driving tips for a 1st timer

**paul and pauline** · 10-02-2004, 02:55

Hi this is my first trip to orlando as an adult last time i visited i was a teenager,but now i a father and its my turn to do the driving!
so can anyone give me tips as ive never driven abroad before,let alone on the wrong side of the road
ie turning through traffic lights,
speed limits give ways!
round abouts.

any tips would be greatly appreciated.
thanx

**jotter** · 10-02-2004, 03:07

The first time I drove in the US I was petrified however within a couple of days I didnt even notice I was driving on the wrong side of the road [apart from everyone flashing their lights and swerving out of the way] one tip when driving give yourself plenty of space between you and the car in front as the traffic tends to stop very quickly especially on the 192 with all the traffic lights.

**jeffc** · 10-02-2004, 03:16

just remember the steering wheel should always be in the middle of the road.....

best of luck..

**Nostromo** · 10-02-2004, 13:40

I drove for the first time in the USA in 1991 and was worried about being on the 'wrong' side of the road. But traffic in the USA is far more disciplined and organised than in the UK and within 48 hours it was a piece of cake. Left turns at major intersections will take a bit of getting used to, but itherwise, it is easy. The one thing you have to be very aware of are school buses. Read the old thread in this forum about it.

**firsttimer** · 10-02-2004, 14:06

If you haven't driven an automatic before, make sure the rental people show you how it works, and ask if there is somehere you can practice a little. Luckily when this happened to hubby, they were very good and directed us to a quiet road to use. I'm sooo glad we did because it wasn't very comfy when hubby kept slamming the brake on when he thought he needed the clutch!! Don't forget, you only use one foot not 2 in an automatic.
Also, before you set off, look at the map and know where you are going.

**NadimAshiq** · 10-02-2004, 17:43

Hi

I have driven a fair bit in the states from Florida all the way to Tennessee

As other people have said before if you can drive over here you can drive in Florida!

Generally speaking unless you go to a real big city the traffic is not that bad, and I have found the vast majority of US drivers to be patient.
In my experience they obey speed limits, do not drive so close to you that you think they are going to take your bumper off! as happens all the time in the UK

Driving an automatic is dead easy, the only problem you will have initially is driving on the right side of the road.
This is not a huge problem on roads with other cars on as you can follow everyone else, but it is easy to forget on roads with no traffic.

I am sure you will have fun

**kevinprewett** · 12-02-2004, 15:51

Don't forget on major highways with more than one lane ( I4 or I 25) for example, cars will overtake you on your left AND your right side![msnwink]

**brizzle** · 12-02-2004, 22:25

Best advice I can give after driving for the first time in December is don't panic too much before you go.
The worst time I had driving whilst 'on holiday' was coming back from Gatwick on our return!!
After the wonderfully relaxing experience of Floridian driving the M25/M4 in horrible rainy conditions was sooooo depressing and stressful.

Enjoy...

Brizzle