Welcome to the driver’s guide for new drivers in New Zealand. I hope to demystify driving in a foreign country for those of you who have not had the opportunity but also reveal some of my ignorance to those who have.
For starters, most people would think the most difficult adjustment would be learning to drive on the left side of the road. Not quite. At first my biggest trouble was looking for the rear view mirror in the appropriate spot (I was consistently looking out my right window). However my most lasting difficulty would be my chronic use of the wipers when I intend to signal. Fortunately it has rained quite a bit, which creates the illusion of knowing what I’m doing.
Mila and I have a lovely little Mazda Familia. I did not realize that similar makes of cars would have different models. For example, the Honda Ascot is quite common. There are also quite a number of cars that are this new “electric green” colour.
Road signs are also quite intriguing. Here are a couple of signs we have seen thus far:
- Drink, drive- you’re a loser
- Merge like a zip (which was posted on the on-ramp to the motorway)
- The slippery when wet sign has the same picture of the swerving car but the caption reads “when frosty”
The roads we are driving on are generally two-lane undivided highways with a speed limit of 100km/h. The roads are very well kept and we have come across some construction. There is generally very little forewarning and the speed limit drops abruptly to 30 km/h. Another interesting note about speed limits are the yellow caution speeds- they always end in 5 (ie- 25 km/h, 35, etc…).
Passing is also slightly different. The roads have wide shoulders in most areas so that when people pull out to pass you, you move over toward the shoulder. They have the same dotted lines in passing zones as at home. However these zones are around corners and up hills! No wonder a lot of the areas are marked “High Crash” areas.
So overall we’ve adjusted reasonably well to the changes in driving styles. I only pray that my return to Toronto driving will be as painless!
3 comments:
You make driving in NZLD easy, JennyP. I drive like you describe back here at home and I have no excuse. Good for you.
I've driven a car on the left side here in Japan, but luckily I had Australian housemates to walk me through it. They would scream every time I drifted over too far into the other lane. It was difficult getting used to the body of the car being on the other side. How are you guys doing with that?
The wiper thing is really freaky though. You concentrate really, really hard to use the turn signal, but the signal from your brain gets sent to the wrong hand anyway. Hopefully, you haven't ticked off any followers with abrupt turns.
Now, imagine if you had to drive a manual. It just blows the mind thinking about it.
It looks like you guys are doing really well though. I hope the South island treats you to good weather and happy driving. Keep the updates coming.
Mila...I am enjoying reading your blog so much! You are doing a great job with it! I am completely envious of your trip and adventures, but am thrilled that you are having such a great time! I love the pictures!
Happy belated birthday (sorry to be so late with these well wishes). Sounds like you had quite the day...good job Jenn!!!
Can't wait to see you guys and see more pics!
lots of love,
Karen
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