1. Rent an automatic. It's bad enough trying to figure out how to go the wrong way around the roundabout while your wife/husband hides under the dashboard without scrabbling for your window winder whilst searching for the gear lever.
2. The speed limit is apparently optional. This is nothing new if you're from South Africa, but don't blame me for any fines you may receive if you too adopt this approach.
3. If you come from a law-abiding nation and insist on driving within the limit the protocol appears to be: the driver behind will rush up to a position approximately 3cm behind you. Do NOT show fear under any circumstances. He/she will then drop back a little until its safe to pass. Don't be alarmed if this is on a curve, we didn't see (m)any mishaps arising from this approach.
4. Take a GPS and buy the map. Just spend the money, trust me on this. It's cheaper than the divorce attorney.
5. Buy extra insurance to cover your excess. Again, spend the money, the excess is around €1,000 and that will seriously curb your budget. All the cars are dented/scratched. Your rental will be too.
6. You can't drive in any of the old towns. You have to find parking and walk. Good luck figuring out the parking payment system. A good tip is to watch and see what the natives do (the when in Rome approach)
7. Petrol is called benzina (not gasolina, that's diesel and will cause major problems in a petrol car). If you almost run out and have to freewheel down a mountain and find yourself having to put in your own petrol, look for the machine next to the tanks. Put your life savings in (some take credit cards), press the number of the tank you're using and fill up your car.
8. After two and a half weeks we still haven't figured out the road signs. If you find yourself driving the wrong way up a one-way street and are stopped by the carabinieri open the window and ask "Parla Inglese?" Smile sweetly.
10. Even though all the garages on the highway have bars the Italians do not take drunk driving lightly. Don't do it. Your passenger/s, on the other hand, may drink as much as they like.
Take the opportunity to explore the narrow country lanes, there is some spectacular scenery off the beaten track.
The Italians are, on the whole, good drivers. Most South Africans will have no problems driving in Italy (especially when it comes to using the emergency lane so the speedsters can pass)
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