First time driver in Florida

[Sunset_Princess]

I would have been driving for just a year July 21st and go on our honeymoon Sept 7th where we will be hiring a car! I am not really scared at all about driving in America. Automatic car should be a doddle! I've been googling a few rules of the road and see that under taking is not illegal and happens a lot and indicating to change lanes isn't the first thing on their minds! Anything else I should watch for?

 

[DisFanJen]

You mean apart form the fact you need to drive on the right?

Seriously, there are a few of things.

You can turn right on a red if you are in the right lane and the way is clear as long as there isn't a 'No Turn on Red' sign.

If one of the emergency services have performed a stop at the side of the road you need to give them a lanes space if possible (as in pull over so the lane next to them is clear) or slow down significantly (I seem to remember it being 1/2 the speed limit but could be mistaken).

There are other's of course but I could be here all day listing stuff.

This was a great help the first time I drove in Florida.

http://www.kissimmee-us192.com/british/driving.htm


All in all I wouldn't stress over it, I find driving in Florida easier than over here. In fact the fist time I drove in the states I'd had my licence a whole 6 days!

Hope that helps.

 

[MrRomance]

A few things you need to know....

NEVER overtake a school bus

If for any reason your car is pulled over by the police STAY IN YOUR CAR

Double check for signs before turning on red

You will find yourself "drifting" in the lane when you first start out, this is normal because the camber of the road is the opposite way and UK drivers automatically compensate for the opposite.

When it says Stop at a junction. It means STOP not a rolling stop.

You will probably find that the bigger roads cause you no problem at all, it's on smaller quieter roads and parking lots that you can find yourself slipping on to the wrong side!

It's really not that bad at all. I drove in FL not long after I passed my test and I have driven all over the US since then. It really isn't that bad at all!

 

[chmurf]

4 way stops ... when you get to a junction where all 4 ways have a stop sign. (sometimes has a "4 way xing" under the stop sign) the priority is on a first come first through basis.
First car to reach the junction stops, then crosses. Then the priority is for the second car that stopped. not depending if it comes from the left or from the right.

The priority system is basically the same at all stop sign crossings. Stop, and go. First car to stop has the priority. (unless otherwise posted)