When I move in a couple months, I will be ready to surrender my driving skills indefinitely (or at least until I make it back to the States).
On my ex-pat forum, there are countless threads on Americans driving in the UK, specifically on the UK driver’s test, which I hear is an absolute bitch to pass. I find it quite interesting that an American can drive in the UK for up to a year before being required to have a license when that first year is probably the worst time for him or her to be on the road. Personally I cannot imagine driving a vehicle in the UK. I can picture myself right now making a right turn without even thinking about oncoming traffic. And shifting gears with my left hand? Forget it. I’m a righty through and through.
There are, however, a few more reasons why I will not be driving a car in the UK, specifically London.
- It’s slow. Very, very slow. Slowest traffic in Europe, actually.
- The congestion charge. I see its importance and I am happy it’s working, but if you are anywhere near the metropolitan area, why would you not take mass-transit? Possibly £10 everytime you enter the city? I hope to live no more than two tube stops away from my office.
- The environment. I don’t need to elaborate, do I?
- I can catch up on my reading on the Tube or a bus.
- Expense. Besides the aforementioned congestion charge, buying a car in the UK is expensive. Nowhere will I find an equivalent to my car in the States. I bought my 2001 Toyota Echo brand new for a measly $12,000.
- Parking:
I’m trying to think of some positives to driving in London, but I’m not really coming up with anything. Anyone wish to help me out?
October 18, 2007 at 11:29 pm
My sister was just in London for a few weeks. She lives in Manhattan so she hasnt’ driven a regular car in years. Then she goes to London, rents a car BY HERSELF and decides to take a few days to tour the countryside. Long story short, her car caught fire, she knocked off the driver side mirror, and everyone on the road was cursing her mother’s name. It weren’t pretty. I wish she had a little of your sensibility on the matter!
(by the way, the curves thing will be up soon- I’ve got serious brain block on this one)
October 19, 2007 at 10:50 am
Yes, exactly. I think it would be an utter nightmare to even attempt it. Even if you wanted to venture outside the city, there are a so many different options: Megabus, Ryan Air and even the good ol’ fashion train, to name a few.
After I graduated from college I took two months and traveled Europe and even then, I had a hard time acclimating myself to driving again. I think the first time I ventured on the highway, I was going 50. I can only imagine what it will be like not driving for a couple years.
October 19, 2007 at 10:51 am
P.S. I’m so surprised you have writer’s block on the Curves thing. I was totally picturing you and Penny jumping on the bed ;-)
October 19, 2007 at 11:57 am
Oh god, don’t even get me started on driving - in Aus we drive on the same side of the road as the UK, but I won’t even drive here! It’s a nightmare - you’d be faster walking somewhere than driving.
And a cab ride costs less than petrol + congestion charge. It’s just not worth it - shame, as I miss driving so much.
Better stick with the tube and bus when you’re over here ;)
October 19, 2007 at 12:01 pm
Melanie, I live in London, and although I have driven frequently in the US, I think you’re right not to try the reverse. Nobody who lives here drives very much for exactly the reasons you give: speed, cost, etc.
Plus for an American there’s one other issue. Forget switching from right to left, that’s pretty simple. The real problem is space. There isn’t much of it, and if you’re used to the ample clearances of roads in the US, you’re going to have a hard time getting used to negotiating Victorian side roads built for the age of the horse.
There’s just one thing. You say “I hope to live no more than two tube stops away from my office.” Maybe. London property prices are now among the highest in the world. I hope that you’re a well-heeled exec, because if you’re not you might want to invest in an iPod to while away the time you’ll be spending on the tube.
Still, it’s a great city, and I wouldn’t live anywhere else. Have fun.
Don
October 19, 2007 at 12:41 pm
I must admit, I drive here from time to time and I’m originally from Atlanta (where no one can drive).
Once you get the whole round about and blind spot thing down, driving in London is a whole lot of fun and very aggressive. I recommend it as a weekend leisure activity, but not something to do on a daily basis.
Try driving in the country side first in a rental car (a company rental car if possible).
October 19, 2007 at 4:35 pm
Don - I realise that I may not be able to live so close. My office is in a somewhat swanky neighbourhood, but I’ve been periodically checking out flatshares, and I think I can swing it. Granted I won’t be living alone, but being a little fish in a big pond, I’m not sure I’d want to anyway
Chip - Woodcock and I were talking about the differences between driving in Atlanta and driving in Detroit. They’re quite different, but both are really crazy (and by crazy, I mean dangerous).
Still, I’m weary of driving in London. Plus, do you actually think anyone in the office would trust me with a rental?! A lawsuit waiting to happen, methinks.
October 20, 2007 at 5:54 am
Luckily my flat came with a parking space so I kept my car while I was in London. That’s another thing too btw. Where to actually keep the car!
The only time it got used was on a Saturday morning when I went to pick up my food shopping. So I was drivng about one mile per week except for the occasional 300 mile journey home.
I like driving and it’s one of the things I missed while I was there - particularly when the weather was bad. For the first time in my life I owned an umbrella.
Us northerners tend not to use umbrellas.
October 20, 2007 at 11:45 am
I was recently given an inaugural umbrella/anniversary present to mark the occasion. I’m sure it will come in handy.
http://www.coach.com/content/product.aspx?product_no=8617&category_id=168
October 23, 2007 at 4:07 pm
You guys should really try driving in New Jersey - it is by far the absolute worse thing imaginable.
Soccer moms in their mini-vans making a right turn will drive out into your left lane because they think they are driving a mack-truck and need the room to turn.
People will sit at stop signs forever.
People will not turn right on red, when it’s perfectly legal to.
Worse thing of all, is just the sheer number of cars and roadway.
It is a disaster here. Stay away ;-)
Great site - cheers!