Hi Wardy
I passed my driving test in 1972 & since that time have driven thousands & thousands of miles, not only in England, but on the Isle of Wight, Guernsey, Spain, Cyprus, America, Perth WA, Sydney & other countries.
I have driven all sorts of vehicles from the mini, to the 'big man's' box vans - from manual, column change to auto's! I've towed people, have been towed & helped many a poor woman & in a few cases men, in & out of parking spaces. Driving on motorways or using multi-storey car parks has never ever botthered me.
Having said all that & like China Doll - I'm not very good at map reading, so I simply print off directions from AA Route Finder & have no trouble at all in reaching my destination - unless there's a traffic jam!
Anyway, my husband is a brilliant map reader & doesn't mind writing down directions for me - if need be!
Happy motoring!