Expect the Unexpected: The Magic Roundabouts of Spain - Driving in Spain. Real Life, Real Spain.

Driving in Spain can sometimes feel like an exercise in expecting the unexpected.

In this episode of Spanish Practices, I take a humorous look at what it's really like behind the wheel in Spain — from the mysterious art of navigating Spanish roundabouts and the sometimes flexible relationship with lane markings, arrows and indicators, to the motorbikes that seem to appear from nowhere and the ever-watchful Guardia Civil de Tráfico.

I also look at the wonderfully relaxed Spanish driving culture, why you sometimes need to anticipate what another driver is going to do rather than simply watch what they are doing, and the things you definitely shouldn't be doing while driving — from wearing flip-flops and using earphones to texting, FaceTiming or attempting to eat your lunch at the wheel.

I'll also talk about drink driving, Spanish traffic fines and that remarkable little card machine carried by traffic officers.

But for all the differences, driving in Spain has a huge upside. Get away from the towns and cities and you can find yourself almost alone on beautiful roads, surrounded by mountains, olive groves, spectacular countryside and some genuinely breathtaking views.

So buckle up, watch the roundabout, check your mirrors and remember the golden rule of driving in Spain:

Expect the unexpected.