How does one learn to have a good sense of direction?

Question

All of my life I have been horrible at directions. I can never remember where I am or where I'm going. Even if you give me precise directions to a place, I won't be able to find my way back. It's very embarrassing, especially when this happens in my own hometown. Now I am moving to a large city. I am terrified. I have only driven alone in a large city twice and I thought I was going to die! First off, I'm terrified of driving on the large loopy overpasses and I'm scared of crazy drivers! Also, I can never figure out where I'm going and I always get lost! Now, in a little city I can handle that. But not in a big one! How can I become a better, less afraid driver and how can I improve my sense of direction? This is the only fear I have about moving to a large city...

Answer 1

yeah... just in case you cant afford a gps & you get lost-pay attention to signs & landmarks.(even houses) if you can see the highway or a lot of stop lights you will probably be getting closer to businesses & gas stations for directions.

Answer 2

Technology is truly amazing. Now a days, just buy a navigation system and avoid the stress of trying to remember locations and directions. You have much more to worry about than directions...so let a GPS guide you! (Or carry an ATLAS map in your car) Hope you get better!

Answer 3

In third grade we had N-S-E-W reminders on the walls.  This will help until you start going around highway on-ramps.

The time of day is the best indication.  From mid-morning to mid afternoon the sun is in the south.  In summer it seems to be above you directly, but turn your back to it (so it doesn't make you squint your eyes) and you will face north.  Remember the sun always rises in the east (morning) and sets in the west (night).  

If you are traveling at night, or anytime, use a GPS they will tell you which direction to go.  

I grew up near a large wooded area and never got lost due to landmarks and time of day.  I am a bit dyslexic however and can't tell left from right without thinking of it.