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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

Google maps - lanes? I'm so nwrvpis

57 replies

cocoface · 05/02/2018 10:23

Does Google maps tell you which Lane to be in etc - I'm driving in RPI tomorrow and I'm nearly I'll with worry - I'm such a nervous driver! Tia for your help

OP posts:

PiffIeandWiffle · 05/02/2018 11:41

Seriously? I don't think you should be on the road!!

You sound like one of those drivers that dodders down the road leaving a swathe of chaos behind them.

BarbaraofSevillle · 05/02/2018 11:42

Roundabouts have lane markers that tell you which lane you need to be in, but you should be familiar with this concept already, it's taught as part of learning to drive.

You need to be aware of lane markers and road signs as well as what your sat nav is saying. It is often better to follow the road signs and then only pay attention to the sat nav for the last few miles.

If your destination is in the Dublin area, you just need to get on the motorway south and then keep going until you get to Dublin and your sat nav starts telling you to get off onto local roads. It may be helpful to print a map for your passenger to prompt you with and memorise the suburb name to look out for and be aware of where it is in relation to Dublin so you know whether it is before or after Dublin if you see what I mean. Good luck! Or could you possibly take the train if you don't feel confident driving?

Pereie · 05/02/2018 11:43

Honestly,

I don't think you should be driving. It's dangerous for the other people on the road as well as yourself.

If you insist on driving take some advance driving lessons to build your skill and confidence.

I don't mean to sound rude but you are being extremely selfish by taking to the road feeling the way you do.

BarbaraofSevillle · 05/02/2018 11:46

I use the Here app for navigation. You can download the maps and use it offline, so don't need a mobile signal. It says things like keep left or keep right near junctions.

TheTurnOfTheScrew · 05/02/2018 11:49

I would second PickleFish. I really really don't like driving in city centres I don't know. You get some very oddly laid out junctions - a great example was one where to take the second left you needed to be in the right of three lanes, as two peeled off at the first left just out of sight. If I really have to make such a journey, I will google earth anything that looks even vaguely complicated on the map so I know what to expect.

The other thing that helps is to leave oodles of time, and Become One with making a navigation error or getting lost. You have a satnav, which will ultimately put you right, so if you find you're forced into a bit of a wrong turning it's no biggie, and better than unsafely changing lanes at the last minute.

GrockleBocs · 05/02/2018 11:49

If you look at the route on Google Maps you should be able to view the junctions/roundabouts on StreetView as well as the instructions at each point.
Assuming you can apply the basic lane management at roundabouts then you need to write navigation notes for your passenger.
And you should really get some refresher training around this.

BexConnor · 05/02/2018 11:50

Can you borrow someone's sat nav if you don't have one of your own? Some models come with a lane guidance option, it actually shows you a picture of the road with a green arrow etc.

Original poster

cocoface · 05/02/2018 11:50

Thanks all. A friend has offered to sit with me the whole way there and back and they are a very confident drivery so that has made me less nervoust. Thanks for all ur help

OP posts:

InsomniacAnonymous · 05/02/2018 12:15

You don't sound like a competent driver at all.

NerrSnerr · 05/02/2018 12:21

I really think you need more lessons. You shouldn’t need someone with you to tell you what lane to get in.

TonTonMacoute · 05/02/2018 12:23

I’m afraid I agree with PPs. It is not good to be so incredibly nervous about driving, and is potentially dangerous for you and other road users.

Good luck with your journey, but I think you should look into other ways to address this nervousness. You should be using your own observations of the conditions and other traffic on the road around you to navigate, not relying on an app!

BathshebaKnickerStickers · 05/02/2018 12:26

If they are a very confident driver could you amend your car insurance for a short time and let them drive..?

Original poster

cocoface · 05/02/2018 12:31

Yes I think you are right. I will contact my old driving instructor and see if she can help with a few lessons to boost my confidence. I live quite rurally and dont drive every day - my friend said that they will drive tomorrow if im really that nervous about it all - which I am.

thanks for all your help

OP posts:

k2p2k2tog · 05/02/2018 13:48

Relieved that you're not driving - that level of nerves is not normal and you really need some intensive lessons as you are putting everyone else at risk.

GinDaddy · 05/02/2018 15:45

Some really patronising folk on this thread who are more enjoying giving the OP a kicking than dishing out good advice.

Good luck OP.

butterfly990 · 05/02/2018 16:05

Are you heading for Dublin? If so have a look at google earth for the M1 and M50 junction as this can be tricky otherwise the route is very easy and light on traffic. Don't forget your sterling for the toll at Drogheda @ £5.

Good luck

bumpertobumper · 05/02/2018 16:49

Surely she needs € for the drogheda toll.

k2p2k2tog · 05/02/2018 16:50

It's not about giving anyone a kicking. It's about not taking a "sure you'll be fine" line when soeone is getting into a flap about basics like roundabouts! It's not helpful to anyone to pretend it's all fine when it's really not.

OP has the short term issue of driving tomorrow sorted, she then needs to tackle the longer term issue by getting lessons and practice. Being very hesitant and nervous on the road is dangerous to yourself and other drivers.

meredintofpandiculation · 05/02/2018 17:36

Don't whatever you do suddenly try to change lanes at the last minute. Go with the flow of the traffic, then take the first right, find somewhere to turn round, turn left back on to the road you've just come off - this will take you back to the problem roundabout or junction and you can have another go. It doesn't matter how many times it takes you, no-one is watching.

Always allow 30mins or 1hr "getting lost time". Then you won't be pressured into dodgy manoeuvres.

HildaZelda · 05/02/2018 17:50

OP, if you're not confident about driving on motorways then please don't.

My SIL grew up in a large city where she had access to public transport at all times. She moved to my brother's home town a couple of years ago and had to learn to drive as she couldn't rely on public transport anymore. She's an absolute nightmare in a car. She bawled her eyes out last time she had to go on a motorway (she's nearly 30)

Nervous drivers need to be aware of the thousand of other road users too.

MadeinBelfast · 05/02/2018 18:02

Do try and get some practise, NI has so few miles of motorway that I can see how you could be very unused to driving on them. Most instructors will give you a few sessions for motorway driving. Once you've been up and down from Titanic to Sprucefield a few times you'll start to get the hang of it!

ultrareal · 05/02/2018 18:12

OP do you know about advanced motorists? They are a group who arrange further training for people who have already passed their normal test. The trainers are volunteers so it's very cosy effective and you have a mixture of theory and driving practice. At the end of the course you take an advanced test (if you want) so it definitely ups your skill level from the normal test. I did this after losing my confidence after an accident and it was really helpful. Good luck.

safariboot · 05/02/2018 20:12

The Google Maps app on Android does tell me things like "Use the second from the left lane", in the UK at least. However it is not always accurate or clear! If a new lane appears it can be misleading. I've even had Google tell me to take a U turn and there's a no U turn sign in reality.

You can't rely on it at a complicated junction, it might help but you still have to read the road and the signage.

loobyloo1234 · 05/02/2018 20:16

I fear for anyone using the same roads as you OP honestly

I get that you're nervous but you sound like you'll be putting other drivers at risk

Tinkhasflown · 05/02/2018 20:18

You need € for the toll at Drogheda, they don't accept £sterling.

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