Help on driving in Florida!

[poohmadmum]

We're going to WDW in March 2006 and as we are splitting our holiday and ending up on the beach for a few nights, I have booked a car (last time we went we had coach transfers). Although my DH has driven several times in Europe, both in our car and a hire car, he is reluctant to drive in the USA.
I've said it can't be any worse than driving around the outskirts of Paris but can anyone put his mind at rest?

 

[cheryl.UK]

It's nothing like the outskirts of Paris!!!

Driveing in Florida is often easier than the UK. Traffic is fairly slow and the automatic transmission makes it like driving a dodgem. Never had a problem.

 

[kevin harrison]

If you can drive a car in the UK and your other half has driven on the outskirts of Paris - you have nothing to worry about driving in Florida.

Everyone drives with respect for you, there are no F1 type starts at the lights, no roundabouts and everyone drives slower than here, agree also about automatic transmission also.

 

[bozzly]

Driving in Florida was a real pleasure !! So much easier and much less hassle than the UK.

 

[kristieuk]

I would echo what is said above.

Also, since there are hardly any roundabouts, and virtually every vehicle is automatic, there is none of that momentary lapse of concentration about what to do next!

You should also be aware that you can usually turn right at a red light (unless there is a sign saying 'no right on red'). It makes so much sense.

 

[tartangirl]

I would echo everything above.

Because the driver is on the left it makes it easier as it is the same as in this country that the passenger is towards the pavement side.

The only place we can forget is in car parks where there aren't lanes. If a car comes towards us DH sometimes makes to pass it on the left instead of the right before quickly having to change his mind

The good news is that it is almost impossible to turn up a main road going in the wrong direction as there are usually marks on the road to take you across.

 

[ely3857]

Hello,

I cannot agree more with the above comments.

Driving in or around Paris is like driving with a death (or at least a serious injury) wish! and driving in Orlando is a breeze.

Slower traffic, automatic cars, It really could not be any easier.

NOTE: on the 'Freeways' you can overtake in any lane so if you are unsure just stick to the inside lane.



Ely3857

 

[Miffy2003]

Just to echo what the others have said - the roads are wide, there is generally less traffic than in the UK and the grid system means basically that if you go wrong you can easily correct your route at the next turning / do a U Turn (this is easy, honest!)

I really is a joy compared to driving in rush hour over here

 

[SammieG]

my husband says that Driving in the US is driving for dummies...
they assume that every american is stupid, so its pretty obvious what to do! (not suggesting they are stupid, but whoever designed the road system assumed everyone was stupid!)
its MUCH easier to drive in the US than in Europe.

 

[wendym]

My mum's comment - if I can do it (she's 72), then anyone can! And she has driven round LA, Las Vegas and San Francisco too.
Wendy

 

[alisonbestford]

The first time I drove in Orlando I'd been driving, in total, for 6 months and only passed my test 3 months earlier!
As far as I was concerned, driving was the worst thing I'd ever had to do but, due to DH's ill health, and subsequent loss of license, there was little choice.
I was talked into a MPV at the Dollar desk and had the time of my life.
Driving for Dummies maybe but it gave me endless confidence
Did it again this year, two years later, and it was great fun
Enjoy.
Alison

 

[lagunn]

good for you alison.