A Bit About Driving In Oz

So, I think I have the hang of driving on the left side of the road now. But, I will tell you I was pretty petrified in the beginning. What makes learning to drive challenging, at least here in Sydney, is that the flat, grid-type roads I was used to in Illinois, are non-existant here. There is not one flat or straight road and the lanes are quite a bit narrower. It's all up - down - curvy - curve:-P You really have to pay attention! You can come upon a parked car in the left lane in an instant, cars switch lanes constantly (most will signal), and people on bikes ride dangerously close.

I will say, however, drivers here are, for the most part, very courteous. Drivers will let you merge in front of them (make sure to use your signal indicator), turn out from a side street, stop for pedestrians. I was pleasantly surprised. Where I came from, drivers would speed up so you couldn't merge or change lanes (even with a signal indicator), block the path so you could not turn or pull out onto the road, and ignore people trying to cross the street. Another interesting fact is that you cannot turn left (which would be right in the states) on a red light unless a sign says you can. Quite opposite of what we can do in the states.

I also have to mention, parking garages. I haven't parked in many in the states, but the ones I have parked in never had sensors. I love how most of the parking garages have digital indicators saying how many spots are available down which lane and which level. There are also red and green lights at the end of each stall so you can see from a distance which stall is open. Sure saves a lot of time looking for a spot:-)

Sorry so blurry - took it quick while driving.
Notice the little red lights above the cars,
they are green when the space is empty.
Much easier to see what's open looking down a row
as well as the nice arrows show how many are open.

Cheers!