How to drive in the USA - A tourist's guide

A handy guide for tourists and visitors who are planning to drive in the United States!
This video covers everything from what car to hire, the gas station and speed limits to road signs, being stopped by the police and six lane highways!
Also useful:
Road signs: www.discoverabroad.com/us/livi...
The four way box: • Learn who has the righ...
Have a safe trip!

[@carolineburgess1557]

You can turn right on a red light but not if there is a sign that says you can’t! Double check, don’t assume you can turn every time 👌🏻

[@aguideto....8738]

Caroline Burgess good advice thank you!

[@Ty3681]

Yes, I was just about to comment the same thing! Always make sure there is not a “No Turn On Red” sign, always better to be safe and avoid a ticket. Also, right turns are also unlawful if the signal displays a red right arrow as well!

[@joycehaines34]

Don’t do as others it could get you in trouble. Even. My husband pushes the limits on this one. Happy trails

[@palmsofdestin1]

You can turn left on a red light if there's no cops around

[@cadifan]

You'd be very unlikely to hire a diesel car in the US, or anywhere outside of Europe. Diesel cars are not common outside of Europe. Here in New Zealand you also wait in your car if you're pulled over by the police. If you try to get out they'll yell at you to "STAY IN YOUR CAR!" because it's the safest place for you. It's common to pass on either side on multi lane roads here too or pass someone on their left if they're waiting to turn right.

[@rqlk]

Been living in Arizona for 12.5 years and I NEVER go anywhere without water. When I go hiking no matter what time of year I always decide how much water I think I’ll need then double or triple it. For most people it’s probably tripling it and then adding a couple more, because my initial estimate is overkill to begin with. Carrying a heavier backpack is worth being safe here in the desert. Fun fact: an arizona law states that if you have extra water and you encounter somebody with none/not enough you legally must provide them with water (no more than you can give them without jeopardizing your own safety, of course). Road trips here in Arizona are incredible - a trip from Phoenix to show low through Payson is probably my favorite. Flagstaff to Payson via lake Mary rd is also very pretty, and the Hualapai mountains in northwestern arizona is an underrated location. I appreciate you driving the speed limit! So many people here go 10-15 or more mph over the speed limit and weave recklessly through the lanes, and it drives me nuts. Also, I had no idea in the UK people get out of their cars to talk to the police, that’s quite interesting. I haven’t been pulled over but I’ve always heard that if you do get pulled over like you said you don’t do anything threatening and show them respect and are compliant they show you respect back. It’s also quite difficult to get pulled over here, you gotta be doing something pretty reckless 😂 so I wouldn’t worry too much about the police. I always feel safer when there is a cop around me. Anyway, after watching part of your video it seems you are probably a safer driver than most locals, lol! Regarding rest areas, I actually prefer to stop at a travel stop, such as a Love’s or a TA. Very nice clean facilities, they all have showers, bathrooms, shops, and gas stations, that way you can combine your rest stop with your gas stop. Search on maps “travel stops” then the name of the town and they come up everywhere. I do find however that they are mostly along the interstates not the state highways, so I usually find myself stopping at a grocery store along the state highways when I get to a town.

[@aguideto....8738]

That’s really interesting thank you!! I can’t wait to return to Az!!

[@nerysghemor5781]

I never realized our speed signs could be tough to spot. I am using two monitors, had the video on the right monitor (i.e. the side where I would expect to see a speed limit), and literally saw it out the corner of my eye. Just shows how people get trained into their habits!

[@palmsofdestin1]

Who cares about the speed limit?

[@nerysghemor5781]

@@palmsofdestin1 The cops. 😄

[@ryanwells5348]

I live in the USA, and I just gotta say that you are correct on pretty much everything

[@aguideto....8738]

Thanks Ryan!

[@operator0]

Just so you know, the diesel fuel pump nozzle will not fit inside the gas filler of a gasoline car. It's too big to fit. If you rent a diesel, then you have to worry, but it's almost impossible to rent a diesel car at a rental agency.

[@aguideto....8738]

Good to know, thanks!

[@harrys1848]

This is the same in the UK.

[@MidnightToker420]

This is true in most modern cars but there are certain models and years where the diesel nozzle will fit inside the gasoline filler. Here in Oregon we're not allowed to pump our own gas. My friend's dad went to a station and the tenant filled his gasoline truck with diesel. The larger nozzle is a failsafe but there are still times when it won't save you if you're not paying attention.

[@snooker1000]

Thank you for posting this. I have been exceptionally anxious about going to America on a road trip. You have reassured me.

[@aguideto....8738]

Thank you! Have a great time.

[@nerysghemor5781]

You were very polite in not mentioning the other reason why you're strongly advised to rent a car if coming to the US...except for a few cities, our mass transit is shit. XD

[@nerysghemor5781]

@Phillip Banes It seems like Russia, which is even bigger than the US, still has more mass transit than us. I’m guessing though that it’s because the cities are older; after all, here in the US it’s only our very oldest cities (mostly Northeast) that approach European standards with mass transit. Australia is in a similar situation to us with very young cities and focusing on cars and planes. If the cities were older…who knows, maybe it would be different in that regard?

[@nerysghemor5781]

@Phillip Banes I can see how that would fit in with the USSR. That said what about more capitalistic countries like the UK? In those countries would it not be more of a matter of how old and large their cities and towns are, and how small the country is (compared to the US)?

[@nerysghemor5781]

@Phillip Banes I’m not pro or anti mass transit really, just interested in the historical and cultural differences. 👍 Even though I definitely point out that ours here is shit. 🤣

[@palmsofdestin1]

It's always a good idea to bring warm blankets when you're visiting death valley in the summer.

[@julianhaywood2147]

Great vid! Halfway through a US road trip (Seattle to Vegas) and only just learnt about the "4-way box". Crazy that the car arriving first has priority! 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@TheMVCoho]

The vast majority of cars and trucks are gasoline engines, not diesel. And the diesel nozzles at the pump are a wider diameter so they will not fit into a gasoline car. However naturally if would be possible to mistakenly put gasoline into a diesel. Good tip about placing your hand up on the steering wheel if you get pulled over and of course stay in the car unless the officer tells you to get out.

[@senthilkrishna2091]

Thanks for sharing and covering all.

[@salilpatil2882]

Its a great video. I feel more confident about my upcoming road trip

[@SARGENTO007A]

This was very useful. Thanks.

[@3506Dodge]

Diesel cars are almost unknown in the US today. There were more in the 80s and 90s. Diesel is for large pickup trucks, delivery vans, and big 18 wheel trucks.

[@riddell26]

Diesel and gasoline(petrol) nozzels in the US are different diameters to keep people from mixing it up.

[@aguideto....8738]

riddell26 good to know, thanks!

[@rebeccagleed3784]

Great advice, cant wait to drive in the USA for the first time soon .

[@andyj72]

Lol, I really don't feel comfortable driving in the US. Feel like I will get stopped and extorted for money or heck fear of being shot.

[@stevenwhittaker2279]

How did you get on driving in the 🇺🇸

[@cliovxr]

Did you get to the states yet?

[@runertje550]

We require an update!!

[@TheLordOfNothing]

@andyj72 That’s about as ridiculous as us saying “we’ll see King Charles in his carriage when we drive in Britain”

[@bestshorts2875]

Thanks a bunch. You gave me confidence to drive ♥️

[@aguideto....8738]

Great!!! 👍🏼😃😃

Thank you for tips, next year I plan to visit US.

[@aguideto....8738]

Adriana Krajčiová enjoy the holiday!

[@baziztsahy3927]

Thank you for this great video

[@manojshetty4]

Very very very helpful. Thanks a lot. Left hand drive still worries me 😔

[@mrunknown1019]

A few years ago I went to the UK and rented a car there and found the transition to driving on the left quit easy. The rental agency looked at my US driver's license and immediately said they were out of automatics. I told them that I was among the 18% of Americans that knows how to drive a car with a manual shift. When I rented it I surprised myself by having no problem working the shift with my left hand.

[@WhatDayIsItTrumpDay]

I keep hearing Brits and Aussies talking about Hiring a car. To us Americans that sounds more like hiring an Uber or Taxi, because you are hiring, albeit temporarily, a person to drive you somewhere in their car. But apparently hiring a car to you all means Renting to us. Because you are temporarily borrowing a car from a rental car service or dealer (if your personal vehicle is in the shop). The word hiring denotes soliciting the work of another human being.

[@aguideto....8738]

David Molinarolo ha! Yes. 😀The languages are so close, yet so far apart! Twice in the States I made the mistake of ordering ‘chips’ in a bar expecting fries...and a bowl of ‘crisps’ arrived! You’d think I’d have learnt first time! 😀👍

[@cathalk3903]

In most gas stations in the US. There won't even be any diesel at the regular fuel pumps. It's reserved for trucks and the nozzle won't even fit in a regular cars gas tank. Good tips though.

[@aguideto....8738]

Thank you! Interesting. In UK about half of all cars are dieeel!

[@Ladydriver]

Very nice

[@biargeamauri]

Hi Sr. First of all, thank you! You video was very helpful I gonna to US next month and I have a road trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles.

[@harrys1848]

Really good video. Thanks.

[@aguideto....8738]

Thanks

[@TheSunIsMyDestroyer]

lmao I'm about to take my driving test in the USA, this video actually helps, I'm not that confident in taking the highway yet

[@aguideto....8738]

Good luck!!!

[@TheSunIsMyDestroyer]

@@aguideto....8738 Thank you 🙏

[@elmitch5082]

Great overview! The part about passing is that is should be done on the left, but some drivers act like it's a free for all. I cringe when I see drivers passing on the right.

[@picomanbungace4035]

If you’re getting passed on the right it sounds like you might be in the wrong lane.

[@technicbyalamin7844]

How to drive trailer truck link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHyVq3d9obaslZo

[@Alex.C3775xsjn6fs]

Very helpful!

[@gayewallis1019]

Great information. Thanks as I am going solo next year and I’m over the pension age!!!!!

[@elcrisss3199]

Lol I live in the U.S why am I even watching this😂

[@tommyv4980]

I can't fall asleep so I got lost on youtube

[@joycehaines34]

Information is always valuable to you or others.

[@technicbyalamin7844]

How to drive trailer truck link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHyVq3d9obaslZo

[@monogupta]

🤣

[@misterbonzoid]

No idea

[@lol-pz1ni]

some states like Florida have a law that you need to move lane to leave a lane of separation if there is an emergency vehicle on the hard shoulder. Make sure you do this unless you want to be fined massively

[@greytooth898]

You're a very good presenter! You should really consider making more videos! For whom it may concern: the vast majority of passenger vehicles in the US use gasoline, not diesel :) *I should have said unleaded instead of gasoline, lol. Thankfully, the nozzles for unleaded and diesel are different sizes here in the US. Diesel nozzles are usually larger.

[@aguideto....8738]

Thank you, very kind! Driving in France next month so hoping to make one there!

[@greytooth898]

@@aguideto....8738 That would be very interesting! Speaking as an American, I really have no idea whether the traffic rules in Europe are similar to those here, or if they are quite different, so it would definitely be interesting to see a video that shows what it is like to drive in France.

[@Voicingspy]

Most of these also apply to Canada in case anyone was wondering. Only difference is we use the metric system.

[@zocsy6364]

We are Hungarians living in the USA, and during our 2005 visit to Canada(beautiful country by the way) a gentleman next to our car at the red light brought it to our attention that the police may fine us if they notice our radar detector so it's a good idea to check the legality of this prior to your Canadian trip

[@TheTCKreen]

Also worth noting that if you're hiring a car and driving out of the country (e.g. Seattle hire to drive into Canada) then you often need to notify your car hire company at point of hire so they can give you the necessary extra insurance documents (this should be for free).

[@eatpigsnot]

8:39. i am nitpicking but the HOV (high occupancy vehicle) lane is for vehicles with at least two people, not only two people

[@bagnome]

Road Guy Rob made a video about a month back that easily describes American road sign and what their colors and shapes mean.

[@cc-ly4vm]

@ 6:15 "lots of people over here using their mobile phone. Not sure if it's legal or illegal. " I laughed so hard at that. IT IS ILLEGAL, dont follow the others, they are just acting crazy.

[@user-pw1xf1rk4l]

Being born and raised in the United States, I can’t even imagine driving on the wrong side of the road and the steering wheel being on the wrong side of the car all that crap. Lol that would be the weirdest thing ever to experience for the first time! L O L

[@sebastianpomales8186]

tip with lanes, legally in most states slower traffic has to stick to the right and you must pass on the left. Especially smaller states, for example, Vermont follow that much more heavily and in those places you will get ticketed for being a lane hog or passing incorrectly. In other places it could possibly be considered ok to cruise in the second lane as well as passing on an inside lane but it could also possibly be frowned upon and you could be ticketed. in general its good to be aware and try to stick to what everyone around you is doing. Throughout the states many road rules and signage are similar but lane rules do stray depending on the area. They, to be honest, mostly depend on what cops will ticket people for in that specific area. But if you follow what everyone else is doing you should be fine! At least where I am in Florida riding in the first two lanes is ok but if you lane hog in any of the other lanes or pass on the inside you will get a ticket.

[@beverlyramsahai8503]

This is the best advice I’ve gotten about lanes coming from a country where we drive on the wrong side of the road. You should do your own video on the different lanes. So informative. 💯

[@beverlyramsahai8503]

I live in Florida too. ❤️👋👋👋

[@tommyv4980]

I hope you enjoyed your trip, did you get a chance to drive through the mountains to lake Tahoe?

[@aguideto....8738]

Tommy V sadly didn’t get that far West. One for next time maybe!! 👍

[@bahaaafifi]

greetings from Egypt

[@CrIMiN8l]

Very Good video. I will be travelling from the UK to the states for a short holiday in October. I wanted to know a bit about the tolls and how this would work out for a rental.? Thanks.

[@chad29283]

Very Informative video ,,, I am confident to rent car in US now.

[@aguideto....8738]

Thank you

[@runertje550]

Renting a campervan and driving from Phoenix - LA - San Fransisco next month and I’m feeling nervous about it (I have driven in Florida before, but it was at night on an empty highway), but I hope this video can really help me!

[@aguideto....8738]

Have a great time!

[@kanzabelbel]

Video Yang Super Keren👍

[@robloxianyoutuber7854]

yup

[@liambourke6871]

do you need an internation driving license permit for driving in the USa or will your countries license do.I am from ireland

[@PicnicAtTheTesco]

Hey I just wanted to share how your video nearly caused an accident. There’s major points you missed that I wasn’t aware of until the heat of the moment, having prepared myself with this video and 1 other who I’ve also commented on. 1. Pedestrian crossings with flashing lights means stop. How would I have known, nearly smashed the car in front. 2. Middle lane is for turning off the road. I didn’t know and stopped in the fast lane and nearly got rear ended 3. Yield if left arrow is flashing but you can go if clear . I just stopped and froze, got honked at.

[@JS-jh4cy]

Which roads are the backroads going west to east an north to south?

[@muhammadabdulrafeykhan1719]

Good informative video. Use seat belt always😊

[@sgtspite]

Funny how they say everything in America is bigger. although this doesn't extend to the speed limit signs😂

[@hebneh]

It's called a "4 way STOP", not a "box".

[@redhawkpath]

Just another comment. You cannot put a diesel hose in a gasoline car. The hose is too big. Not to mention that in the USA, you really don’t find diesel cars. It’s rare.

[@SuperEman500]

And if you're driving slower KEEP TO THE RIGHT, that thing is a Prius, not a V8 Mustang.

[@technicbyalamin7844]

How to drive trailer truck link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHyVq3d9obaslZo

[@atharvamalandkar9267]

is a manual car cheaper to rent in the US or would an automatic be more economical for a decent road trip in one state(considering gas economy and rental charges for manual vs automatic))

[@diecasthog1790]

It would be hard to get a rental car in the US that is a manual, you'd probably have to pay more for a manual at most places.

[@Tregphx]

Manual rental cars aren’t an option in the US because most Americans can’t drive them.

[@palmsofdestin1]

There's no manuals anymore.

[@palmsofdestin1]

@Phillip Banes Yes there are. Some high-end manufacturers still include them on some of their models. And there's plenty out there in the marketplace

[@abdulmohsin1024]

Is it ok to drive in India driving license in the us

[@aquatrax123]

43 degrees in the us is cold lol

[@aguideto....8738]

😂🥵

[@joydas5509]

Hi

[@bigsasha500]

NYC is no turn on red even if there are no signs.

[@JRETCH0218]

I lived in Qatar and is a bit combination of US and UK. You'll encounter a lot of round about but drives on the right side. Now going to immigrate in US and I'm scared haha. I have watched on other channel that if everyone is doing 90 on 45 they suggest to do same And I was like, thats almost 150 already lol.

[@Lithgow11]

Need to see a video about foreign licensing

[@MrSameer2219]

Which is more convnient to drive Left hand drive(USA) or right hand drive(UK)

[@aguideto....8738]

Having driven in both, I don’t think there’s an advantage either way. It’s what you’re used to. But it is easier driving a local car, like in this video. When I take my own car from UK into Europe, that’s much harder.

[@palmsofdestin1]

This guys a real Einstein.

[@offbrandurkel]

Driving while talking on the cellphone is very illegal, people just don’t care lol

[@1inabluebillion]

How do you ensure you’re in the middle of the lane ?

[@aguideto....8738]

At first I turned both wing mirrors down so I could check I was within the white lines. But within an hour or so I didn’t need this, you quickly adapt to sitting on the ‘other’ side of the car.

[@1inabluebillion]

@@aguideto....8738 interesting. I was in the passenger seat the other day, and I was observing how the white lines pass with respect to the "corner" of my side of the windscreen, and I realize it's the same distance as the white lines passing the opposite corner (when I'm in the driver's seat). I think that will kind of be my guide :)

[@michaelv3340]

It's funny how everyone from other countries seems to love right turn on red.

[@againstallodds6407]

I'm from Newzealand, is that really legal? Damn I thought a red light means stop PERIOD! In any country lol

[@narlycat]

in the USA we used to get out of our cars and talk to the police back in the 1970s and 80s but that changed beginning in the 90s. Ever since the police would tell me to get back in the car. They are courteous and helpful but they want to make it home alive and I can't blame them. Too many young people have acted up and I barely know why.

[@Lunafreya17]

They are not courteous or helpful. They are mercenaries for the government

[@narlycat]

@@Lunafreya17 well I agree some are awful

[@kasimkhan1638]

I am Indian I come USA driver job sir

[@palmsofdestin1]

Can't wait.

[@JS-jh4cy]

What the heck is a custom word sign?

[@Asstronauts93]

in america we say rent a car

[@Asstronauts93]

and gas instead of petrol lol

[@greytooth898]

I can confirm that your advice about traffic stops is accurate. Make sure they can see your hands at all times. Never, under any circumstances, put your hands into your pockets in front of an American police officer without first telling he or she that you are going to do so, and for what you are reaching. Also, in most states you are legally obliged to overtake in the left lane. Those people were just breaking the law :/

[@palmsofdestin1]

It's probably better if you get stopped by the police, to just get out of the car and lay down flat on the ground.

[@richardbolsac4756]

That seems like a good way to get arrested or at least detained, because any police officer would think he just caught you doing something illegal.

[@palmsofdestin1]

@@richardbolsac4756 It's okay as long as you've just stolen the car.

[@JS-jh4cy]

Drive like hell, road rage

[@redhawkpath]

Ha. A manual. Your hilarious. Nope!!! Not going to find one!!!

[@christopherchadwick2659]

Don’t want to sound abusive, but middle lane drivers need be locked up. They’re the most annoying drivers on the motorway. If I’m in the left hand lane (in the UK), it’s illegal to undertake, so I have to sweep all the way over to the right hand lane to overtake you. Get in the left hand lane!

[@Davemurray2880isaindian]

First, make sure your gun is loaded

[@palmsofdestin1]

If it's a straight enough road, it's legal to drink and drive

[@therealsaint3075]

just got my drivers license yesterday with DMV background verification from DEELSCAFE for my new car i purchased last week

[@johnjarule937]

he really good i was a little scared thought it was some online scheme but i tried it out cause i needed ASAP and it came out legit . saw his page on i.g 💯