How to Adjust to Driving on the Left-Hand Side of the Road

Do you feel increasingly panicked about the prospect of “switching sides”? For Americans booking a holiday rental and planning to get behind the wheel abroad, touring countries that drive on the left-hand side of the road can be intimidating—and even terrifying.  

Approximately one third of the world’s countries drive on the opposite side of the road, including the United Kingdom, South Africa, Australia, and Bermuda. That doesn’t make swapping any less nerve-wracking, though. Luckily, there are some simple tricks to adjust quickly and successfully.

Be a passenger first

The famous adage says that the slow and steady tortoise always wins the race; don’t rush to drive as soon as you arrive. For travelers, it’s a common misconception that self-drive vacations require an immediate rental from the airport. Depending on your schedule flexibility, catch an Uber ride instead, and play passenger princess or prince for a few days. 

Taking a slower approach also allows for the time to adjust to road systems without getting behind the wheel. Watch professionals navigate driving on the left-hand side, and get a visual lesson in tackling obstacles like roundabouts.

Avoid long distances

Once you hit the road, it’s best to keep distances short until you’ve completely adjusted to the new conditions. Drowsy driving is as dangerous as drink driving; be wary of exhausting yourself through lengthy trips. 

Mental processing can be surprisingly draining. What could be a “normal” distance when driving on the right-hand side may feel more exhausting on the left-hand, at least initially. Plan regular breaks, and don’t rack up mileage immediately. Instead, prioritize building confidence on short journeys, and always increase hours behind the wheel gradually. 

Talk to yourself

Leave self-consciousness on the tarmac, and prepare to be your biggest cheerleader. Self-talk is scientifically proven to improve cognitive processing and boost confidence, banishing any left-hand-side jitters.

The most important phrase to repeat is “Drive on the left,” as it’s all too easy to forget, especially when tired. However, self-talk is additionally beneficial for navigating common obstacles. For roundabouts, repeat, “Give way to the right.” While on freeways, tell yourself, “Far right for fast, left for slow.” Trust yourself, and self-talk can help cut through any muddled thoughts.

Use visual clues

For visual learners, dashboard prompts often help. A simple sticky note with an important message like “keep left” provides a reminder to fall back on. You’d be surprised how reassuring these little measures can be when learning a new skill. 

It’s not just left-themed mantras to scribble down; note any cultural or country-specific rules to remember (for instance, never cross a stop-line to turn right on red lights in the UK). Mastering these rules helps you feel more adapted to left-hand driving in general.

Don’t completely avoid rush hours

Picking up a rental car from a major airport? Rush hours might be worth avoiding as navigating lane changes on high-speed, inner-city freeways is a baptism of fire.

That said, don’t completely shy away from peak hours. Once you’ve collected your vehicle, it’s wise to take advantage of traffic as you adjust to driving on the opposite side of the road. Nobody wants to arrive at a ghost-empty junction and mind-blank. It’s much easier to simply follow cars in front, at least until you’ve established confidence in the new systems.

Plan routes wisely

Even the most confident and adaptable drivers struggle without solid directions. Keep stress levels low by researching routes well in advance.

Google Maps’ Street View is an under-praised tool for adapting to left-hand driving. This setting allows users to experience the route digitally before they physically undertake the journey. Practice junction turns, visualize roundabouts, and scope out any tricky spots ahead of time.

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It’s smart to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) before traveling abroad. A valid form of identification in 150 countries, an IDP translates the information on your driver’s license into 10 other languages, and many countries require it to drive legally. Be aware that car rental companies may require an IDP to rent a car in another country.