that you don't have right of way on roundabouts, those entering have right of way but it was a lie! Don't panick! If i could do it and get home safe ... So can you!
Enjoy your holiday!
2006-07-04 03:03:39 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 1⤋
I was in New Zealand for 2 weeks in January. They also drive on the "wrong" side of the road and I was also nervous, it was my first time in a foreign country.
I adjusted without any problems to driving on the roads including the roundabouts. Having other cars makes it much easier. You will get into the flow of traffic and follow along. Aside from repeatedly opening the wrong door to get into the car, I had two relatively minor issues.
The biggest one was parking lots. Without the flow of traffic to follow, I was going more on instinct and often found myself in the wrong lane a few times. The other issue was that the right of way was different. When you are making a left turn (where you don't have to cross a lane to turn), you yeild the right of way to drivers making right turns. I frequently cut people off that were expecting the right of way and stopped waiting for people who were giving me the right of way. The people of New Zealand have a different attitude though, all but one were very polite and understanding. Only one gave the International salute! Make sure to take the supplemental insurance. Although it had nothing to do with driving on the wrong side of the road, I did have one accident which I totalled the car and the rental company provided us with a new car, no questions asked.
2006-07-04 02:18:39 · answer #2 · answered by Lubers25 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm from TX but stationed here in Italy and although the Italian's drive on the same side of the road as we do, they are very impatient and drive really fast or really really slow. I we back to the states to visit my family and had 2 speeding tickets! I couldn't help it! The roundabout's here arent that bad, you just hold on and jump it. Other wise, you will be waiting a long time. You will get used to it the 1st day you are there. =) Just watch your speed when you come home!
2006-07-04 02:10:14 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am from the UK and now live on the continent. The first 5 minutes of driving can be a bit tricky but you soon pick it up. Just follow someone at first and do what they do. Roundabouts can be tricky to get your head round but once you have been through one you will soon get into the swing of it. Good luck.
2006-07-04 02:13:05 · answer #4 · answered by John C 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
your obviously british , as am I. I've found that getting used to frnch driving is not too hard. you should get some practice in travelling from Calais/etc to Paris! Big thing is , take your time.If people beep you ( and they will all the time) dont listen to it.
On the other hand , I found coming back to the UK more difficult and nearly did roundabouts the wrong way. maybe it'sd just me!
2006-07-04 02:11:58 · answer #5 · answered by howlingengines 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you get used to it, but drive on not so busy streets for the first time.... It helps when you have a couple cars on the street to help you remember.... because you can forget when you on there on a street with no cars..... also people drive crazy in every country, so if you don't mess you too much, you will be fine.... also the driver's side is different, so that may also help you!
2006-07-04 02:10:10 · answer #6 · answered by crazydeb16 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Going down the road is OK.
What's bad is re-entering traffic after a quick stop--like stopping for gas.
What's also bad is judging where the curb is when you're making a turn----in your case, making a right turn in France.
I think it would be easier if you are taking your own car. I live and drive in the USA and I rent a car in the UK. It takes me a couple of days each time to re-adjust each time I go--but each of us is different.
2006-07-04 02:11:37 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Make sure your insurance is paid! Your trying to retrain instinct.
You will become confused and will probably wreck the car.
Driving a right drive car will help some, but drive very slowly, and ignore the horns. Also ignore the curse words yelled at you.
Pedestrians expect you to see them and avoid them even when they are wrong.
2006-07-04 02:14:32 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
roundabouts are the worst but you get used to them.hire an automatic it makes driving easier,
2006-07-04 02:12:30 · answer #9 · answered by gazgittings 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋