Picture this: You step off a long-haul flight, grab your rental car keys, and slide into the driver’s seat—on the right side of the car. Your heart thumps. The steering wheel feels strange. You glance left and realize the traffic flows the opposite way. If you’ve ever felt that jolt of panic, you’re not alone. Driving on the left side of the road can feel like learning to walk again. But with the right tips for driving on the left side of the road, you’ll go from white-knuckled to confident faster than you think.
Why Driving on the Left Feels So Weird
Let’s break it down. Most people grow up with muscle memory for driving on one side. Suddenly switching sides scrambles your instincts. Your brain wants to drift right. Your hands reach for the gear shift with the wrong hand. Even your sense of space changes. If you’ve ever clipped a curb or turned on the windshield wipers instead of the turn signal, you know the struggle.
But here’s the part nobody tells you: The hardest part isn’t the driving. It’s unlearning your old habits. That’s why these tips for driving on the left side of the road focus on rewiring your reflexes, not just memorizing rules.
Who Needs These Tips?
If you’re planning a trip to the UK, Ireland, Australia, Japan, or any of the 75 countries where left-side driving rules, this is for you. If you’re a nervous driver, a road trip lover, or someone who’s ever mixed up left and right, you’ll want to keep reading. If you’re a professional driver or already switch sides like a pro, you might just get a laugh out of my first time stalling at a roundabout in Dublin.
Top Tips for Driving on the Left Side of the Road
1. Start Small: Practice in a Quiet Area
Don’t jump straight into city traffic. Find an empty parking lot or a quiet street. Spend ten minutes just driving in circles, stopping, and starting. Get used to the car’s dimensions. If you’re with a friend, let them call out “left!” or “right!” at random. It sounds silly, but it works.
2. Remember: The Driver Stays Center
Here’s a trick: The driver’s seat should always be closest to the center line of the road. If you’re hugging the curb, you’re probably drifting too far left. I once spent an entire afternoon scraping hedges in Cornwall before this clicked. Keep your body near the middle, and you’ll stay in your lane.
3. Master the Roundabout
Roundabouts are everywhere in left-driving countries. Enter clockwise, yield to traffic from the right, and signal your exit. The first time, you’ll feel like you’re spinning in a teacup ride. Take it slow. Watch the locals. If you miss your exit, just go around again. No shame.
4. Rethink Turns: Left Is Easy, Right Is Tricky
Left turns are simple—just like a right turn at home. Right turns, though, mean crossing oncoming traffic. Double-check both directions. If you’re unsure, wait. Locals would rather you pause than cause chaos.
5. Use Landmarks, Not Just Signs
When you’re stressed, signs blur together. Pick a landmark—like a red mailbox or a giant oak tree—to help you remember where to turn. I once missed my B&B in New Zealand three times because I kept looking for a street sign instead of the sheep statue out front.
6. Watch Your Mirrors—All of Them
Your blind spots flip. Check your left mirror more often than you think. Adjust all mirrors before you start. If you’re driving a manual, practice shifting with your left hand while parked. It feels awkward at first, but you’ll get the hang of it.
7. Stay Alert at Intersections
Intersections are where most mistakes happen. Pause before pulling out. Look right, then left, then right again. If you’re tired or jet-lagged, take a break. A five-minute walk can reset your brain.
8. Don’t Trust Your Reflexes—Trust the Road
Your instincts will try to steer you wrong. Rely on road markings, not your gut. If you’re ever unsure, follow another car (at a safe distance). Locals know the drill.
9. Use GPS, But Don’t Zone Out
GPS helps, but don’t let it distract you. Set your route before you start. If you need to check directions, pull over. I once tried to reroute in heavy London traffic and ended up in a bus lane. Lesson learned.
10. Give Yourself Grace
You’ll make mistakes. You might hit the wipers instead of the turn signal. You might stall at a light. Laugh it off. Every driver on the left side of the road has a story. Yours will just be funnier.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Drifting left: Keep your eyes on the center line, not the curb.
- Wrong-way turns: Pause and double-check before turning, especially at empty intersections.
- Forgetting the handbrake: Many rental cars use a manual handbrake. Practice using it before you hit a hill.
- Speeding: Speed limits are in kilometers in most left-driving countries. Double-check your speedometer.
Here’s why these mistakes happen: Stress and habit. The more you practice, the less you’ll panic. If you catch yourself making the same mistake, stop and reset. You’re not alone.
What Nobody Tells You About Driving on the Left
Here’s the part nobody tells you: Locals expect tourists to mess up. Most people are patient. If you’re lost, pull over and ask for help. I once had a Scottish farmer walk me through a three-point turn in the rain. People want you to succeed.
Another secret: The hardest part is the first hour. After that, your brain starts to adapt. By day two, you’ll wonder why you ever worried.
Next Steps: Build Your Confidence
- Book an automatic car if you’re nervous about shifting with your left hand.
- Watch a YouTube video of local traffic before you go.
- Write “LEFT” on a sticky note and put it on your dashboard.
- Plan your first drive for daylight hours.
- Celebrate your first successful roundabout with a treat—ice cream, coffee, or a selfie with your car.
If you’ve ever struggled with the idea of driving on the left side of the road, remember: Every confident driver started out nervous. With these tips for driving on the left side of the road, you’ll not only survive—you’ll have stories to tell. Safe travels, and may your next adventure be just a left turn away.
