Driving in Spain
 

When you first moved to Spain as a driver did you straight away drive on the main roads or ease yourself in.

This is one issue i am a little scared about. I would never drive before in Spain but i will need to when i am on my own. What advice if any would you suggest. xxx Thanks in advance :)

Re: Driving in Spain
 

I just drove on the main road straight away, had to as the garage I got the car from was on the N332. The only thing to be aware of is that the traffic is passing your opposite shoulder, so many people driving rentals here on holiday stray far too close to the kerb as they are used to having a lot of space on their left, whereas here it is on their right.

Re: Driving in Spain
 

You'll be OK as long as you fail to stop at pedestrian crossings and roundabouts, park on said roundabouts and crossings whilst you get your bread, pull out violently from slip roads in front of people and act as if you didnt see them, and gesticulate obscenely at every given opportunity. Better still, just shrug your shoulders and look confused. Dont forget to take your eye off the road and wave to friends when you are approaching T junctions and open your car door into the one next to you when you are parked to see how much paint you can take off the surface.


Yes ..... you'll be fine :blink:

Re: Driving in Spain
 

Thats why i am scared lol x

Re: Driving in Spain
 

If you can do it straight away, i have not driven now for 10 months so have just booked with a driving instructer for some lessons to help me.

Re: Driving in Spain
 

Weve already got a lhd here and ive been driving it - had to- only car weve got now.

Ive never driven on the other side though - but I will have to.

Guy reckons driving on the right is more natural and he prefers it.

With a little practice im sure it will be ok - just takes confidence and getting to know:thumbsup: roads to start with.

And just not getting in the way of the nutcase drivers - although that may be hard.

Re: Driving in Spain
 

Hubby actually wants me to drive to spain. I am lucky if i can get out of our drive lol :)

Re: Driving in Spain
 

I learnt to drive only a couple of years ago - and in London. I found it much easier and less stressful driving in Spain. Admittedly it was easier in Barcelona than in Malaga

Spanish drivers tend to drive according to what they think is best, rather than the rules, but as long as you keep your wits about you and dont assume that a driver will do the think they are supposed to, then driving can be fun.

The biggest annoyance for me is the holiday makers who drive dangerously slow on the middle line of the motorway in their under powered hire cars. They make the road dangerous for everyone, but you can understand if they've not driven on the right before.

I've also driven in Portugal and Italy and found them much more aggresive and fast drivers than the Spanish

Re: Driving in Spain
 

drove straight away

get stuck in...I know some people who have put it off and put it off then never end up driving at all :(

Re: Driving in Spain
 

When we was there last time hubby done all the driving i was terrified the other drivers seemed to be going so so fast. Even though they was not they were hurling round bends, driving nearly into people when they were crossing the road.

I know i will just have to do it but thinking about it now gives me the shakes.
I might have to find a quiet area first. We are driving over in march so might take the plunge then x

Re: Driving in Spain
 

If you are driving over, then best place to try would be the periferique round paris, if you can drive that, then anywhere else will be childs play...:thumbsup:

Re: Driving in Spain
 

I started straight away. No problemo. Best with an automatic though as otherwise you may try to change gear with the door handle :D

Re: Driving in Spain
 

Lol

Re: Driving in Spain
 

I do that a lot.

Re: Driving in Spain
 

no, it's put the handbrake on with the door handle, still tried to do it even in a car with an automatic handbrake, and a little lever on dashboard to put the brake on while the engine is still running