I've begun to be a driver in South Africa as it is one of our main occupations and we've already travelled 10 000km to get here to Windhoek. This I think is no simple feat & I would have happily left it to Chris who has driven on the left in several other countries already. But alas...
Yes, driving on the left is a fair challenge--particularly when reversing or parking. But I adjusted fairly quickly. What is more difficult is driving with a stick shift...doing all the shifting with the left hand. The VW shift we have is also more precise than the ones at home, making it fairly normal to miss. That and reverse is forward & to the left, next to 1st gear--the first time I tried to go into first & reversed instead!! Luckily there was no one behind me. & I've improved since then!
However, its not our driving that is really the problem--coming from a country with some of the lowest speed limits in the world with strict laws, we drive fairly well. South Africa, with optional insurance, safety belt & optional adherence to most rules of the road-- has admitably, some fairly bad drivers. Take the speed for the best example.
The speed limit on most highways (even 2 laners) is 120km/hr max--pretty fast, esp. if there are some potholes. I generally drive at 100-130km/hr max. I've frequently been passed while going 120km/hr--very quickly, probably people going 150-160km/hr!!! When you pass a slower vehicle you need to get back on to the far left lane quickly because otherwise someone will be on your tail...and South Africans LOVE to tailgate. The worst is the minibus/combi drivers--which is funny because there max speed is supposedly 100km/hr.
Speed traps do occur--however, many just don't pay. Currently there is a campaign out that if you pay off your overdo fine then you only need to pay 1/2...this is because the courts are way over booked with speeding violations. Rewards for speeding & paying! Come again?
There is some good news--
1. Chris is one of the best drivers I've ever met, so its good he's doing 75% of the driving
2. Driving here is much better than most developing countries--esp. India & Peru---& the roads are fantastic.
3. and best of all..South Africans have found a way to regularly use the hazard lighting button...to Thank you when you pull over to the shoulder to let them pass!! :) :P
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The college's izuzu has its wheel on the right, so dad is in training for our S. A. car.
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