Driving on the Left -- Top Tips

There are only a small fraction of the world’s countries that require you to drive on the left side of the road: most of these are former British colonies or locales that had specific ties to Britain in some way.

So, if your travel plans end up taking you to one of these left-side-of-the-road countries (see full list below), and you’re planning on driving, then brush up on a few of these tips before you get behind the wheel.  

• Keep an eye on the center dividing line. Remember, YOU—as the driver—will be right next to that center line since you are sitting on the right side of the car. While you keep your eye on the center line, make sure you are to the left of it and be sure to keep your car in the middle of your lane.
• Pass on the right. Once again, this is opposite from how we drive in the U.S. where the passing lane is on the left.
• Move clockwise through the roundabout. As you approach a roundabout, picture a clock in your mind. You are the hands and are going around in a clockwise direction. To exit the roundabout, you’ll exit towards the left! Also, remember, you need to yield to drivers on your right.
• You need to cross traffic to turn right. When you do this, imagine you are making a left hand turn in the U.S. Cross the first direction of traffic, then instead of turning LEFT, you turn RIGHT. Remember these phrases: Sharp Left and Wide Right.
• Your rear view mirror is on the left, not the right. It’ll only take you a few times of looking to your right to remember this rule!
• Stay alert, take breaks, be patient with yourself. Fun fact: Scientists believe that learning something new can help fire up new neural pathways in your brain. This keeps your brain young and more “plastic” instead of old and rigid. So, embrace this driving on the left side of the road as something that’s actually good for you!

Check out these videos for some great additional tips

Curious What Countries Drive on the Left? Check Out This Chart 

FAQ: Driving on the Left Side of the Road 

A small fraction of countries, mostly former British colonies or those with ties to Britain, have left-side driving. Some examples include Australia, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. For a full list, refer to the comprehensive list provided in the article.

• Stay Left of the Center Line: Remember that as the driver, you'll be next to the center dividing line. Keep your car in the middle of your lane while being to the left of the center line.

• Pass on the Right: Unlike the U.S., where the passing lane is on the left, pass other vehicles on the right side.

• Clockwise Roundabouts: Approach roundabouts with a clockwise movement, yielding to drivers on your right.

• Crossing Traffic to Turn Right: When turning right, cross traffic in a manner similar to making a left turn in the U.S. Think "Sharp Left, Wide Right."

• Left-Side Rearview Mirror: Adjust to the fact that your rearview mirror is on the left side of the car.

• Stay Alert and Patient: Embrace the learning experience and stay alert. Taking breaks while driving and being patient with yourself are key.

To adapt to left-side driving:

• Study local traffic rules and signs in advance.
• Practice in a safe and less congested area before hitting busy roads.
• Use GPS or navigation apps to stay on course.

Certainly, the article provides useful tips. You can also check out the videos linked in the article for more insights on driving on the left side.

Learning a new skill, like driving on the left side, can stimulate new neural pathways, keeping your brain agile and flexible. So, embrace the challenge as a mental workout!

In countries with left-side driving, road rules and signage might differ from what you're used to. Always adhere to local traffic laws, signs, and signals for a safe and enjoyable driving experience.