Key Highlights
- About 25% of countries in the world drive on the left side of the road. This comes from the road rules started by the British Empire and is still seen in many old colonies.
- The United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, and India are some of the biggest places where people drive on the left side of the road.
- Old customs helped shape these habits. People liked moving on the left for safety. For example, knights wanted to keep their sword arm free, so they used the left side.
- Driving rules change from place to place, where left-hand drive (LHD) vehicles have their steering wheel on the right side.
- Moving to left side driving can affect car insurance prices and how cars are built. This matters most when you bring in a car to a country where most people drive on the right side of the road.
- Many tourist spots with left-hand traffic include some European countries and South Pacific islands. So, people should know these road rules and what to expect before they get driving in these places.
Have you ever had to drive a car on what you think is the “wrong side of the road”? Many people from America find it odd to drive on the left side when they go to other places. In countries where you drive on the left side of the road, the steering wheel is often on the right side of the car. This lets drivers see oncoming traffic better and makes it easier to spot road signs. This way of driving did not just happen by accident. The left side rule comes from old history and things left behind by colonial times. Now, let’s look at the parts of the world where people drive on the left side of the road.
Comprehensive List of Countries That Drive on the Left
Left-hand traffic spans across continents, from Europe to Asia, Africa to Oceania, and even parts of the Americas. The tradition began with historical practices tied to horseback riding and the British Empire’s colonial reach. For example, in European countries like Malta and Cyprus, driving on the left is standard practice, while in Asia, nations such as Japan and Thailand follow this rule.
The table below organizes the complete list of left-driving countries by regions to help you better understand where left-hand road rules are practiced.
| Region | Countries Practicing Left-Hand Traffic |
|---|---|
| Europe | United Kingdom, Malta, Cyprus, Isle of Man, Ireland |
| Africa | South Africa, Botswana, Mauritius, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Mozambique |
| Asia | Japan, India, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Pakistan |
| Oceania | Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Tonga |
| Americas | Guyana, Jamaica, Bahamas, Barbados, Suriname, Cayman Islands |
1. United Kingdom
The United Kingdom, which is made up of Great Britain, is well-known for people driving on the left side of the road. The tradition goes all the way back to the 18th century. People say that on busy London Bridge, law enforcement made everyone move to the left side. This helped keep the horse-drawn carriages and people walking safe and moving better.
In the UK, the steering wheel is on the right side of the car. That helps the driver see oncoming traffic and the road signs and speed limits more easily. Tourists who come to see sights such as Buckingham Palace will need time to get used to this way of driving.
Most of Europe drives on the right, but there are places like Malta and the Isle of Man that still drive on the left like the UK. This shows how the UK still influences some countries. If you are planning a trip to England and want to drive, check the speed limits and other rules. Be ready for a true British road trip in the United Kingdom.
2. Australia
In Australia, people drive on the left side of the vehicle. For the people who live here, this is normal. The roads and signs here make it easy for everyone to follow this way of driving. In busy cities like Sydney or when you go out into the wide, open Outback, it is the left side that people stick to. This makes the roads in one of the world’s largest islands work well, and it helps traffic move without trouble.
If you visit Australia, you should check if your own car matches what is allowed here. When you sit in a car in Australia, you use your left hand to change gear. This feels different if you are used to driving on the right side of the vehicle. Here, the steering wheel is made to be on the right side, so you can see oncoming traffic better and keep safe.
Everywhere in Australia, including places like Christmas Island and Norfolk Island, people follow these road rules. If you plan to get car insurance for a rental, you will want to think about things like changes in steering or driving where the land is not what you know. Driving in Australia is full of fun and adventure, but it always comes with that left side curve.
3. Japan
Japan’s roads show careful traffic control. Oncoming traffic always goes on the left-hand side. Even in busy cities like Tokyo, this rule helps drivers have good visibility on public roads and in private lanes. This left-side system comes from Japan’s history with Britain.
Japan makes its cars with the steering wheel on the right side. If you rent an LHD vehicle or drive a car made in Japan, you need to get used to driving like this, for both multi-lane highways and sharp turns. If you learn the road signs before you start, it will help make this change easier.
This left-side rule is not just for the cities in Japan. It works everywhere, from Okinawa to quiet countryside streets. If you are not from Japan, driving on the opposite side can be confusing. You need to be ready for lots of intersections and busy city traffic. Always follow the left-hand rules to drive well in Japan.
4. India
India’s busy roads show a lot of differences. There are always many people, quick turns, and you need to drive on the left side. India follows this rule because it was once part of the british empire. That is why the steering wheel is on the right side in cars. This helps people stay safe, especially at intersections or when meeting oncoming traffic.
If you drive in india, you will find some things tough, especially for tourists. You have to get used to driving with the steering wheel on the right side. This is very important in big, busy cities like Delhi and Mumbai. Cars made for india are built for this. There are clear signs to show speed limits, and gear controls are set in a way to fit these rules.
When people travel through rural areas in india, the roads may be unfinished or messy. Knowing and following all local driving rules helps you get by better. No matter if you want to see religious places or enjoy the country’s villages, left-side driving is a big part of life in india. This rule gives every visitor a special experience.
5. South Africa
South Africa has many different landscapes. There are sandy coasts and green hills. People there need to drive on the left side. When you drive on the left, you see more clearly out the right side of the car. This can be safer for everyone. There are less accidents, even on roads with lots of turns or wild animals. Drivers have to react fast sometimes, so having good vision on that side helps.
If you take a road trip in Cape Town or Pretoria, you should get the right car insurance. Being ready before you drive is always good. There may be many surprises on mountain or beach roads. It can feel odd for first-time visitors to drive a car with the wheel on the right if they are not used to it. Local vehicles work better on these African roads.
When people drive through the national parks, they will see that South Africa uses clear road signs. These signs help drivers move easily around Africa and feel safe. If you feel worried, go over the driving rules and car instructions before you leave. Some faraway roads might be hard in new ways, so get used to them early. Clever thinking helps get through tricky parts of the journey. When you travel across South Africa, you could drive through small villages and big city areas. Good roads help you keep moving. New visitors can handle tough road conditions if they try to understand the area and stay aware as they drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do these countries drive on the left?
Many countries where people drive on the left side of the road do this because of old British habits. In the past, it was thought to be safer for people who use their right hand to meet oncoming traffic in this way. Some countries also chose to drive on the left to stay the same as their past colonial rules or to help with making road safety better.
How does left-hand driving affect car design?
Left-hand driving affects how cars are made. The steering wheel, mirrors, and doors need to be set up to be safe and easy for people to use. Cars made for these roads also have to go along with traffic from the left side. This changes how a car feels to drive and how people use it every day in countries where they drive on the left.