Driving on the opposite side........................!!

[Royal Consort]

I have had no intention of driving in the US. Nada.

However, we're going to be visiting Aulani this trip and the advice I've received is to RENT A CAR as it's hard to get anywhere without one in Hawaii.

I don't know how I feel about driving in the US and am apprehensive to say the least. How have fellow Aussies found driving in the States?

 

[FireflyFi]

It's quite easy, you'll be surprised how quickly your brain gets used to it. Take your time getting used to the feeling of being on the other side of the road - one saving grace is Americans don't seem to be as aggressive with tailgating and then passing you if you're going a bit slower than the rest of the traffic.

It helps if you start off driving on larger roads with lines rather than smaller backstreets or large car parks. I've never driven around Hawaii but a gps has been absolutely necessary for all my trips (either phone or standalone). You'll probably find you 'hug' one side of the road because you're not used to sitting on the other side of the car and haven't positioned it on the road. Everyone I've driven with who's switched left-right and vice versa has done the same thing.

And don't forget that saying to help you out when turning - lefty loosey, righty tighty

 

[viaggiamo]

I love driving in the USA. I was nervous on my first time too, but it makes much more sense than our road rules. I prefer it.
The tricky part was getting used to the stop signs. It was a first served basis not giving way to the right. Also the roundabouts still make me hold my breath as ut's just so weird entering it the wrong way...LOL But either buy or take a GPS as they make it one less thing you have to think about while driving.

 

[FireflyFi]

haha, yep i felt weird going around roundabouts too! It breaks my brain a little to go the other way...

And I agree with you on the road rules - i so wish we had a 'turn left on red' rule.

 

[zanzibar138]

I agree with the PPs on every point so far. Having a GPS is an absolute Godsend - there's a lot to concentrate on already, you don't want to have to worry about directions as well. I definitely find that I get a bit too close to the outside edge of the road at times. Even though you're seated on the other side of the car, all your instincts are still tuned into the 'normal' side - keeping the car straight, checking your blind spot etc. It just takes a little more concentration than your regular driving, but it's nothing scary. The only times I've accidentally driven on the wrong side has been in quiet car parks and on a completely deserted back street on Route 66. You really can't go wrong in the suburbs or on major roads. The 4-way stops do take a bit of getting used to as well, but I agree that on the whole, US drivers seemed a lot more patient and forgiving than Australian drivers. Once you've taken the plunge, you'll find a whole new world of possibilities open up for you. The US is absolutely made for road-tripping!

 

[Royal Consort]

Thanks guys. It's something I'm now seriously considering. It certainly would make things a lot easier. I assume I've had enough practice playing GTA5 right?

 

[FireflyFi]

You may not want to drive in the same style as GTA5

 

[crazy Cat Lady]

You may not want to drive in the same style as GTA5

Unless you are in LA

Seriously though, you'll be fine, Crazy Cat Boy and I drive every time and while it is unnerving at first, you get used to it.

 

[Aussie Wendy]

For some weird reason it feels more "right" (ie correct) to me than our and the UK system even though I am born and bred to it - haven't worked out why so we quickly adjust. I agree roundabouts take more concentration, have GPS so not having to worry about where you are going (or a good passenger map reader telling you) though like anywhere if navigating a busy multi-lane road onto another it helps to know beforehand what lane you need to be in (love Google maps to 'walk it through' if need be before!). Driving in Hawaii specifically was 20 odd years ago so probably very different now but back then was easy as was relatively "quiet" apart from the big towns and not huge multi-lane highways. I am sure you will be fine; try not to hit most busiest areas first while you get used to it.

 

[FireflyFi]

Unless you are in LA

Or New York, oh wait, that's GTA IV

 

[Meemoo]

Driving in Hawaii was a good intro into driving in the USA for us. As others mentioned, the main thing is to get us to the 4 way stop signs - first person there has the right of way.

 

[GrazingGoat1966]

Easy. You'll be fine. And the great bonus is that there's a lot less road rage in the states. Might have something to do with the fact that the bloke you give the finger to probably has a gun in his glovebox.....

 

[Royal Consort]

Easy. You'll be fine. And the great bonus is that there's a lot less road rage in the states. Might have something to do with the fact that the bloke you give the finger to probably has a gun in his glovebox.....

Ha ha. I'm not ENTIRELY sure that helps!!!

 

[Zosha]

Easy. You'll be fine. And the great bonus is that there's a lot less road rage in the states. Might have something to do with the fact that the bloke you give the finger to probably has a gun in his glovebox.....

Haha. We thought the same LOL