Even though 75% of the world's drivers drive on the right side of the road, many countries still adopt a left-hand steering system. This can make it difficult for you to adjust. Therefore, it takes a little extra preparation before you start your journey. You can adapt to a whole new way of driving by taking some precautions before driving, such as testing all the controls and getting used to it, as well as adjusting the way you drive, such as reducing speed and eliminating distractions that can distract you.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Adjusting to the Car
Step 1. Find information about the car
It is important for you to know the type of car you will be driving. If you are going on a trip that requires you to drive on the left side of the road, you are more likely to use a rental car. Call the car rental company before going on vacation, and find out whether they provide automatic or manual cars. Even if you are used to driving a manual car, consider renting an automatic car to make it easier for you to adjust.
- If you're only familiar with one method, it's best to stick to the skill so you only need to learn one thing at a time.
- To help you familiarize yourself with the vehicle, if possible, consider knowing the type of vehicle you will be driving (the make and model).
- Many countries that have a left-hand drive system tend to have more cars with manual transmissions than automatic ones. So, you may have to spend more money to rent an automatic car.
Step 2. Take the car in a quiet or rural area
If you're learning to adjust to driving on the left, chances are you're in a foreign country. Learning a new way of driving in a city with heavy traffic can make for a more stressful situation. If possible, it is advisable to take the car in a more secluded location.
- You may need to choose a different car rental company or ask if they are willing to take the car to your desired location. The advantage is that you have a wider choice of streets to get used to than in a congested city with narrow streets.
- If you can't pick up your car outside of town, ask if you can pick it up in the suburbs instead of downtown. That way, you can immediately drive the car out of town.
Step 3. Familiarize yourself with the car
Once behind the wheel, you should take a moment to familiarize yourself with the settings and functions of the car. The gear stick will be on your right side, not your left. The signal light controls, windshield wipers, and headlights may be on the opposite side of the steering wheel compared to the one you used before. Testing these controls before you start the car is very important, both for the safety of yourself and other road users.
Even in cars with the steering wheel on the right, the clutch, brake and gas pedals remain in the same position as vehicles with the steering wheel on the left. However, the left foot will be near the door instead of near the center console or in an "empty" area. Familiarize yourself with the condition of the left foot side by side with the door
Part 2 of 3: Following Habits
Step 1. Be careful with roundabouts
Roundabouts are often encountered when you drive in European countries; especially France and the United Kingdom. You'll also see traffic lights, but chances are you already understand how they work. Roundabouts can be a little confusing, even if you're used to traveling through them in your own country. The extra difficulty experienced with driving on the left can make the experience a little more daunting. Roundabouts are designed to make traffic conditions safer than traffic lights and allow traffic to flow slowly instead of stopping altogether.
- Always give priority to drivers who have already moved at the roundabout. They must come first.
- You have to choose the lane you want to use and stay there until you get out of the roundabout. Before entering a roundabout, pay attention to traffic signs that will direct you to the lane you should use; if the roundabout has multiple lanes. The far right lane is basically reserved for those who will turn right, while the left lane is used for those who will take one of three or more other roads.
- The most important thing to remember is to slow down and be careful until you master the situation at the roundabout. Try to keep an eye on the traffic around you and imitate what they are doing.
Step 2. Pay attention to the narrow path
On a two-lane road, one is always used in the opposite direction. You should always pay attention to the width of the road and position the vehicle close to the side of the road. Sometimes you may have to be a few inches off the road to allow vehicles from the opposite direction to pass you.
This step may be difficult to do on the road with a car parked on the side of the road. Sometimes you have to put your car on the side of the road and stop to allow traffic from the opposite direction to pass. Likewise, the locals will often let you pass first
Step 3. Drive defensively
Some countries have local customs that may violate traffic laws. Red lights may be obeyed more loosely and if the driver sees no passing cars, he may run through a red light. You will need to keep an eye on the applicable regulations, but can begin to adapt to local practices after carefully observing them. However, you are the only party responsible for your own safety and interests. So being more careful and defensive while driving may still be the best option.
Part 3 of 3: Driving Success
Step 1. Drive slower than usual
When you're learning to do something, slowing down is usually quite helpful and this is evident when you're adjusting to a new way of driving. Since you'll be looking at the road from a different perspective, it's possible that your reaction time will be slightly slower than usual. If you are driving at high speed, your slow reaction will make things worse.
While getting used to the new way of driving, don't hesitate to go slower. Other vehicles may be stuck tight behind you. So, it never hurts to occasionally pull the vehicle over to let them pass first. It's better to piss off some people and drive slowly for your first trip than to speed up but not be able to control the car well. This can cause an accident
Step 2. Minimize distractions
Many drivers tend to master driving skills well and often do a lot of things while driving. You're probably used to setting up your stereo system, looking at your phone to text or check navigation, reaching out behind your back to grab something in the back seat while driving. Don't do all that, focus on the road in front of you.
- Consider whether or not you should do things like this and it's best to do them before leaving.
- It would be better if you drive without listening to the radio on the first trip.
Step 3. Identify the route and make a navigation plan
When you first drive on the left, you may not know the road you are going to take. So, it is advisable to learn the basics on the way to be done.
Before starting your journey, study the map and try to get a clear idea of where you are going. If you can enable the audio navigation system on your phone or in the car, or GPS, then do it. By having a clear travel route, you can focus on driving properly
Step 4. Use the companion system
If possible, bring along other passengers who can help remind you to stay in the right lane while learning to drive on the opposite side of the road. It can also act as a navigator and help you find the right path. However, this option is not always available, but it would be a good idea if you could work it out.
- Having a travel companion is also very helpful when you need to park your car for the first time. You may have to park the cars in parallel, which is usually easier if you have someone to guide you.
- Also, if you're feeling nervous about this change in driving, having someone to talk to and calm you down will be invaluable.
Step 5. Be careful when leaving the parking lot
If you're used to driving on the right, then getting your car out of the parking lot means driving it to the lane closest to you. On roads with a left-hand drive system, you have to steer your car to the right and that means cutting off oncoming traffic. Make sure you look to the right (oncoming lane) before exiting into the left lane.
- It also means that exiting to the left means you're going to the nearest left lane, assuming the road only has two lanes. This will make you nervous at first. So try to be extra calm and extra careful to remind yourself what you're doing.
- Once you get used to the left-hand drive system, check the traffic a few more times to remind yourself exactly where you are and whether you're cutting off oncoming traffic to enter your lane.
Tips
- Take the time to study the traffic laws of the country you will be driving. Knowing how to drive a car isn't the only thing needed to be able to drive on the left side successfully. Learn about the area belonging to the road, traffic signs, and speed limits. Also check to see if there are laws that you must comply with even if they don't apply in your country. For example, drivers in France are required by law to wear a neon vest at night, while in Germany a first aid kit must be carried in the vehicle at all times.
- Many people find it helpful to stick a post-it or sticker on a window pane that says, “Drive on the left.” This way, you have constant reminders of your new position on the road.
