First time drivers.

[Mole83]

I'm papping my self about the diving if im honest, Probably nothing to worry about once I get going but its just the thought of all these different laws/rules. What if I brake one! ahhhhhhhh

[joe 70]

I was the same TBH to the point of not getting the car hired till two weeks before we went in December , one of the busiest times , secretly hoping there would be none left to hire!
Just take it easy and at your pace ,do your research ,be prepared with the tips on here and you will relax into it.Think it helped that I didn't pick up from Airport first time so I could do short trips for shopping etc to get used to it in first day or two but after driving back to Airport to drop off now feel totally at ease about picking up at Airport on our next trip in August.

[JosephDrums]

Is it obvious when you aren't allowed to turn right on a red light? Where abouts will the sign be that says 'no turn on red' etc?
And to make sure the traffic isn't coming at you from the left is it common for US drivers to creep forwards or is this frowned upon?

[katie]

It is obvious when there is no turn on red as there is a sign on the pole below the lights. It is supposed to be no right turn when there is a red flshing light too - some people wait but some don't. Usually a local from behind you will sound his horn if it's OK to go. There is not usually anyone creeping forward at the lights and they take ages to change so that the crossing will be clear when you cross. It is an offence to stop over the white line at a crossing and so most people will stay behind it. The big intersections can mean quite a wait if you just miss a green light but you get used to that. The road markings are quite clear these days which is also a big help when you're not sure which lane you need to be in.

[joe 70]

Now I wondered why there could be 4 or five feet between the car next to me and the thick white stop line whereas I was always right up to it.I agree surface road markings at junctions make it easy to get in the correct lane and have to say that I experienced much less bad driving there than I do here.

[dexdis]

Always come to a complete stop before turning right, in fact be over cautious all the time, the police won't accept a 'sorry officer, I didn't know', they expect you too. But again, in three visits, six weeks of driving, I don't think I ever needed to turn right against the lights, but best practice is always be cautious.

[ERICSMUM]

Originally Posted by joe 70

Only downside of driving over there is having to get used to tiny parking spaces again back here!

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There is another ! The nerve-racking drive out of Gatwick airport down to the M25 - people speeding, aggressive, not letting you in/out etc. Give me the I4 every time.

It's natural to be nervous but give it a good go and you will soon enjoy the experience and also the extra freedom and flexibility it gives you.

PS find out which side of the car the petrol cap is and how to open it before you go to fill up !

[Guest]

Originally Posted by ERICSMUM

PS find out which side of the car the petrol cap is and how to open it before you go to fill up !

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To add to that if you forget, usually the car will tell you if the fuel light appears on the dash.

If the light appears on the left hand side of the instrument cluster on the dash then usually the petrol cap will be on the left side of the car, and same with the right. Some cars the light appears in the middle so it's then a guessing game

[JosephDrums]

I think if you look closely at the petrol light, there is a tiny arrow on which ever side your cap is.. Have a look on your own car, its there

[DIBBadmin]

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