Driving in Orlando - If you`re very nervous?

[Merylj]

For our last 4 trips to WDW we have never hired a car because I didn`t want to tackle the driving.
I did drive around Orlando in about 1992 and managed fine - automatic car and all! Now I`m 46 and am fairly nervous about driving over there but I think we would have a better trip if I could get over my fear of the driving.
Has anyone any words of advice - encouragement or discouragement - all appreciated!

 

[JohnnySharp2]

I think everyone is a bit nervous in Florida if you are not used to it, the best way to overcome this is to rent a car.
I honestly think it's the only way to get around and gives you so many advantages over using public transport etc

The cars are easy to drive, and generally it is much easier driving over there than in the UK, although traffic wise there has been an increase in volume since I first started renting a car , and to be honest I don't think it's quite as easy as it used to be.

At the end of the day it's all about confidence, navigation wise I am hopeless and are fortunate my wife is very good, I have been lucky to drive many cars in Florida and driven to most parts of it.

The best way is to rent a car for your next trip, gain confidence and I am sure you will be perfectly okay. Maybe try to ensure you rent a reasonable size vehicle so you are not stuck with a big 4x4 for example, and build your confidence up gradually.

I am a nervous flier (hate it) but still manage to fly to the US every year, believe me if I can manage that then you can manage a car, you just need experience and then the confidence will come naturally.

We all have a few nerves when first getting in the car, it's perfectly natural.

 

[GarryK]

Have to agree with everything Johnny has said, especially about it being the only way to get around (altho' I know lots of others disagree).

I was nervous about the driving the first time in 2000 but after our 4th trip last year I now consider driving part of the overall holiday experience and really look forward to picking up the car.

Familiarise yourself with the controls of the car before driving off and then take it easy for the first day - you'll soon get the hang of it.

Garry

 

[AlanUK]

We hired a car for the first time on our last trip and I have to admit I was panic stricken the first time I got in it But as the holiday progressed I gradually gained more confidence and looking back now at the whole experience it wasn't actually that bad

We still had no idea where we were going - even on our way back to the airport and DW seriously needs some lessons in navigation but we have a trip out in the car to go shopping planned for our next trip and I'm sure it will be ok

Half the battle is knowing where you are going in my mind, so I might look into a Sat Nav option with the car

 

[florida sun]

Half the battle is knowing where you are going in my mind, so I might look into a Sat Nav option with the car

No need Matey, My navigation skills at homing in on shopping malls are the best

 

[bazzanoid]

Satnav is definitely a good option.... I've got a PDA for Satnav here in the UK and have just got hold of the american maps for it - already loaded florida onto it and studied the roads carefully...

 

[Chris and Pooh]

I have driven in Florida since 96 and on our first visit I felt some apprehension especially driving from Sanford, however I checked the car out in the lot so that I was familiar with all the controls before we left, I think thats half the battle initially. Once I was off and driving I gained a lot more confidence and by the next day it just felt normal.
If anything I have found driving in USA a much more pleasurable experience than the UK, the drivers are much more courteous generally and are willing to let you in ( when I have realised i'm in the wrong lane and need to change )as opposed to closing up so there is just about a cigarette papers distance between bumpers as drivers tend to in the UK.

 

[brer rabbit 28]

agree with everything you have all said
I was really nervous when i first drove over there in 2002.Now i feel like an old pro!
My snippet of advice would be this,if you are arriving at sanford,use the greeneway instead of the I4 to get to your hotel.The greeneway is much quieter as it is a toll rd.So you will have space and time to familiarize yourself with the car.
My problem was getting used to british driving after the holiday!american driving really does make more sense to me

 

[pampat]

If you have never driven an automatic transmission before, why not book an hour lesson with BSM or some other reputable driving school, in an automatic, just to familiarise yourself with driving one footed? Several of my friends did this prior to a US trip and it really helped. Low cost, what's another £25 ish on top of what you are already spending, and it gives you confidence.

Pam

 

[PaulaSB12]

I have decided not to drive for the following reasons:

1 I HATE automatic transmissions, drove one once and hope never to do it ever again.
2 I am going alone and that does worry me
3 I have the sense of direction of a stuffed dodo. I get lost enough in this country without doing it in Florida.

 

[bazzanoid]

Paula

1. why don't you like driving an auto? maybe you can email a few of the smaller rental companies in FL to see if they have a manual available - they are made in small quantities!

2. If you're going alone, you're better in a car than by cab or bus. Take a small industrial-sized knife with you.

3. Satnav. 'nuff said! damn useful, and if not, the roads are better signed in FL than here (anyone else have that whole pet peeve about the 'diversion' signs that don't actually tell you where you're going?)

 

[Tron[ADS]]

Satnav is definitely a good option.... I've got a PDA for Satnav here in the UK and have just got hold of the american maps for it - already loaded florida onto it and studied the roads carefully...

If you have satnav, it would help you, as its one to strike of the list if you are already unfamiliar with the vehicle and the driving techniques, the last thing you want is to also be worrying about directions.

Ive got the TomTom5 maps for my phone, they are on a seperate SD card, I just switch the card over for UK/USA maps. That said, I know the roads so well now that satnav isnt required.

 

[paulh]

tip when you pick up a car just sit in it and go over the controls ext before leaving making sure you know what each button dose.and when you set of just take it easy
Paulh

 

[Merylj]

Thanks all for the great tips
I`ve been pricing up a fly drive with TCD and you can hire sat nav with them for about £6 per day. I think it would be well worth it!

 

[jns]

I have always let DH drive in Florida
and keep saying I will drive this time but never do
The most i done was drive around the car park
like the idea of getting a lesson in an auotmic car first

 

[AndRu]

Driving in America is relaxed compared to the UK. Virtually all cars are automatic so no one speeds away from lights / junctions. The roads are much wider. Street signs are clearly visible and concise - as long as you get used to them showing the road you're crossing, not the road you're actually on. Personally, I count the driving experience as part of the holiday. Last time I got to drive a brand new people carrier with only 7 miles on the clock!

I wouldn't consider going to Orlando if I wasn't able to drive. I enjoy the freedom, the roads and how courteous the drivers over there are. Just take your time and get used to the car before leaving the airport car park.

Good luck!