1ST timers, car advice please.

[Florida_Bear]

Just wanted some advice on driving for the first time in California please.
Thanks Ted

[HappyGoLucky]

Use a satnav. I bring my own. I also print off my route planners just in case before I left for this holiday.

Don't worry if you take the wrong turning, it is just the same as driving in the UK- you can easily get back on track.

I know people worry about driving, but honestly if you can drive normally wherever you live, then you can drive here. there are traffic lights , speed limits, lanes etc, it is all very civilised!

[Florida_Bear]

Thanks for the input.

[figment05]

plan your route in advance and take your time. The exits on the major roads are well signed. best to not stay in the right hand lane on major roads as they can end up been off ramps and no one minds you in the middle lane out there.

[Aims]

Hi Ted. The driving in CA is pretty straightforward and easy to work out. If you've driven in Florida, it's pretty similar. Lanes are wide and as a previous poster has mentioned, the exits on the major freeways are well signed and you'll usually get signs letting you know in advance that the exit is coming up in 3 miles, 2 miles etc. You can overtake and undertake in most lanes except no undertaking in the furthest right lane. Most exits are on the right side of the freeway, but Los Angeles can be a little tricky as some of the exits are on the left, and sometimes the freeway will suddenly split in half and become two separate ones, and you don't always get a lot of warning. Before driving through LA and Anaheim, it's a good idea to look on Google maps see if any of these are on your route. Most freeways are 4 lanes but LA freeways (and one or two spots in San Diego) can also have 5, 6 or more lanes across.

You can also make a right turn on a red light at most intersections unless there is a posted sign prohibiting it. You just be sure you come to a stop first and make sure oncoming traffic is clear before turning.

Also, seat belts are mandatory in CA- so click it or ticket, as the saying here goes. If you have a good sat nav with you or Google your route out ahead of time, you'll find it easy enough to drive here. Of course, traffic can be heavy at times especially in LA so don't underestimate it. Traffic in San Diego is a bit easier to navigate but weekday rush hours can get heavy on the freeways, typically from 7-9 am and 4-7 pm.

[Florida_Bear]

Thanks, great advice that I will be using

[Aims]

You're welcome! If there's anything else you're curious about, let me know.

[The Hulk]

A lot of great advice already given. I would add get a suitable size hire car you will be comfortable driving, ie whatever size car you drive in uk, hire similar size in USA if u can (luggage restrictions etc). If u drive a small car here, don't hire a people carrier over there as you will be out of your comfort zone before you even leave the car park!

Also, take your time and allow plenty time to travel between locations as traffic around la is some of the busiest in the world. Your Sat nav will be your best friend

[redemma13]

Can any of you recommend good paper maps for vegas and san diego?

We don't do Sat nav`s! Lol! Prefer a good old fashioned map!

Em

[daytonababe]

Originally Posted by redemma13

Can any of you recommend good paper maps for vegas and san diego?

We don't do Sat nav`s! Lol! Prefer a good old fashioned map!

Em

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We don't ever use a Sat Nav either, well we did take one the other year and after 15 mins it went in the glove box before my DH launched it out the window

My DH draws his own maps or sometimes has a quick look on google maps , he's never got us lost yet :-)