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Originally Posted by mardigras
As the thought of driving initially in Dubai fills me with horror is it possible to access shops, etc by taxi until confident enough to drive the horrendous roads on the opposite side [never done this] I have been driving in uk for 20 years how long does it take to 1. get used to driving the other side, 2. to get used to the mad driving? My husband will drive me when away from work but I don@t wish to be stuck forever carless!!!! Hopefully my daughter will go on school bus as she does that here.... As she is going to Jumereiah college where should we live???
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Hi. I came from country Western Australia, so I was used to very laid back country driving. To answer your questions:
Taxis are quite cheap but can be a pain in the **** to get at peak times. Their driving leaves alot to be desired sometimes, also. I will never forget one particular trip where I literally feared for the lives of my children. Finding one where all the seatbelts work is a bonus, also.
2. Driving on the 'wrong' side of the road really isn't that hard to get used to. Especially when it's busy. I found it harder when there were no other cars around. (Went around the roundabout at my house the wrong way once!!) Always remember that you have to be in the middle of the road or that the passenger has to be in the gutter. It also helps to keep chanting 'keep right, keep right, keep right' when turning at big intersections.
3. Practice driving on a Friday when it's quieter. I was lucky that my husband had been here for a few months before we got here so he was able to give directions. It doesn't take that long to get used to the mad drivers. You will be gaping at the things you see at first. After I had been here around 6 months a friend came to visit. She was shocked and gasping at things that I didn't even notice anymore. You just have to drive defensively and presume everyone around you is going to cut in front of you. KNOW that you will get lost. Stand your ground. Don't be intimidated by people beeping their horns and flashing their lights. Honestly, it's not that bad.
Good luck!!