How easy is it to drive in Los Angeles if you're a tourist?

Question

We drove a few years ago in Florida and that was OK but a bit worried about LA.

Answer 1

You'll be fine. Keep in mind that it's going to be a pain even when driving on the streets, because there's SO MANY cars that will be on those roads. Also, be careful on the freeway and may God be watching over you if you plan on going to LA.

Answer 2

What's to worry about? We drive on the same side of the road. The steering wheel and gas pedal are on the left side.

Driving is driving. It's just that the distances here tend to be greater. Freeways are well marked and generally easy to navigate. Traffic can be tedious, though. Not difficult, just a drag when you are not moving.

Answer 3

Just drive carefully and you should be fine.  Getting driving directions in advance if you don't know where you're going is a good idea as well.  And leave early if you have any sort of time constraints, as there is always traffic.

Answer 4

dont worry bro.. its same like other city. jus try to concentrate on ur driving that's it.. dont keep in mind that u r driving in other city....thus u will not find it difficult.

Answer 5

Try to map out where you're going first, and it should be easy enough for you to find your way. Most streets are clearly marked. Know the names and the numbers of the freeways, because sometimes they'll show the number on the sign and sometimes they'll show the names.

I just got back from a resort area in Oregon. Geez, there were hardly any signs and the streets were laid out in a goofy manner, it was so hard to find our way. LA is definitely on the easier side.

The drivers here are the same as anywhere else, generally I find we're not as rude as in other cities, since we're used to being stuck in the car. But try to avoid the freeways during rush hour traffic or you'll think you're in a parking lot!

Answer 6

just don't drive 45 mph on the freeway or cut people off when your offramp is 20 feet away and you're still in the fast lane, like the Bozo did to me today. and TRY NOT USING THE CELL PHONE while driving.

thank you and enjoy your visit

TD to oman for being condescending.

Answer 7

I think LA gets a bad rap as being a bad city to drive in and/or having a lot of bad drivers.  I'm originally from a very small town, and I didn't get my driver's license until I was 19 and living down in LA for college.  So I had to get used to LA driving very quickly!  :)  I've no doubts that if a nervous, first time driving teenager can do it, you, too, will do it with flying colors!

Actually, I think overall LA is a pretty easy place to drive in.  Lanes are wide.  Signage is very good, and LA has got a lot of green arrow left hand turn lanes, which takes the stress level down a few notches. I think the hardest thing for me to learn how to do was making lane changes on the freeway when traffic is crawling (go slow, use your turn signals, and thank the person letting you in with a wave and a smile!).

Other people gave good advice to you.  Definitely map out your route ahead of time.  And if you are driving, do not use your cell phone except in an emergency.  Per a new law, if caught, you will be ticketed and fined.  I would also advise looking at a map to just get a feel for the grid of the city.  Learn the major north-south streets (La Brea, Fairfax, Vermont, Western, Figueroa) and the major east-west streets (Sunset, Wilshire, Santa Monica, Hollywood) and you should be able to get yourself anywhere you need or want to go.

--->Enjoy your trip!

Answer 8

It's easier, more reliable and less time consuming than taking public transportation.

I think Floridians drive like maniacs. At least they do around Miami.

I'm a relatively new resident of the LA area and from experience quite a few of the on-line mapping sites like mapquest, google, yahoo, etc give really bad and wrong directions.

The Rand McNally website is the only one that hasn't given me screwy directions yet.

Stay out of the car pool lane and the far left lane if you are only going to drive the speed limit.  You should be going at least 80 mph in those lanes. On city streets drive the speed limit. If you want to look around than park your car and walk. Bring quarters because quite a few spaces are metered. A quarter will usually get you 15 minutes.

Have fun, take a deep breath and if you get lost pull over to a gas station and ask for directions. People here are more friendly than you would expect and will help.

Oh yeah, keep your doors locked.  

Answer 9

You've probably heard all those "road rage" stories. Yes, it happens, but . . .

Los Angeles was designed for the car, which is a good or bad thing depending on how you look at it.

The road rage stories aside, Angelinos are remarkably courteous drivers. They obey the rules of the road a lot better than New Yorkers (my home town).

The biggest problem you'll encounter is congestion. Allow plenty of time to get from Point A to Point B.