Our road trip on the Great Ocean Road was the first time we’d had a rental car during this adventure, which meant it was also the first time Matt was having to drive on the left hand side of the road. He’s done it in the past on other trips, but it’s been awhile (at least 15 years that we can remember).
It was easy when there were other cars to follow behind, but pretty much every time he made a turn onto a road, you’d hear a chorus of, “Left, left, left, left…” in the car as a reminder of what lane to stay in!
I started counting how many times he turned on the wipers when he meant to use his turn signal, but lost count after 5 or 6. It was also strange to realize that the fast lane was on the right when you’re on a highway!
There was only once that I had to interject to save us from certain death (okay maybe not exactly certain) when we were pulling out of a parking lot after a lunch stop. Otherwise, he did great! Oh and then there was the time I gave the reminder of, “Left, left, left…” when he was driving on the right and he replied with, “No, we don’t turn here.” Luckily, he quickly realized what I meant and whipped us back into the correct lane!
Overall, I’d give his left-hand lane driving skills a solid B+, which I’m sure he will contest. However, I’m only giving him a hard time because I know I would have been a total disaster behind the wheel! I’m helping keep Australia’s roads safe by being a passenger. You’re welcome, Aussies…
The Detour Diary 