If you are planning on driving abroad, it is important to be prepared to use a left-hand drive car.
This is because drivers will have to adjust their habits and awareness when behind the wheel to keep themselves, passengers, and other road users safe.
Read more to find out about countries aren’t like GB and have left-hand drive.
Left-handed driving
For drivers heading to countries that use left-hand drive, there are some important distinctions to be aware of.
Unsurprisingly, road signs, parking, and toll booths – as well as all other forms of road structures – are designed with the drivers’ position in mind.
This means it is important for drivers who aren’t used to it, should take it slow and steady to begin with to get used to the new position and where to check your mirrors and blind spots.
Also, you’ll need to remember to overtake on the left when out on the roads.
The only similarity between a left and right-hand drive vehicle is the position of the accelerator, brake, and clutch – which are in the same position. You’ll just have to get used to using your right hand to change gears in a manual car.
There are left-hand drive vehicles in the UK, but the vast majority of them are imports.
European countries with left-handed driving
In Europe, most countries drive on the right-hand side of the road and therefore use left-hand drive (LHD) vehicles.
Here is a list of European countries where they use LHD:
- Albania
- Andorra
- Austria
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Kosovo
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- North Macedonia
- Moldova
- Monaco
- Montenegro
- The Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Russia
- San Marino
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Ukraine
European countries with right-handed driving
Outside of Great Britain, there are only three other European countries that drive on the left and use Right Hand Drive vehicles (RHD).
They are the Republic of Ireland, Malta, and Cyprus.
List of countries with left-handed driving
Outside out Europe there are many countries that are popular with British tourists that have left-handed vehicles and drive on the right.
Here is a list of some of the countries that use LHD:
- United States
- Canada
- Brazil
- Argentina
- Mexico
- China
- Saudi Arabia
- South Korea
- Thailand
- UAE
- Vietnam
In total, there are more countries across the world that have left hand drive vehicles and drive on the right side of the road.
List of countries with right-handed driving
Similar to Great Britain, there are many other countries that use RHD:
- South Africa
- Hong Kong
- India
- Japan
- Singapore
- Australia
- New Zealand
There are many countries that are similar to GB and have RHD vehicles and drive on the left side of the road.
Is Ireland left hand drive?
Yes, just like the UK, the Irish drive on the left side of the road and have the wheel on the right hand side of the vehicle.
Before you drive in Ireland, make sure you know the different road signs, speed limits, and best places to visit.
Are cars in France left hand drive?
Yes, the French drive on the right hand side of the road and have the steering wheel on the left side of the vehicle.
If you are heading to France this year, make sure to check out the best tips for travelling across the country.
Are cars in Germany left hand drive?
All vehicles in Germany drive on the right hand side of the road and have left hand drive.
Even though we drive on the other side of the road, you can still drive from the UK to Germany.
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