Why It Feels So Weird
If you’ve spent years driving on the right, turns, roundabouts, lane position, and even the gear lever demand conscious attention. Do not plan around a promised adjustment time: begin on quiet roads and stop if the extra concentration becomes tiring.
Four orientation checks: 1 keep the driver near the centre line; 2 finish each turn in the left lane; 3 circulate clockwise where left-side traffic rules apply; 4 after stopping, reset with mirrors, shoulder check and indicator. Road signs and markings always take priority. Click to enlarge.
10 checks for the first drive
1. Consider an automatic transmission
If you normally shift with your right hand, an automatic removes one unfamiliar task. Compare the actual rental price and book the transmission named on your licence.
2. Check your lane position deliberately
On a normal two-way road, the centre line should be on the driver’s side of a right-hand-drive rental. This cue is less useful on one-way roads or in a left-hand-drive vehicle, so follow arrows and lane markings rather than a slogan.
3. Read each roundabout
In left-traffic countries, roundabouts normally flow clockwise. Observe traffic from the right, then follow the priority signs, lights and lane arrows at that entry. See the European roundabout guide for why lane and signalling rules cannot be reduced to one formula.
4. Watch Your Left Side
Your biggest blind spot is now on the left: the passenger side is wider than you think. Be extra cautious when:
- Parking alongside curbs
- Passing through narrow streets
- Driving through construction zones
5. Turn Right Carefully
Right turns cross oncoming traffic (like left turns do in right-hand countries). Take your time, wait for a clear gap, and stay in the left lane after turning.
6. Use markings, not the car ahead
At a turn, look for arrows, centre lines and the position of traffic on the road you are joining. Do not follow the car ahead blindly; it may be turning into a different lane.
7. Start somewhere quiet
Choose a pickup route with light traffic and a simple first stop. A quiet suburban route may be easier than a narrow rural lane, so inspect the map rather than assuming countryside roads are simpler.
8. Beware of Fatigue
Driving on an unfamiliar side demands extra concentration. Stop when lane position or turns begin to require repeated correction; a fixed break interval cannot measure alertness.
9. Check Wiper/Signal Stalks
Indicator and wiper stalk positions vary by manufacturer. Check them while parked, along with the lights, demister and parking brake.
10. Recheck after every stop
Old habits can return after fuel or lunch stops. Before moving, say the traffic side aloud, check both directions and identify the first turn.
Countries That Drive on the Left
- 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
- 🇯🇵 Japan
- 🇦🇺 Australia
- 🇹🇭 Thailand
- 🇮🇳 India
- 🇿🇦 South Africa
- 🇳🇿 New Zealand
- 🇮🇩 Indonesia
- 🇲🇾 Malaysia
- 🇸🇬 Singapore This is not a complete list. Check the specific destination guide for the traffic side and local rules.
Use the road markings and the first junction to confirm the traffic side after every long stop. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.
Set mirrors, indicators, lights and the first simple destination before leaving the branch. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.
A local sign overrides a memorised traffic-side shortcut. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.
Sources and review date
This tip was reviewed on August 17, 2026. Traffic side, lane arrows and roundabout priority must be read in the destination’s signs and road code.