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Topic: How easy it is to get used to driving a US car in the UK?  (Read 4900 times)

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How easy it is to get used to driving a US car in the UK?
« on: February 23, 2008, 05:44:49 PM »
We're planning to ship our US car to the UK. So, my question is to those who have driven a right-hand drive car in the UK. Is it very confusing? How quickly did you get used to it? Any advice?

 
 

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Re: How easy it is to get used to driving a US car in the UK?
« Reply #1 on: February 23, 2008, 06:04:11 PM »
Your question is not directed to me, because I've not done it.
But I just wouldn't!!
It's going to make driving so much harder than it needs to be...  :-\\\\
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Re: How easy it is to get used to driving a US car in the UK?
« Reply #2 on: February 23, 2008, 06:09:09 PM »
Okay, I should have also said that this will be my husband's primary car and I'll be getting my own car in the UK.

We've thought it through, but thanks for the concern  ;)

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Re: How easy it is to get used to driving a US car in the UK?
« Reply #3 on: February 23, 2008, 06:14:04 PM »
Quote from: sevans on February 23, 2008, 06:09:09 PM
We've thought it through, but thanks for the concern  ;)

Slight tinge of sarcasm there?  :-\\\\

Hope you get the answers you're looking for.

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Re: How easy it is to get used to driving a US car in the UK?
« Reply #4 on: February 23, 2008, 06:17:31 PM »
Umm, no sarcasm at all! Sorry if it came across that way. 
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Re: How easy it is to get used to driving a US car in the UK?
« Reply #5 on: February 23, 2008, 06:35:35 PM »
I know there have been people on the forum who have asked this question in the past, but I think they've all changed their minds about shipping a car over in the end. I could be wrong, but I honestly can't recall anyone doing it this way. Best of luck to you!  :)
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Re: How easy it is to get used to driving a US car in the UK?
« Reply #6 on: February 23, 2008, 06:47:18 PM »
Thanks, Chary. Yes, I've searched and read a few threads, but nothing very substantial.

What we know is this:

1. It will cost about 700 GBP, and we won't need to pay tax.
2. We can fill the car with whatever we want to ship it.
3. We'll need to adjust the headlights, and a few other minor things.
4. We can easily get parts for it in the UK.

The car is totally paid off, and its got a lifetime left in it. And it will be GREAT to take to Europe to tour around in!  ;D
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Re: How easy it is to get used to driving a US car in the UK?
« Reply #7 on: February 23, 2008, 06:53:17 PM »
Sorry can't give any first hand advice- just a couple of thoughts. Not sure the make and model but hope it is a smaller car, I found adjusting to the narrow roads difficult in a UK car and think it would have driven me insane in my old US car.
I would also think about putting a visual reminder about what side of the road to drive on. It is natural to be in the centre of the road as a driver. After living here for 3 years every now and then as I pull out of a car park or something I hesitate to for a split second to think about what side of the road I am on, and it is a quick thought based on my position as the driver. I think it would be difficult at times sitting on the other side of the car.

Good Luck with it all---like everything I am sure you will adjust! :)
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Re: How easy it is to get used to driving a US car in the UK?
« Reply #8 on: February 23, 2008, 07:32:55 PM »
Quote from: HG on February 23, 2008, 06:53:17 PM
I would also think about putting a visual reminder about what side of the road to drive on.

It is natural to be in the centre of the road as a driver. 

Great idea! I think a visual reminder would really help.

Yes, I remember when I last drove in the UK, it all suddenly clicked for me when I realized that I just needed to be in the center of the road!
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Re: How easy it is to get used to driving a US car in the UK?
« Reply #9 on: February 23, 2008, 07:55:23 PM »
I know LisaE, who used to be a very active member here, did it. Try to see if she pops up in any of those threads you searched. I suspect if you are doing city/suburban driving or country driving that isn't narrow and windy, it'll be ok. As HG said, just an adjustment.

Afterall, many delivery trucks have American-side drive!
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Re: How easy it is to get used to driving a US car in the UK?
« Reply #10 on: February 23, 2008, 08:05:45 PM »
Quote from: balmerhon on February 23, 2008, 07:55:23 PM
Afterall, many delivery trucks have American-side drive!

Yes, that's true! That just reminded me that my husband drove his UK car around France with no problem, which is really the same thing in reverse.
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Re: How easy it is to get used to driving a US car in the UK?
« Reply #11 on: February 23, 2008, 09:05:14 PM »
Sevans,

Check out this website: http://www.import-car.info/worth-it.shtml

I too am contemplating bringing my car.  I really love my car and hate to let it go.  But then I'd feel totally weird driving on the "wrong" side.  What about drive thru's?  Or exiting a car park where you need to put your ticket through a machine?  These are little things that nag at me and I just don't know if I'm willing to deal with them.
I guess I have to do some serious soul searching before June...
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Re: How easy it is to get used to driving a US car in the UK?
« Reply #12 on: February 23, 2008, 09:50:14 PM »
Quote from: crazycrabbe on February 23, 2008, 09:05:14 PM
What about drive thru's?  Or exiting a car park where you need to put your ticket through a machine?  These are little things that nag at me and I just don't know if I'm willing to deal with them.

I've often wondered what people would do about paying tolls.  ???
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Re: How easy it is to get used to driving a US car in the UK?
« Reply #13 on: February 23, 2008, 10:52:51 PM »
totally off topic but it reminded me of it .Its very rare I seen a car with US-steering wheel. So Im totally use to seeing the steering wheel being on the other side now.
 So not too long ago, a car drove past me and there was a dog in the UK drivers seat and a man in the other seat., I had to do a double take to realize it was a car from america ;D
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Re: How easy it is to get used to driving a US car in the UK?
« Reply #14 on: February 23, 2008, 10:59:36 PM »
When I looked into this years ago, the process of making it street legal in the UK was neither cheap not simple. I was recommended not to do it with a car that wasn't something very special.
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