Hello there,

We are due to make our final move to Canada in June (job willing!) and I'm sure from now 'til then I'll be asking the peops on here many questions. One little thing that does nag in the back of my mind though...it's about driving on the other side. Whilst in the UK I'm a confident and capable driver I wonder how people get on when they have to drive on the other side? Do you think it's advisable to take a batch of driving lessons? I know we don't have to worry about a test nowadays and can exchange our Brit licence for a Canadian one but I can only think it'll be a good thing to have a few lessons, not only to get familiar with road signs, junctions etc. etc. etc. but to be honest, to get used to driving on the other side without killing anyone! Has anybody else been a bit fearful and did you take a few lessons?

Firstly I would consider the fact that generally you will probably be driving an automatic, so you are not having to worry about changing gears....so less to think about.

Most signs are the same as back home, you can pick up a highway code book and read that. That can be used to refer to for the odd sign or traffic lights that you might not have seen before, like flashing red etc. (I mainly see that in QC).

You are more likely to find a 4-way stop rather than a roundabout.

The main thing you will experience that is different, is the ability to turn right at red lights provided you have stopped and given way....also provided there is not a sign prohibiting it. This feels weird but is brilliant (back in UK it would be left at a red).

Have you not driven in Europe or during a holiday here?

Cheers

JB

Thanks for that....I did wonder about those flashing red lights! No, I've never driven on the other side....have been to Canada but OH seems to prefer to drive (maybe I should take a hint ) although I did forget my drivers licence one year so couldn't even if I wanted to. Have been to Europe many a time too but seem to have avoided driving...not sure why!
So most cars are automatic? I can't say I'm thrilled at that prospect. Why is that the case?

Yes generally most are automatic, but you can find manual. Also the majority are petrol, hence wont find many diesels.

My wife has not driven much on our holidays over here but has now....she says any of her fear is more to do with not knowing the route rather than driving on the opposite side of the road.

The other thing to remember you are also driving a car designed to drive on this side of the road. You are still driving in the middle of the road, if that makes sense.

(I have driven a left hand drive in the UK and that is harder as its a weird driving position on the road)

Cheers

JB

My step-dad came over for a visit from the UK, I had to tell him about the rules since there are quite a few differences, like right turning on a red light for example.

My advice would be to go to an ICBC and pick up a copy of their Roadsense books. They're free and have all the rules of the road in.

I agree with that - or you can look it up online.

I had never driven on the 'wrong' side of the road before coming here and had never driven an automatic car either. Driving an automatic is like driving a milk float but the good thing is that you don't roll back down hills and don't have to worry about changing gears - it's just a stop pedal and a start pedal It takes about a week before you stop going for the clutch and gearstick

Driving on the right just takes a bit of concentration, especially when turning left. It took me about a week to get used to it, but then I was ok - I had to just really concentrate on left turns and make sure I knew where I was meant to end up. Three and four way stops are interesting but other than that it's been easy (and I had to take a test). I had to drive because of my job, and I cover a large area, but so far, so good!

My main worry now is that I will need to drive when I return to the UK in October - I'm dreading it!!

Except for speed limit. Here they actually tell you how fast you can go

I LOVE the 4 way stop .... seems to work so well! And turning at the red light ... AWESOME!!

Thanks chaps (and chapesses)! Much good advice! Makes sense when you say you sit on the other side of the car....hadn't thought about that one! I guess that'll take time to get used to too...I may end up looking like a plank when I get into the car on the right side and wonder where the steering wheel is

I guess maybe we'll go to a big parking lot for my 'first time', have a little drive around just to get used to an automatic.

I'll definitely get that highway code type book though, can't hurt!

Thanks again!!

Hi,
When we first moved here I was a little worried, but my husband did most of the driving and I navigated for the first little while, also talking through signs etc.
One very important one is if you see a School bus stopped on the side of the road, if the red lights are flashing then you have to stop, as the children can run out from all directions. Once the red lights stop flashing then you can proceed. It doesnt matter which side of the road you are on, apart from if it is a divided highway.
I promise you once you have been here for a while, it all becomes second nature. And I love my automatic!!
Good luck with your move, and remember its not a silly question if you dont know the answer! I asked plenty when we moved over!

Ahh, thanks LucyLoveLock (an appropriate name for Valentine's Day!). That is indeed a very important rule, I've heard that you can be fined if you don't stop? I know I will get the hang of it....I think what spooked me is when we stayed at a B&B on our last trip, the poor couple who owned it had lost their daughter to a Brit who was driving on the wrong side of the road (had just lost concentration for a moment!). In the UK, I get to work on automatic pilot sometimes, which I suppose isn't too clever but that's how comfortable you get....I'm just looking forward to when I feel that way in Canada too!

I guess its kind of appropriate, although its actually my real name!LOL

I can understand the caution for sure when driving anywhere new, and that's a very sad loss for those people.
I found it worse when I drove to France once in my UK vehicle, and I wasn't in the middle of the road! Very strange!
Just take your time, drive when you feel ready and you will be fine.
Its quite the daunting process but so so worth it.
I do find it a little frustrating that there is no law in Alberta yet, regarding using cell phones whilst driving, but that's a whole other debate!

When I first came to Canada I was quite worried about driving on the other side of the road. I have to admit that when I first started driving, I ended up on the wrong side of the road a couple of times, but got the hang of things very quickly after that.

Well that is indeed a very cute name!

My son has just told me to stop fretting for nothing (he's 16, never driven (and a bit surly!))....I'm not actually 'fretting' as such but just curious as to the experiences of other peops on here. Having read through the replies, it's reassuring to see that it doesn't take too long to adjust, which I'd suspected anyway really. I'm quite looking forward to it really, driving on wide open roads will make a nice change from the M25 (which I do regularly!!!).

And I'm with you on the mobile (cell) phone rule....I get so frustrated when I see people over here ignoring the law....blimey, we managed without mobiles before, what could be SO important that you put others at risk for a phone call? Nutten, IMHO!

I expect seeing your heart on your lap gave you the jolt you needed