No, not really. Most adjust right away!

Ronnie

no problem. it may sound scary but..... there are not that many roads on STJ and it will take all of 30 seconds to adjust.

It's not bad at all. IMHO, it's harder to adjust to the steep hills than it is to the left side. I adjust easily on eash visit...but then drive on the left when I am back in Philadelphia!! Now that's scary!

It's really easy. Just remember to keep your wife/passenger in harms way ie: closest to the center of the road 🙂 or another way to think of it is that the driver is always in the gutter - or in this case next to the ocean (or the mountainside depending which way you are traveling) Enjoy, you will be fine 🙂

I'll add my vote for the "don't worry mun!" I just came back from Ireland (second trip there) and believe me, if your husband is comparing what he's heard about European driving with St John- there's just no comparison!!! St John is much, much easier since the steering wheel is american and I don't recall anyone on my tail harassing me like they do here in the Boston and Providence areas. I never met anyone who regretted driving on STJ but lots who objected to driving in Europe- hence we used the busses! Tell hubby to brave-up and relax! He'll be fine.

It's actually fun. But get a 4-wheel drive reguardless, and if it RAINS go into 4wheel immediately...

STJ rules of the road
1. Drive on the left
2. Don't drink and drive
3. You're not in any rush...it's all Island time 🙂

Tried it for the first time last year. No problem. The island speed limit is only 20 MPH, so it's not hectic like in some countries in Europe. I only ventured over to the right a couple of times, but probably because there were no other cars in site to "remind" me. I'm going back next week (eeeeehaaaaaa!!!!!) and will be driving and exploring some more. Can't wait!!!!

I'll be there next week also! Where do you rent from? We haven't reserved a vehicle yet.

You can either search on this message board as lots of people have talked about this over the last few weeks or just take my humble advise and rent from Conrads. They're right in Cruz Bay, walking distance from the ferry, just ask anyone. They're also on the internet, not sure of the address but if you search under conrad's car rentals, you'll find them and they have web specials (don't know if they do the specials with one week to go though). We have rented from them 3 times before, on the spot, for less than a week, around $40.00 a day or less for a small Suzuki and found them very easy to deal with, cars were fine, good service, no hassles. Everyone will have an opinion, but again, search over this message board and you'll see that not too many of them are bummers.

Terri - if you are staying at Gallows, you can go to the gift shop and they will hook you up with Cool Breeze Jeep Rental. They will come and pick you up and take you to pick up the car and do paperwork. We only rented for a couple days but it went fine. Driving on the left was no problem.

The only real thing to be worried about is watching around corners as the locals (and a lot of tourists) seem to enjoy driving in the center of the road. Just be prepared for what is coming and be careful around corners.

Did the rental company provide insurance? We just found out that our car insurance company here does not cover us in St. John.

Terri, Two small pieces of advice to add to all of the above. The tendency to "forget" to drive on the left most frequently occurs after stopping and getting out of the vehicle. (lunch, overlooks etc.) This is where you can help. Whe getting back in the car remind him "drive left". Also when going araound hairpin turns on centerline road a short beep of the horn is a good idea. BTW I like Conrad Sutton as well.

This website is hazardous to my job... 🙂
Anyway, I like Conrad's too. That is who we always rent from. I acutally prefer driving on the left, and sometimes get confused when I am back in the states. I adjusted very quickly my first time and have no problem now at all. One thing that helped me was "Keep your shoulder to the shoulder." I would say that in my head when getting back on the road after stopping and sometimes when turning. I found those two situations to be most confusing, but after a couple of days, it's normal!!! Have fun.

Does that rental company provide insurance coverage?

Good driving advice here. Also, use your horn. Islanders use their horns liberally and with good reason. Whenever you are coming arounda blind curve or cresting a hill where you can't see the top or over the other side, honk a few times to alert others...and listen for other cars honking.

Terri - the price included insurance.

You may want to call gallows and have them transfer you to the gift shop there. They will answer all your questions about the rental cars. Cool Breeze did not have parking for town, but you can park at gallows so it isn't a factor really.

Thanks for the information. I called Gallows and reserved a vehicle for 6 days. I can't wait to be there!