Driving in Madeira

[@spaceghost3637]

These twisty roads deserved the MX 5.

[@PointNemo9]

Might bottom out a lot 😂

[@mqtic]

Sometimes the Fiat clothing iron- I mean panda deserves to have a spin :D

[@TheAquarius1978]

Lol, why??? you have no idea how fun a hot hatch is here lol, forget a RWD roads are way to narrow for you to think about " sliding " you need something planted with a slightly happy ass, so FWD hot hatch.

[@utharaptortrex]

About the Toyota Hybrids. I have family living in Madeira and they have a Yaris Hybrid. While the car is great for most driving situations on the island, with the hybrid system being great on hills, there's one caveat you should be aware of. Most of the hybrid Toyotas don't really have a reverse gear, they just spin the electric motor in reverse. This if fine most of the time but in some steeper streets in Madeira, if you try to reverse uphill while parallel parking it just won't do it, the motor simply doesn't have enough torque, so try keep that in mind. I don't know if this applys to the bigger models, like the Corolla and Rav4, but the Yaris hybrid might strugle. A couple of tips that might help (not a driving instructor so don't quote me): Locals make ample use of the parking brake on hill starts, so if you're confortable doing it might help. Also, when parallel parking on hills, remember to leave the car in 1st gear if you're facing uphill and reverse if you're facing downhill. On the same note, when parked, you can to turn the wheels in a way that allows the car to pushed against the curb in case the parking brake fails. Rentals cars in Madeira have a hard life and it's not the first time I've seen cars just pop out of gear and roll downhill when the parking brake fails or, more commonly, just wasn't pulled hard enough.

[@PauloReissOFFICIAL]

Madeira is one of the harder places to drive, I drove there last summer and I hadn't driven in 3 years... It was scary! But so fun to drive there.

[@module79l28]

32:22 - In this case you don't have to move to the outside because it's a single-lane roundabout, it's only mandatory in multi-lane roundabouts. 🙂 I have to say, despite being (probably) your first time driving in Portugal, you did a much better job at understanding the rules than most portuguese drivers.

[@RooiGevaar19]

this roundabout is so wide that would be like a multilane one, and it's a good practice in general to lean outside when exiting and lean inside when driving on

[@bjthedjdutchdude1992]

I love the fact that you're driving my favorite car. I drive a 2014 fiat panda with 0.9 litre engine. Bigger engines were hard to find in my country.

[@scatra1991]

I'm a subscriber from your main driving instructor channel. Loved this video and have watched all your other driving in various countries too. I do not intend on doing so but I find them interesting and well put together by yourself nonetheless. Thank you 😊😊

[@FastGuy1]

What’s his main channel?

[@Dylan20579]

​@@FastGuy1@ConquerDriving

[@FastGuy1]

@@Dylan20579 Thanks

[@tiocamionista5793]

Great video! Here are some observations: Madeira isn't a country, It is an autonomous region belonging to Portugal. This way, the rules also apply to mainland Portugal and the Azores Islands. The only difference I found was the +10kph on the dry rule. I haven't seen any of those signs here on the mainland. Yes, flashing amber lights means proceed with caution. As an example, they can be located at exits of fire stations. On roundabouts, you should use the left blinker while going around it although almost no one uses it because we the Portuguese are great at not using blinkers at roundabouts. Same thing with driving fast...

[@camilstoenescu]

Wonderful video, all those winding roads, Madeira is definitely on my bucket list to visit.

[@takyiyakvsi]

Enjoyed that one a lot. Thanks for the reminder about the importance of correct car pick when going on holiday into an extremely hilly place.

[@zettca]

Thanks for teaching people about the roundabouts. It drives us crazy when tourists go around them all in the outer lane 😅

[@Marta-te3tb]

Regarding roundabouts, in Portugal it is required to use the left blinker when using the left lane. Some people just don’t do it, mostly people that got their licenses before 2005. The road code introduced that left lane law around that time and drivers that got their license before that year, in the majority, just don’t care about it.

[@RichardFanders]

Thank you.

[@MindBlower18]

Excellent video, very well presented & understandable, even for a guy from Bavaria 😉 There's just one little thing missing to rate your video "super duper", which would have been showing your speed & gears in the video constantly! Thx from Munich...

[@JK061996]

Nice video, it's interesting that the speed limit signs refer to wet conditions and you can go faster when it's dry

[@aliimran5503]

Beautiful Roads. lovely drive. would love to visit Madeira.

[@barsorrro]

Thank you, Richard! What a treat for eyes -- I'm really greatful for the time and effort you take to bring to us some of those excellent views you get to experience on your holiday excursion. As always, the video is so exceptionally well shot and edited. The effort is much appreciated. Thanks again! Madeira looks stunning, and though I will take your word for the fact that no flat image can do justice to such vistas, the spectacular landscapes could be seen quite well in your shots -- including the elevation changes. And yes, I'm late to the quiz now, but I agree with the answers already given: the model at the end of the video seems to be of the Toyota Supra form the early/mid 1990's.

[@RichardFanders]

Thank you. Yes, I believe it's a Mk4 Supra.

[@999alga]

hey, I live here! you are indeed supposed to signal left at roundabouts, but most people don't. also, occasionally you'll run into someone exclusively using the outer lane to go 'round, even though you're not supposed to - sometimes tourists who are unfamiliar with the rules, often locals who can't be bothered to follow them. so, to anyone visiting, make sure to check your mirror when changing lanes (as you always should). one particularly steep road that comes to mind is that at coordinates 32.6858442, -16.9482049 (street view on Google Maps available), not too far from where I live. not sure if it's as steep as the one you mention in the video, but definitely a 1st gear only for my car, and from time to time, tourists who are not used to these kinds of roads will get stuck there trying to do a hill start. it's also a great way to give your calf muscles a proper workout if you're hiking it 😅

[@EinkOLED]

I've driven around the Portuguese São Miguel Island in the Azores. It was a struggle trying to find a car rental who would lend me a car due to passing my car test less than 1 year earlier. But had the option to rent a motorcycle since I had a motorcycle licence. In the end they allowed me to rent a car on full accident cover in a VW UP, which was the ideal size to navigate through the narrow roads.

[@Valmerix]

Went here in 2021 my first time abroad, beautiful place. I walked from up where the botanical gardens are in funchal down to the shore and it was steeper than anything I've seen it felt like walking down a slide and there were just cars parked on the slopes. I'd love to go there again.

[@jukka1135]

Exactly what I needed to see, thx mate. Going there for a 9 day holiday on next week. I have only drove automatic for 4 last years but before that years and years with manual. I think it will get back to me fast enough (we'll see)). I think more than anything it depends on how I fell about the particular stick/clutch (Opel Corsa). I used to drive 2006 Toyota Corolla and really liked the feel of it's controls.

[@itsfahys]

An Electric Car with its High Torque is ideal for Madeira and all Electric Cars are Automatic. Im hiring a Renault Zoe on my Holiday this October, but then ive been an EV driver for 6 years so was an easy choice. Loved your video with some excellent tips for anyone hiring a Manual Car.

[@RichardFanders]

An electric car would work well, but I don't recall seeing many electric cars or charging points.

[@mqtic]

Hey I know this is the personal channel but I'd like to personally thank you for the videos, even though I can't say they helped me with my driving (right side country), they definitely helped with preparing for my exam (which I passed today, started at 12am CEST).

[@RichardFanders]

That's really great to hear! Thank you for watching and congratulations on passing!

[@devansh8846]

Looks like it is as hard as flying the approach into Madeira, especially RWY05.

[@PW-CreakySaddle]

thanks for some great advice

[@mx5mad]

Thanks for the video, Richard, that was really useful for my trip there last week. Especially the tips for lane usage on the roundabouts. Waze also managed to unintentionally find the man with the whistle on the toboggan run crossroads, on one of my trips over the mountains, after which I found myself driving uphill, with signage and road markings telling me to drive on the *left* side of the road, with toboggans coming down on the other side, which was a bit weird.

[@dankshiz69]

As you saw some junctions that don't have clear priority signage are dealt with quite chaotically. At these junctions, the priority is carried over from the junction you are emerging from. At least that is the way it works here in Czech Republic and it seems like it works like that in Madeira too. So the white van example should've been done as follows: You are on a main road and turning left giving way to oncoming, the van is emerging from a side road so they have to give way to the main road including you. It was just a matter of that they were faster and cleared quicker. Next one was the white BMW, in this case the give way markings support my point that the BMW should again follow priority from the previous turn and still give way to oncoming when they are turning left from their perspective.

[@RichardFanders]

Thank you, that's what I figured.

[@aleksei5172]

In case of white BMW turning left from the main road, they were supposed to give way to cars on their right as it's a general rule in Portugal (and a lot of other countries). This rule applies if there are no road markings or other means of inferring priority (such as main vs side road). It' similar to mini-roundabouts in the UK in that regard.

[@man1to]

Proper roads in madeira. As a madeiran it makes me sleepy driving here in the UK

[@maksymfedoriaka2851]

Small correction about hiring a car: having to be at least 25 is not a strict rule, most hire car companies I've seen require you to be at least 21. Another rule to be aware of, most companies require you to be a holder of a full license for at least a year (sometimes 2-3 years) in order to hire a car. I've found a few local companies that don't require that (you leave a larger deposit and it's fine), but big international companies universally have that rule

[@faaizabbasi5440]

Nice 👍 vlog keep it up ☺️ brother from another mother❤

[@fernandonunes925]

Good to see you had fun in Madeira. I worked as an ADI there and now I am an ADI in England. Driving in Madeira is quite challenging and there is an important rule that you have to give way to your right at unmarked junctions. thanks for sharing your experience.

[@jasongamez4689]

I am from Madeira and I go there every year and the roads are twisty but fun to drive

[@justinzwaan6704]

Great video! 👍 I’m in Madeira right now and have rented the shittiest car ever 😂 A Skoda 1.0L FSI. Manual gearbox. I cannot understand that they rent these out on Madeira. Today i drove uphill several times in 1st gear, just touching 60 km/h fully in the reds…

[@samu_snack]

Very nice drive on a beautiful island! And about the toy car it's definitely a 4th gen Toyota Supra (the name is even written in yellow on the inside) and it's a tuned one judging by the hood, the radiator at the front and the now missing spoiler with more central mounts compared to the default one.

[@RichardFanders]

I think you're right.

[@pawellach590]

Thx for video bery informative. In Europe there is a right hand rule - that means if the vehicle is incoming from your right you should let it go

[@mariaabreu8049]

Hi Richard you should try to drive up caminho de ferro funchal. Hope you find it. Thanks for the drive, it brings good memories of my childhood 😊

[@WarzechaSoftWorks]

The steepest road I found in Madeira was the "Estrada Caminho Lombo do Salao" with 32 % driving up from Calheta. I have had a Ford Focus as a rental with manual gearbox but the car was equipped with an hill holder.

[@unknowngeezer5029]

Loved this video, the scenery is beautiful, would love to visit madeira😅

[@Gonxp12]

Here, if there are no road signs, whoever is to your right, you must give them way.

[@lethal_guitar]

We have the same kind of speed limit micromanagement too in Germany.. Sometimes you'll get a new, lower limit before you had any chance accelerating up to the previous limit.

[@RichardFanders]

I have noticed when I've been to Germany.

[@andrewstevenson6540]

Enjoyed this although I was really watching the channel as a fellow ND owner. A small vehicle like a Yaris/Mazda2 with a CVT would probably be ideal on Madeira. I love manuals but not keen shifting right handed.

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

The Fiat Panda is one of the oldest cars you can still buy new in Europe. The latest generation has been on sale since 2012.

[@RichardFanders]

The Fiat 500 (very similar) has been on sale since 2008 I think.

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

@@RichardFanders Started production in 2007. But began sales in the UK in 2008.

[@sabni8668]

It’s a great little car. Would take one over a “newer” cheap car decked with interior electronics and inside showing body colour metal any day.

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

@@sabni8668 You can get 4WD models of the Panda, which is not common in the A-segment.

[@justinbuckley]

I think Tom Scott made a cool video about those basket rides, not sure if that was in Madeira or not though.

[@deadman7009]

yes he did Ive been on them and its a rip off looks good in concept though

[@V_Litty]

I’m here and just learned to drive manual in a ‘97 A3 with help from your hill series, let me buy you a poncha

[@RichardFanders]

Thank you, I was in Madeira last month.

[@TheAquarius1978]

At 13:00 thats the lane of the Monte tabogan carts ( wiker carts ) that guy is there as a traffic officer, to stop traffic when the wiker carts are coming down, since they reach 60Km/h and have no brakes lol ( a part from the 2 operators boots.... )

[@maximusmcfire]

It seems manufacturers put small clutches on small cars. I think, it makes "half engaged" area of the clutch narrow, plus small engine makes it harder to control and get used.

[@tomb4151]

Where my brother become a better driver.He moved there in his early 20`s for a few yrs.Pretty much was single lanes up in the mountains with bus drivers coming towards you etc,and a massive death drop next to you.Made him learn clutch control etc was over 20 yrs ago. These rds seem perfect now.

[@kasiak.753]

Great and very informative video! I was wondering whether you can you rent a car there as a newly qualified driver over 25 years old? I've just passed my test ( thank you for all your conquer driving videos!!) and about to celebrate it by going to Madeira in 3 weeks time 🎉

[@luisv8431]

To stop in zebra lines for pedestrians are mandatory in Portugal (same as red light)

[@tumbili5375]

Nice vid rich. Does having to change gears with your right hand not feel weird and make you feel less confident or do you find it fine ?

[@RichardFanders]

I didn't have a problem with the gear stick. I spend a lot of time on the left side of the car when I'm teaching.

[@awsinger1]

yesssss clicked so fast

[@artemkatelnytskyi]

Amazing place! I think the car in the end is Toyota Supra.

[@RichardFanders]

Yes, I think it's a Mk4 Supra

[@fabianomaggiotto]

Hi, we'll be in Madeira the next summer. What about, in your opinion, driving a Kia Picanto (gasoline) along that roads? Is it powerful enough to climb? Thanks for your interesting video, I'll keep on follow you on this channel !

[@robbysam9732]

I’m from Madeira that your exploring the driving world elsewhere other than the uk

[@bartoszk4812]

I'd recommend hiking Teide mountain in Tenerife 😉 also driving there from Puerto Cruz, there's a very steep shortcut from Orotava to national park, my girlfriend screemed when were going up there 😂

[@prasanthputhiyillam8269]

do you find it difficult to drive one car with European side steering(shifting gear with right hand)?

[@AdamColl]

0:38 Pronouncing Scafell Pike like a full tourist :) "Scaw-fell" or "Scar-fell"

[@kevinhernandez6444]

which local rental car companies do you recommend???

[@FBIAGENT95103]

amazing

[@forza388]

when making a left turn on a green light do you have to wait for incoming traffic? if it's orange you just stop in the middle. also on right turns can you turn on red or only on green. thank you. I live in Canada 🇨🇦

[@linopontes]

I have only seen you turning right when red in North America. In Europe if light is red you can't go until it's green for the direction you need to go.

[@QuantumBlu9x]

Nice

[@audaciousifti]

the toy car on the beach looks like a Mk4 Toyota Supra

[@prasanthputhiyillam8269]

13.12 min. I think he is authorised traffic controller so equivalent to a police and in that case, we have to follow his instruction overriding the road markings.. or not??

[@oliaye]

At 33:10 you explain where you can overtake. You didn't mention that even in many tunnels you have the possibiliy to overtake! The first place I've seen it. The endless changing speedlimits are extremely annoying and most of the time more than needless. But with time you'll understand that these are only "suggestions"😂 I enjoyed very much to drive on this island! Next time would be nice to have a bit more powerful car than a 500 which we had. Maybe an Abarth or similar would be for sure fun on the mountain roads😊

[@luisv8431]

When there's no sign, the car on the right have the priority you should give the way

[@ilyas4698]

Hi Richard, Thanks for the video. I was wondering, for this turn were you on the clutch at all? Looks like you were in second gear but I can't be sure if it was too slow to be in second for the turn

[@RichardFanders]

Sorry, I don't know what turn you mean.

[@ilyas4698]

​@Richard Fanders Apolgies, forgot the timestamp (13:06)

[@luisv8431]

The rules says you should use the same gear when you climb and go down

[@robinrai4973]

Man, I wish I could teleport my car to locations so I could always drive it instead of a hire car It'd be perfect for this, small hatchback with a big diesel!

[@flopunkt3665]

That's what a lot of locals drive

[@ContasYT]

fyi you do have to signal around roundabouts, people are just lazy also yeah its common to partially ignore some of the speed limit signs as there is some leeway on it, if you use common sense for the type of road you are using you should be fine

[@boku00]

How difficult is it to get used to driving on a different side of the road?

[@RichardFanders]

I find it easy when it's busy and on big roads but harder in quiet small areas as I can forget.

[@boku00]

@@RichardFanders Makes sense! Also, it maybe be a bit out there but was wondering if you could make a video on things to look out for when renting a car? I've seen your driving in Iceland video which was when you rented another car. I know there are videos on this on KZbin but it would love to hear your perspective! Thanks mate.

[@parvesh.5_357]

Looks like reunion island

[@abdennadherahmed7347]

Is it ok to rev at 5000 rpm for a long period

[@nobbynobbynoob]

If you need to because you actually need that power (for acceleration/speed/hill climb), it should be fine provided the engine oil and coolant are at normal (hot) temperature. A cold engine should never be revved hard.

[@Kenny-bj2zq]

I wonder how many bicyclist get run over on those roads?

[@MankiranKamaal]

I wonder who the girl in the back seat was your daughter ?

[@Kurt-ks9uc]

the only good car in madeira is a manual wit a decent engine. Even like E class taxis are in manual there. because automatic goes stupid.

[@iceloly1234]

Omg his first time driving left hand drive must have taken him a little while to get used to it changing gears with right hand instead of left

[@RichardFanders]

Actually it felt very easy, took me longer to go back to using my left hand again when I got home, I get banging my right arm into the door thinking there was a gear stick there 😂 I guess it's because I was thinking about it more when I was driving the unfamiliar car.

[@oliverstemp9132]

Why doesn’t that Panda have a radio? What a mean hire car.

[@Danielagostinho21]

It seems to have those standard radios.

[@RichardFanders]

It does, bluetooth too so I was able to listen to music from my phone.

[@sabni8668]

In the UK the base model has a proper Fiat designed more seamless looking radio built in

[@man1to]

Those first 8 minutes of the video its almost flat it's not that steep . You are exagerating with the gears....and speaking about cluth wear i have my 20 year old fiat were I'm still using the oem clutch driving in madeira all it's life and no it's not slipping. But still thank you for visiting madeira and hope you did enjoyed it .

[@fatihuguz.]

it looks like a toyota supra

[@RichardFanders]

That's right, Mk4

[@volvos60bloke]

we have brexit done now and need to put are corntree on the map globelly now we have taken back control . why not do a drive around are peek distrcti to show that off next ???

[@unknowngeezer5029]

Toyota supra mk4

[@RichardFanders]

Yes, I believe you're right.

[@rubenjov]

British people driving in madeira better take some lessons first 😅... speed limits are guidance, not obligations.. that's common sense.. something that british lack 😅.. no offense though