- Read the Highway Code before leaving, so you are up-to-date on driving laws in the United Kingdom, which vary slightly from American laws. You can read the Code for free online at www.gov.uk/browse/driving/highway-code-road-safety.

- Be vigilant at all times while driving. In Wales, cars drive on the left side of the road, with the steering wheel on the right side of the car. As you become more comfortable with driving in Wales, you may be more tempted to let your guard down. It`s at these times when you can cause an accident, either with another car or on your own, being unfamiliar with right-side steering cars. Concentrate at all times, and if you are lost, exit the motorway and find a gas station or shop where you can receive directions.

- Direction signs on motorways have a blue backdrop and signs on trunk roads will have a green backdrop. Signs on local roads are white with a black border, and speed limit signs are typically white circular signs with a red perimeter. Speed limit signs are posted in miles per hour, not kilometers per hour. Signs will be written in both English and Welsh, and in some areas the Welsh translation will be provided first.

- Unlike in the other constituent countries of the United Kingdom, you will not encounter tolls when driving in Wales. The Severn Bridge and the Cleddau Bridge, the last two toll roads in Wales, ceased requiring payment in 2018 and 2019, respectively.

- Watch out for animals while driving. Sheep outnumber people in Wales and in locales like the Brecon Beacons, sheep graze all over and are not fenced in. If a flock of sheep crosses the road you are driving, wait them out and continue once they have safely passed on their own or with the help of a nearby farmer who may be watching his flock. This rule also goes for cows who roam free and cross rural roads. Deer crossings are also common in rural Wales; do not get out of your car if you see a deer approaching. Wait for them to leave; they will move faster than a flock of sheep for sure! Finally, what to know about safely passing horses is that you should slow down to the horse`s speed, and if there is ample room to overtake the horse, you can do so. On single-lane roads, this may be impossible.

- Note that Wales can be very rainy and windy, especially in winter. Sometimes the Prince of Wales Severn Bridge and the Severn Bridge, two key links between Bristol and Cardiff, can be closed due to high winds. If these bridges are both closed, you will have to go to Gloucester in The Cotswolds and take the A40 motorway to cross into Wales near Monmouth.

- Be nice and courteous while on the road. Local drivers will be more forgiving of minor faux pas if you have a cheerful attitude.