6 Travel Hacks and Tips For Driving on the Left Side of the Road

Travelling to a new place can be tricky in many respects, but one of the most nerve-racking experiences for newbies is learning to drive abroad. Even the most seasoned driver might baulk at the prospect of driving in a foreign country–particularly as 76 countries in the world drive on the left. Moreover, the lane switchover is only the first of several key differences. So what do you need to drive abroad? Read on for six basic tips on driving on the left side of the road.

 

1. Start out slowly.

 Once you’ve picked up your rental, resist the urge to head right out on the highway. You might be eager to get to your next destination, but you should get comfortable behind the wheel of this unfamiliar vehicle first. Take a few spins around the parking garage to learn where all the controls are, and to get used to shifting with your left hand. If possible, reserve a vehicle with an automatic transmission–it’s hard enough to remember how to drive on the left side of the road without worrying about constantly shifting gears as well.

 

2. Remember the roundabouts.

Most drivers who drive on the right are unfamiliar with the circular intersections that we sometimes call rotaries. In European countries, though, they’re a common feature–to the degree that there’s really no way of avoiding them altogether. Know where you’re going, and be prepared to take the right turnoff. Also, bear in mind that the traffic will be flowing in the opposite direction that you’re used to.

 

3. Rent a car only if you intend to take the road less travelled.

 If you’re staying in a bustling metropolitan area–particularly in Europe–the public transportation should be sufficient, meaning you won’t really need tips for driving abroad. You can save yourself a good deal of money and hassle by foregoing the car rental altogether. Besides, driving in the heart of the city can create even more stress than tackling the roundabouts. If you intend to explore the distant reaches of the countryside, however, you should take the plunge. Long stretches of highway are the easiest to manoeuvre and provide the best opportunity for practice.

 

4. Exit stage left.

It’s imperative to remember that the exits will always be located on the left side of the highway. In fact, as a helpful and humorous reminder, some rental car outfits will supply their fleet with stickers that read “Left Alive. Dead Right.” The locals can often spot a rental from miles away, too, and they won’t take kindly to blow-ins who fail to follow the rules of the road. If you wear a ring on your left hand, use it as a guide; if not, consider investing in an inexpensive one for the trip.

 

5. Take a page from a local’s book.

Are you visiting friends at your destination? If so, have one of them supply you with tips for driving on the left side of the road. They might even be willing to give you a couple of private lessons, so you can learn to navigate the roads like a born-and-bred local. If you don’t know anyone where you’re going, you could still scope out a lesson; do some research before leaving home to find out more about what’s offered.

 

6. Remain centred.

Have you ever noticed that you’re always closest to the centre of the road while driving? Perhaps not–it isn’t something that comes up in every driver’s education exam. However, it’s one of the few rules that remains the same when driving on the left. Even though the driver’s seat is on the opposite side, the switching of lanes ensures that the driver is still next to that centre line. If you’re looking out the window at the shoulder instead, then you know you’ve reverted to your old habits and should cross over as soon as possible.