Scared of driving in the US
 

Hi everyone,

I am really excited by the prospect of relocating to the US but I am petrified of having to drive on the other side of the road!

My husband has said that when we go out for a look around visit in May, I will have to drive as he will have to be working whilst he is out there.

Frankly I am so petrified I have butterflies in my tummy even writing about it now!

I have had a look on Google to see if I can find anyone in the UK who is able to provide lessons on driving on the other side of the road before I go just so that I have some practise beforehand but haven't been able to find anything. Does anyone know of a driving school that can offer this kind of service?

Alternatively, I will have to find a school in the US when I get over there but I can find that information on the 'net unless anyone has anyone they would like to recommend in Columbus, Ohio. Or share their experiences of learning to drive in the US after years of driving in the UK?

Then there is the scary notion that I will have to drive an automatic - but I don't even want to think about it ...

Karen

Re: Scared of driving in the US
 

If it makes you feel any better, I'm just as terrified. The only difference is I've still to learn to drive!

I would have thought that someone would offer the service of providing lessons in driving on the other side, with the European countries all driving the wrong way as well. I know some places do lessons in driving an automatic.

I had a few lessons in the USA last month, and it was a bit weird to start with as even though it's been 12 years since my last driving lesson it still didn't feel right not having a clutch.

So at the moment I'm torn between using the time I'm in the UK selling my house to get my UK drivers licence, and then getting used to driving in the USA. Or do I just wait and learn over there as I'm not going to be driving in the UK anyway?

Re: Scared of driving in the US
 

I was just as terrified, I really understand how you feel, I had sleepless nights over it, I REFUSED to drive but.............

100 deg heat, a 2 mile walk to and from the supermarket carrying the shopping back, I really couldn't handle that either. So I tried, and guess what, its easy, in fact dare I say that I now find driving in the UK much harder, it's them that drive on the wrong side in my opinion!

What I did was go out in the car on my own but I followed my husband in his car, so I could see which lanes to use etc, within 2 days I was off out and about on my own. Perhaps if you have a friend you could do this with it may help?

Honestly, don't let it worry you it really isn't as bad as you think.:)

Re: Scared of driving in the US
 

Thank you all for reassuring me that I am not the only one to be terrified of learning to drive on the other side of the road and with an automatic!

My husband has told me that in many ways it is much easier with an automatic but I am just not so sure when I would have to learn to do two new things in such a dangerous situation!

On the other hand, I have just realised that I did learn all those new things together when I learnt to drive in the first place - so I should be able to do this again!

Tracey, what a great idea! I think it is relearning something that seems so second nature that is bothering me - but if I were following someone else, that would be reassuring.

foxymfc, I personally think that you might be better just waiting until you are in the US and learning to drive from scratch over there as I think it is more nerve wracking to have to relearn something. You will have just got used to all of the rules and regulations for the UK only to have them be very different in the US and I would get very muddled!

I did do a dummy written test on the Ohio State driving department website which tests your knowledge of the driving regulations with things like when you can right turn on red to the size and weight of child that goes in a child seat - and I scored 8/10 on the first attempt. Not bad, I thought!

Good luck with whichever decision you make and let me know how you get on!

Karen

Re: Scared of driving in the US
 

I'm so glad I'm not the only one that feels like that. We are also "hopefully" relocating at the end of the year. I'm getting so worried about everything and one of those things is the driving. I have brothers in the US and they tell me all the time that it is easier as the roads are wider but still I'm petrified and keep thinking that I'll have an accident... so silly :(
I guess is more the fear of the unknown and once we get there we will have to get over that fear pretty quickly, good luck!

Re: Scared of driving in the US
 

Absolutely!

It looks as though we will be moving out permanently in August (subject to the usual change!) so I will let you know how I get on!

Karen

Re: Scared of driving in the US
 

I really wouldnt worry - once you have done it a few times its easy as pie! The written test is a joke, as is the road test! Ask anyone on here who has actually done it and they will tell you the same!

Turning right on a red is the best idea ever btw :thumbsup:

And you dont HAVE to drive an automatic!!!

Re: Scared of driving in the US
 

:thumbsup:

Re: Scared of driving in the US
 

Your husband is right about it being easier in an automatic. It does seem strange but I bet you agree when you try it.
I drove in Feb when we were over choosing a house, I took a few days as just being a passenger to get a feel for it. Then about 15 mins with my husband in the car then on my own for an afternoon with the kids! It is stressful, but I know I will get used to it eventually. One of the first things we brought was a sat nav and that does really help to reassure you too. I found the traffic pace was generally slower over there too.
Not looking forward to retaking my driving test though!
Niccy

Re: Scared of driving in the US
 

When you sit on the opposite side of the car it feels natural to drive on the other side. The biggest thing I noticed was looking out of the drivers window instead of the rear view mirror and getting in the passenger side. The latter I still do when I'm not thinking! Everything else just felt right, even the gear stick. The pedals are the same, if they weren't then maybe it would be a different story.

Re: Scared of driving in the US
 

Most 15 year olds figure it out pretty quick. It's not difficult.

Put the gear selector in "D" (for "Drive") the pedal on the right makes the car go, the pedal on the left makes it stop, if you want to exit the car, put the selector into the "P" (for "Park") position first. You don't have to worry about turn indicators here, you'll seldom use the brakes... Most US drivers can drive, eat a full meal, apply makeup/shave and carry on a cellphone conversation simultaneously.

Re: Scared of driving in the US
 

Driving an automatic is a breeze compared to a stick shift...although you will instinctively put your foot down on an imaginary clutch for a while.

My advice is don't think about it too much because you can talk yourself into being afraid...just get in the car in a quiet area and drive. Good luck.

Re: Scared of driving in the US
 

Because everything is set up for the right it seems to become natural very quickly. My biggest problem is when I return to the car I am likely to return to the wrong side and have even got in the passenger side a few times. But I was the driver!

The only issue I have left is getting it right about which exit from the carpark will take me in the direction I want to go, my head gets turned around as to which way the traffic is travelling, but U turns fix it if I am going South instead of North, and the compass we put in the car has been very useful, as is the GPS we started using lately.

I also goggled at what I thought was a dog driving, not remembering the driver was on the opposite side of the car.

Then I worried that I would not be able to switch back! I am just a worry wart, but that all came naturally too.

I think you will be very proud of yourself at how well you drive in the USA, and when it comes to taking the test, it isnt anywhere near the driving test I took to get my licence, just a bit of a drive around a carpark and it was approved, how easy is that!

Re: Scared of driving in the US
 

Honestly, it takes just a few minutes to adjust. It's not that big of a deal. And automatic? Please--that's the easy bit. You just aim (steer) basically when you have an automatic.

If you do encounter problems it will be in 'tricky' situations--such as a left turn lane that goes half way and then stops for a second light for pedestrians, or something weird like that. The problem isn't necessarily obeying signals, but in doing the proper "head checks". When entering traffic, in the states you look "left, right, and left again" as oncoming traffic from the left would hit you first. That can be habitual in that you look the wrong way for traffic so you just have to be sure to head check both directions (and eventually get around to looking left first).

Your biggest problem isn't going to be you but everyone else trying to kill you. Ever seen the bicycle masses of Shanghai, or the mini-scooters of Vietnam, or the small car craziness of Mexico or Africa? Well America is a melting pot of crappy drivers from around the world.

Re: Scared of driving in the US
 

:rofl:

Way to reassure her ABY....:eek:


Try driving around an empty parking lot when you come over and then find some empty streets to practice on. I'd get lessons before you ever attempt a freeway trip though.... Freeways always scare me!

Good luck, you'll do fine! I managed the roads of the UK and the US, you just have to get your confidence up. :)

Re: Scared of driving in the US
 

Just go to the local theme park/ fair ground and drive around in the bumper cars trying to avoid everyone. It's pretty much the same as that with your average driver around these parts.

Re: Scared of driving in the US
 

The techniques you use vary depending on which part of the country you're in.

For example, here in Seattle, if you're driving on the freeway at 3am, and the car in front of you (say, 2.5 miles away) should slow down at all, or even drift one foot to either side, the correct technique is to stamp on you brakes as hard as you can (there being a clear and present danger that you could rear-end him).

Also, if you want to leave the interstate, it is imperative that you stay in the outside lane until no more than 100 yards before the exit, then scream across all the other lanes of traffic, flipping them off when they go "Tut, tut!"

Note: if it is a fast-lane exit, you should be in the right-hand lane until the 100 yards.

Wankers.

Re: Scared of driving in the US
 

That's probably the most important bit of a advice. Automatic probably makes the initial readjustment easier, too, because you don't have to grapple around the door pocket trying to change gear[1]. As long as there aren't too many roundabouts it's fairly easy to switch sides.

I grew up in Germany, that's where I learnt to drive, now have been living in the UK for about 12 years and I got used to switching back and forth quite quickly. Heck, I take my RHD cars to the continent without too much trouble these days.

[1] Yes, I occasionally do that.

Re: Scared of driving in the US
 

So what do you think of the "suicide on/off-ramps"? I've never seen anything like it, but that really took some getting used to.....:scaredhair:

Re: Scared of driving in the US
 

You don't need indicators either.

Re: Scared of driving in the US
 

The driving test and actually driving an automatic were not a big deal at all for me, the test was 10 mins long if that!

My biggest problem was the driving on the wrong side of the road, you just have to remember where you are, it's easy if you are following other drivers, but as was mentioned in another post, it's when you are driving out of a side road into an empty street etc, that can get you turned around. I was driving around base on the wrong side of the road when I first got here, I got stopped by the cop, but he was really sweet and understanding after he heard my accent!:o

Like everything else over here, in time you get used too it. I learned to drive in a stick shift, but I wouldn't want to swap my automatic for one ever!;)

It will depend on what State you move too, how quickly you get comfortable. We lived in Texas for 2 years and I never once drove our car!:eek:

Re: Scared of driving in the US
 

Completely agree. Driving an automatic on the other side of the road will be the very least of your worries about driving here..!

Re: Scared of driving in the US
 

I second this - get an automatic. The gear stick in a left hand drive car is operated with your right hand - in the UK you use your left so using a manual will probably take even more getting used to. I hated automatics and still am not thrilled with them but it removes one aspect of driving and allows you to concentrate a little more on road positioning, new road signs, traffic lights above lanes etc. etc.

Re: Scared of driving in the US
 

I too was really scared at the thought of driving over here, my husband is a terrible passenger at the best of times and I didn't want to drive for the first time with him in the car, telling me this that and the other.

I booked an hour's driving with a local driving school once I got out here. It was a total waste of $80 and basically involved a nice chat about the area with the guy who took me out. It was a breeze and did come very naturally I don't know what I was so worried about.

However, confidence wise it was probably well worth the money:)

Re: Scared of driving in the US
 

It should be noted that they seem to take 'hand signals' a lot more seriously here, so I tend to use them strategically and for maximum effect - they are not to be wasted on trivial infringments :p

Re: Scared of driving in the US
 

It's a doddle, it'll come naturally, don't worry about it as you'll only psych yourself up about it.

Plus if something scares you, just close your eyes, you'll fit right in.

Re: Scared of driving in the US
 

I did that for a while too, that and grabbing the hand brake...I know, crazy, but I still use it.

My only problem was heading to the passenger side of the car if I was carrying something to the car of after filling up with petrol because it was so natural, but once inside the car, it's never been a problem.

Round abouts are also easy here, whoever has the biggest car has first priority, if they're about the same, close your eyes and gun the accelerator.

Re: Scared of driving in the US
 

Karen:

As an American, I've had the experience of doing it the opposite way. One of the major things to do is -- NO RADIO, CD or MP3-I-pod for the first three months. It can be done, but at first, you have to pay a lot of attention. As noted by others, your REACTIONS will be wrong. You will go to look in the rear view mirror but look out the left window -- but note that and then THINK about it. You will go to move the gear selector and you will break a fingernail on your left hand.

On the stick shift vs automatic -- I concur. I never rent a stick in the UK. Furthermore, automatics are now the norm in the US -- you will not see many stick shift cars.

As for the cracks about American drivers -- I'm amused at the various insults. Americans do them also -- usually the natives blame people from other places, usually immigrants! However, parts of the US do differ -- when one daughter was in school in Cambridge, she told me that one had to forget "defensive driving" and practice "offensive driving." She may have been right. However, driving in Boston on the right side of the road was harder for me than driving in Cornwall on the left side!

There is one thing that I have noted: it seems that Mercedes do not have functioning turn signals. ;)

Good luck.

Re: Scared of driving in the US
 

That made me smile -- when I started driving here cars still had the handle to wind down the window, and though I had no problem with shifting with the other hand most of the time, if I had to stamp on the brake in an emergency stop I would always find that British reactions had set in and I had automatically grabbed to the left-hand side and got the window winder in my hand!

Re: Scared of driving in the US
 

Gotta love those WA drivers!!!!! now I know who it was who flipped me off the other day and shouted "wanker" out the window at me as I was flying off the freeway at 88mph....... :rofl:

Re: Scared of driving in the US
 

I was a bit worried when we first got here, but the thought of being stuck in an apartment whilst hubby was at work soon got me out and about, driving an automatic is way easier and I don't even notice which side of the road I am on now - I just use both at random!!!! :thumbup:

PS: I still sometimes go to get in the wrong side and also sometimes I try to change gear with the door handle (doesn't work though)!!!!

Re: Scared of driving in the US
 

Hi Karen

I was feeling exactly the same as you but it is much easier than the thought of doing it. I have only been driving for 3 weeks but it is getting better the more I do it. First things first, get yourself a Sat Nav and then you wont get lost! The first time I tried, my husband and I had an argument but he made me more nervous so I was relieved when he had gone back to work, the kids were at school and I could just go out and practice.

They drive really slowly here compared to the UK so that helps! Also, just be prepared for people pulling out in front of you - it seems to be the norm but if you are driving slowly anyway it's not a problem.

I am always happy when I come to a junction and there is somebody in front of me because then I can follow them! The road signs and markings aren't always clear and sometimes they have big signs saying 'wrong way' so that helps :D

As long as I concentrate and am alert at all times, it's fine - that means no music for me for a while. The main problem I am having is my road positioning - I can't seem to keep the car out of the gutter or the middle of the road, hence the spouse arguments!

I have not driven in a city yet but then back home I would never drive into London so I don't see why I would ever do it here.

And like others have said - turning right on a red is the best thing ever and the UK should bring that rule into force!

Good luck!

Re: Scared of driving in the US
 

hey you have forgotten the other Washington State rule. Pick a lane preferable either the left or middle one and stick in that lane driving at least 5mph below the speed limit regardless of how much traffic is behind you trying to get past. :rofl:

Re: Scared of driving in the US
 

That's what a neighbour of mine once said about her husband's driving. He infuriated her when he kept changing lanes...'why can't he just pick a lane and stay in it?' :blink:

Re: Scared of driving in the US
 

I've never really liked driving (here or in Britain), bit of a phobia for me, but I can't get by without driving, so I just take a deep breath, suck a mint, and plonk some good music in.
Driving an automatic is actually a piece of cake, you'll pick it up really easily. Driving on the "other side" also comes really naturally. If it helps, definitely take some lessons, or start out on some quieter roads. Also get yourself a GPS. You'll be just fine, honestly!
Naomi.

Re: Scared of driving in the US
 

Right, that is definitely observed on I-5 between Seattle and Portland.

Sometimes I think a front-mounted Browning M3 .50 should be permissible...

Re: Scared of driving in the US
 

I was a bit nervous too about driving over here but I got over it quickly. My husband drove us to a big carpark, there are lots around, on a Sunday morning and I practiced stopping, starting and parking. I did occasionally put my left foot out for clutch and hand out to change gears but that went away quickly. The biggest issue I had was going from driving a little Corsa to a minivan! It was like driving a tank at first but now I am fine. My only problem now is that the sat nav lady doesn't like me and keeps getting me lost. ;)

Re: Scared of driving in the US
 

driving in Boston is a bit of a warzone :D

Re: Scared of driving in the US
 

I agree that they are very easy in the US -- for the most part, they don't exist. I think that they are good idea.

Re: Scared of driving in the US
 

Lane discipline appears to vary between the states, my wife told me on Sunday Maryland drivers are taught in driving lessons to overtake on both sides of a slower vehicle in the center lane. Not much fun if you're unsure if a right lane is actually an exit lane :(