ON THE ROAD

We all have vivid memories of our first miles behind the wheel of a car as a learner driver. Simple actions like gear changing or even keeping the car in a straight line needed real concentration to avoid a groan of protest from the gearbox or a cry of alarm from the instructor. That first session of driving probably left you feeling drained out of all proportion to the physical effort expended.

Driving overseas for the first time can feel every bit as disconcerting as that very first time you sat behind the wheel. You have to actively concentrate to stay on the right side of the road. Drivers come at you from unfamiliar directions, they dont signal as you expect and they overtake where you don't expect. Even stopping at a filling station to top up your tank can be a confusing experience.

It takes a while to adjust, and until you do you will find that the extra concentration required is tiring. But the better prepared you are, the quicker and easier you'll adapt to driving abroad.