US driving guide

[Nostromo]

My brother-in-law, the 2nd driver for our Orlando trip, has never driven in the USA and is asking for a good US driving guide. The last time I used one was 12 years ago and it was then tough to get hold of one in the UK. I have driven a lot in the US since then and am not bothered about guides. But my B-i-L, who's joining us from India, insists. Does anyone know where I can get one for him?

[Maureen Edwards]

Good question Nostromo, I would like one of these too, for my family who haven't driven in the US before. Also, does anyone know, where you can buy a good, reasonably sized road map of Florida, over here, or can you suggest the best place to buy one in Kissimmee/Davenport.
Would it be good old Wal-Mart[msnwink]

[wilfy]

The best map by far is the bright red rand mcnally about A4/Letter size. It's pricey at (i think) $27.
and covers the main Orlando/Kissimmee areas. You can get these at Wal-Mart, target,K-mart etc.
The maps that are handed out at car rental's are good enough to get you to your home and general area, but not much better.

[paulm]

There is a good Kissimee/Disney area map and a vaguer one of International Drive in the visitors guide supplied by Kissimee - St.Cloud CVB
http://www.floridakiss.com (on home page click on visitors guide)

the FLAUSA state visitors guide book has a state map
http://flausa.com (on home page click on tools, then vacation guide)


Always ask your car rental company for a map when picking up your car, they are quite basic but show the mainn roads/attractions.

[steph_goodrum]

I may have misread this but if you are talking about driving instructions rather than directions then your brother in law may find this link useful. It takes you to an online version of the drivers handbook, most car rental companies will give you the basics but if you want more detailed info this should cover it. I know my brother tried to get the equivalent book to our highway code on our first trip and couldn't find it. We eventually picked up a copy of the handbook from the drivers license centre a couple of years ago, it's always handy for reference.
http://www.hsmv.state.fl.us/handbooks/English/

Incidentally many of you may not be aware , as we weren't until we read this of a new ruling from last year.
"Drivers are now required to "move over" or "slow down" when approaching an authorized emergency vehicle that is stopped on a highway in Florida. The "Move Over Act", passed during the 2002 session of the Florida Legislature, was signed by Governor Jeb Bush on May 1, 2002.

There are several important provisions concerning this new law, which took effect July 1, 2002. On interstate highways or other highways with two or more lanes traveling in the direction of the emergency vehicle, and except when otherwise directed by a law enforcement officer, drivers approaching a law enforcement or other authorized emergency vehicle parked on a roadway with their emergency lights activated, are required to vacate the lane closest to the emergency vehicle, as soon as it is safe to do so.

When approaching a law enforcement or other authorized emergency vehicle parked on a two-lane roadway with their emergency lights activated, and except when otherwise directed by a law enforcement officer, drivers are required to slow to a speed that is 20 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit when the posted speed limit is 25 miles per hour or greater; or travel at 5 miles per hour when the posted speed limit is 20 miles per hour or less. A violation of this act will be a moving violation punishable with a $60 fine and three-points.

The "Move Over Act", designed to protect law enforcement and other emergency workers on our highways, was sponsored by Senator Victor Crist, District 13, Tampa, and Representative Mark Flanagan, District 68, Bradenton. The support of the International Union of Police Associations (IUPA) was instrumental in getting this important piece of legislation passed. "

[hamptonlakes]

You can also check out this website

http://goflorida.about.com/library/bls/bl_driving.htm

[paulm]

It is so easy to drive in the USA that a guide is not really necessary.

If you keep to the speed limits, do not drink/drive, stick to the main roads and use a bit of common sense all should be OK.

The main driving difference I found is
1. being able to turn right on a red traffic light if the road is clear.
2.that when entering/exiting motorways (and some main roads) the ramps quite often loop in the opposite direction to the way you want to go but you end up going the right way.

[steph_goodrum]

The signs are usually self explanatory but some of theme are more obscure.

Also when a school bus is stopped with lights flashing and the stop sign out, regardless of which direction you are are travelling (either behind the bus or coming towards it , you must come to a stop and wait for the bus to move off again).