The first thing I would say is that there really is nothing to fear driving in the US. It is actually a lot easier than the narrow roads here! I totally understand that it can feel a little scary because before I drove for the first time, I was apprehensive too (I was only 18 at the time, I'm 40 now) but it really isn't as bad as you imagine.
I've done the drive from Sanford a few times, it's very straightforward and it is well sign posted. Most of the car hire companies will give you a map and instructions when you pick up the car.
The issue on travel day is that you are often tired from a long day travelling, so I always recommend that drivers avoid all alcohol on the plane and try to get a coke or coffee just before you land to perk you up a bit!
There are few things that I always try to make people aware of that can cause minor hiccups for drivers who have not driven before.
1. The camber of the road is the opposite to the UK. When we drive in the UK we kinda automate our steering to account for the camber in the road. Because it is the opposite in the US (and you tend to account for the camber you're used to) you can tend to find yourself drifting to the side a bit. Use two hands and drive like you just passed your test!
2. Inside lanes that vanish off the expressway! You often find that the "slow lane" can disappear and become a turn off lane. If I had a buck for every tourist I saw frantically swinging off of a turn lane they didn't want to take, I'd have enough money to pay for my Mickey Waffles and Dole whips for a year! Pay attention to the signs (which are in the air above the lanes) or stick to the middle lane on the express ways.
3. Traffic lights are up in the air. Keep your eyes up!
4. Turning on Red... unless it is signposted otherwise, you can turn right on red if the road is clear.
5. Don't overtake a school bus!
6. Pay attention to being on the appropriate side of the road in confined spaces, small quiet roads and parking lots particularly. This tends to be when people forget!
7. Yield signs, Stop signs or solid white lines at a junction mean STOP, not rolling stop, not there is nothing coming so I can just go!
He'll be absolutely fine, it's not as bad as he might think!
