I want to rent a car and drive in the english countryside, only I'm worried because where I live (Brazil) you drive on the right, as in the US, Spain, France, etc. So: has anyone done this? How was your experience? Was it very hard? Is it a bad idea?

Speaking as a traveller who has driven in Spain, France and Italy I definitely recommend driving in England. Once you have got used to everything inside and outside the car being reversed the rest is easy. The foot pedals remain the same but other controls are different. The biggest difference driving-wise is that in England you must obey the Highway Code and this includes giving right of way to pedestrians and cyclists. Once you have mastered this driving is very easy as most drivers are very courteous and respectful of other road-users.

Driving on the left will feel strange for the first five minutes, and you may find road signs, road markings and driving habits different to what you're used to - but you'll soon get used to it. You should definitely not let this sort of worry put you off driving in England (or anywhere else). Have a great time!

Pete

As an Englishman who does about 18-20,000 miles per year I can assure you that if you're a reasonably experienced driver, you won't have too many problems. I've driven in a dozen or so countries on four continents and find that you do adjust very quickly to the different controls.

Likely hazards - one way systems in larger cities. Avoid city centre driving if possible. Also, parking in our city centres can be VERY expensive - $50 (USD) per day is not unusual for London.

Roundabouts - we have loads and we're used to them. Treat them like a T junction, where all traffic from the right has priority. Wait for a space before you pull out. You won't need to wait long.

Speed cameras - we have lots of these as well. They are always easy to see and have warning signs, so you should spot them.


A few hints - there are no real no go areas, although some inner city localities can be a little intimidating. You can safely drive just about anywhere without fear.

Use back roads instead of motorways, if you want to see the country.

Use motorways if you want to get quickly from A to B - but avoid some areas (M25 around London, M1 around Luton, M6 near Birmingham and M62 between Manchester and Leeds, for example) at busy times - usually weekdays 7 a.m. - 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Try to get a good road atlas before you arrive, to plan some routes. If available the AA 4 miles to the inch series is quite good. They can be quite expensive, but if you spend any time in the UK before getting your rental car you should be able to pick last year's edition up in one of the cheap book shops (e.g. The Works) that line most of our high streets for about £2.

Most of our roads are quite well maintained. All roads in towns have raised pavements (sidewalks) so watch out for the kerbs.

Let us know if you have any questions about particular routes. I'd suggest the highlands and north west coast of Scotland, Devon and Cornwall and perhaps mid-Wales as places you might like to visit.