Driving on the left side of the road

[Roger Wyatt]

I'm a little nervous about my own plan for visiting Tobago in January.

I'll be arriving about noon, picking up my Sheppy's car rental and heading for Castara. After a few days, I'm heading across the island and up to Charlotteville for three days before driving on to Bacolet Point. Then a couple nights "inland" before a final couple of nights at Crown Point.

(Yes, I know the island is small enough that I could have just stayed put in one place and done day trips. But it's my first visit and I want to get a closer look at various areas.)

Trouble is I've never driven on the left side of the road. (I guess I should have gone around the island in the other direction to avoid any steep dropoffs.)

So, is there any way to prepare for driving on "the other side of the road" - and the other side of the car? I can't even imagine shifting gears with my left hand but fortunately I've booked an automatic transmission. (I looked for a simulator on the Net but it seems that no-one has come up with that yet.)

Roger

[Simon]

Hello Roger

Speaking as someone who comes from a country which drives on the left I know what it is like to drive vehicles on the opposite side of the road when going to continental Europe.

It may appear as rather daunting at first - but like riding a bike it will come to you quite easily. Yes you will be very aware that gears and buttons are not in the same place, but it doesn't take long to acclimatise.
Sometimes junctions and roundabouts need a little thought - but again after a while, come naturally.

Roads in Tobago can be very windy and hilly, with a few pot holes thrown in to keep you on your toes, but most drivers are very relaxed and you will not feel pressured to 'keep moving'.

Simon

[Richard]

Don't bother too much. The locals don't. Drive on the left is more of a suggestion than a rule, especially on some of the less good roads.

More seriously do keep left but watch out for drains, holes and so on.

Since the cars are rigged that way just put yourself where you would normally on the outside.