Lambada said:
No it shouldn't. The most affected road is the mountain road, Carretera Turistica, from Puerto Plata to Santiago & you don't mention Santiago in your list of destinations. Drive in daylight & you should see the potholes (everywhere!) before you hit them. Personally, I'd be more concerned about other drivers than the state of the roads, if you are new to driving here. Exercise due caution & prudent speed, even if no-one else does. And if someone is sitting on your tail hooting like crazy, either ignore them or let them overtake you. Do not let them pressurise you to drive faster than your comfort level.
Congratulations Lambada, on not falling into the trap that so many of the expats who post here do regarding driving in the DR. What I am talking about is the assumption that every "newbie" is a timid incompetent who will not be able to handle it. I rented a car on my very first trip, and continue to do so. I'm certainly not saying that there aren't safe and competent Dominican cabbies, but I personally feel much safer when I am in control of the wheel.
About a half hour to adjust each time I arrive, and then I'm fine.
There's nothing like the feeling of knowing that anytime I want, I can throw my bags in the trunk, get out the B & B map, and hit the road. The idea that riding around with someone else driving for a while will somehow make you more prepared to drive yourself just doesn't fly with me.
On the other hand, if you are not a confident and skilled driver, (for instance, you find yourself stressed out by driving in big-city traffic anywhere) you may want to leave the driving to others.
I agree that there are some places you should not drive at night in the DR, no matter how experienced you are. The Dominicans will tell you. "Es peligroso manejar alli en la noche." (excuse Spanish errors por favor).