Here we are: different country, different driving laws. Learning to drive in Paris had its challenges because it was so aggressive and way too many people on scooters, but here is a different story all together… Driving on the “wrong” side of the road.

Brent bought a car and carseats for us before we arrived, so I was set as soon as I arrive to go for a spin. While we can walk many places, it really does require a car to live here, unlike Paris where we shared one car. I figured I might as well get started sooner rather than later with learning… We arrived on Saturday, and on Sunday morning, when we went to the grocery store, I decided I better just do it, especially while the roads weren’t too busy at that time of day.

It was really awkward at first. Not only am I sitting on the other side, I’m using the other hand for everything, like putting the car into gear, getting the rear view mirror in position. I’m not used to being a lefty!

It was good to have Brent along for the first trip because it’s just too much to answer to the kids, try to figure out how to work the car as well as follow navigation in an unfamiliar area all at the same time- oh yes, and adhere to a new country’s driving laws which you really don’t know! Thankfully the roads are well marked, along with shopping centers, on which side you need to drive. Watching for the “stay left” sign is really helpful for the newbie. I always just think, “I need to be closest the middle of the road” as I pull out. It’s way too much concentration required at this point!

One of the really awkward parts is that the turn signal is on the other side of the steering wheel than normal, AND you push it in the opposite direction. The windshield wipers are on the left hand side. So, I constantly turn on the windshield wipers instead of the signal. And, when I do put on the turn signal, I still have to make sure that I’m putting on the correct one, so would have to glance at the dashboard to double check.

I probably would have procrastinated with driving more, but three days after we arrived, I had to make an emergency dental appointment (not kidding!), so I had to drive on my own. Ugh- for many reasons. But, it was actually good because I just had to go driving on my own and master the ridiculous amount of roundabouts they have all over (yielding to those coming from the right!).

Since then, I’ve been okay with driving and go on my own frequently now. I’m wondering how often I will turn on the windshield wipers instead of the turn signal, grab the door handle on the right instead of the gear shift or walk to the passenger side of the car rather than the driver’s side. Today, I went to the wrong side of the car three out of four times.

It still requires a lot of concentration. I have to tell the kids that I can’t talk or help them while I’m driving. Isla says in her kind voice, “Mommy, are you learning?”. I sure am, Isla! And, Greyson is so helpful too…at every stop light when we are stopped, he yells, “Go, Mommy, go!”.

It’s getting easier so we now can “go”!