Driving a Vehicle with the Steering Wheel on the Left in Countries That Drive on the Right

Drivers from countries where vehicles have the steering wheel on the left but need to travel to countries that drive on the right have many concerns. The primary question often asked is: Can you drive a vehicle with the steering wheel on the left in countries where they drive on the right?

General Considerations

Individual experiences can vary widely depending on the driver's familiarity with the vehicle and the specific driving conditions. While some may have no trouble, others might find it challenging, even in countries with similar automotive practices, like the United States and Canada, where they also drive on the right. For instance, driving an English car (typically right-hand drive, RHD) in the U.S. or Canada (left-hand drive, LHD) can be easier due to similarities in road systems and driving cultures.

Driving in Different Cultures

Driving in Australia and New Zealand presents unique challenges due to the prevalence of RHD vehicles. According to Google Trends, there is a significant need for drivers to be aware of the larger vehicles and road conditions in these countries. Drivers need to be cautious and may need to take extra time to adjust to the driving on the right and the associated road rules.

For instance, during the 1970s, when the author moved to Australia, they encountered various foreign vehicles driven by consulates. These vehicles often had to adapt to the right-hand drive, which required changes to headlights and other safety features. The author recalls the complexity of driving around Paddington, where many of these large US vehicles were imported and caused specific issues due to their size and design.

Driving in the United Kingdom

The experience in the United Kingdom (UK) is notably different. The UK is a predominantly right-hand drive country, and driving an RHD vehicle there is straightforward. However, the situation can vary when driving a left-hand drive vehicle in the UK, as there are vehicles intentionally built for LHD. Adaptation is needed for elements like headlights, which may originally be positioned for use on the right side of the road.

Insurability and Practical Considerations

While it is possible to drive RHD vehicles in countries that drive on the right, getting insurance can be a significant hurdle. The Australia experience demonstrates that insurance costs can be prohibitive, making it impractical for most individuals. Other practical solutions include renting a car, purchasing a second-hand vehicle, or riding a motor-bike. Motor-bikes can be ridden regardless of their drive configuration without needing to worry about the road side.

Challenges of Driving RHD in LHD Countries

Driving a RHD vehicle in an LHD country introduces several challenges, such as:

Driving Position Adjustments: Drivers need to adjust their driving position to avoid drifting into the center of the road. Driving on Narrow Roads: In countries like Australia, where narrow streets are common, driving LHD vehicles can be particularly tricky. Insurance Costs: Insurance can be very expensive, making it a significant barrier for many drivers.

In summary, while it is possible to drive an RHD vehicle in an LHD country, the experience can be challenging and requires careful planning and adaptation. Drivers should be aware of the specific challenges and consider practical solutions like insurance and vehicle modifications to ensure a smoother driving experience.