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Traveling is quite simply the only way to grasp just how spectacular this little blue marble in our corner of the galaxy is. However, while buses, trains, and small aircraft can get you close to your favorite dream destinations, not a lot affords the autonomy of renting a car and hitting the road. However, driving in left-hand traffic countries like the UK, Australia, and Japan can be daunting. Well, by keeping a few things in mind, a travel experience in a country with right-hand drive cars could be an utter delight.

Don’t be scared to drive in left-hand traffic countries– it could be your ticket to a dream trip

Driving a right-hand drive car on the other side of the road. It’s daunting for Americans and other motorists accustomed to left-hand drive cars and driving on the right. However, keeping a few things in mind can help you enjoy a driving holiday in one of the left-hand traffic countries.

  • Know the local traffic signs
  • Observe local driving laws and styles
  • Don’t be frightened by a right-hand drive car
  • Faster traffic keeps right on motorways
  • Handle roundabouts confidently by queueing up in the correct lane

If you’re old enough, you may qualify to rent a car in left-hand traffic countries. However, before you rent that Volkswagen Golf or Mitsubishi Outlander and hit the NC 500, you’ll want to know the local laws and signs of your host country. An avoidable wreck or substantial traffic ticket is a quick way to ruin a fun trip. 

Moreover, drivers might be surprised by a right-hand drive car. While it seems daunting, it’s essentially opposite day for Americans and other left-hand car drivers. The orientation allows for easier visibility down the center of multiple-lane roads and around slow-moving traffic. 

A BMW M2 is an example of a right-hand drive car that is also available as a left-hand drive model in the US.
A right-hand drive F87 BMW M2 on the north coast of Scotland | Erik Sherman, MotorBiscuit

Additionally, with traffic circles (also known as roundabouts) and motorways, you have to keep a few things in mind. For instance, larger roundabouts have entry lanes that correspond with exit directions. The inner lanes typically correspond with the furthest exits and vice versa. 

You might think, “Why would I ever need to concern myself with driving on the left?” Well, left-hand traffic countries extend beyond the UK, Australia, and Japan. In fact, if you travel to any of these countries for work or recreation, you’ll find yourself on the other side of the road. 

  • New Zealand
  • Jamaica
  • Bermuda
  • India
  • Malaysia
  • Nepal
  • Thailand
  • Indonesia
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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).