Which Countries Drive on the Left Side of the Road?
If you’ve ever travelled abroad and found yourself on the ‘wrong’ side of the road, you’re not alone. While most of the world drives on the right, around 30% of countries still follow the left-hand traffic system. But why is this the case, and where exactly do people drive on the left? Let’s take a closer look.
Why Do Some Countries Drive on the Left?
The reason behind left-hand driving dates back to ancient times. In medieval Europe, people rode horses and used carts on the left side to keep their dominant right hand free—whether for greeting others or for self-defence. This tradition continued until the late 18th century, when Napoleon introduced right-side driving in many parts of Europe.
The British, however, kept to the left, and as the British Empire expanded, this driving practice spread to its colonies. Today, many former British territories still drive on the left.
Which Countries Drive on the Left?
Here’s a breakdown of some key regions where left-hand driving is still the norm:
1. The UK and Ireland
The UK has been driving on the left for centuries, and Ireland follows the same system.
2. Australia and New Zealand
Both countries inherited left-hand driving from British rule.
In Australia, road signs and speed limits are clearly marked, making it easier for visitors to adapt.
3. Asia: India, Japan, and More
India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka all drive on the left due to British colonial influence.
Japan is an interesting case—it was never a British colony, but left-hand driving was introduced in the 19th century during railway development with British engineers.
4. Africa: South Africa, Kenya, and Others
Many African countries that were once British colonies still drive on the left, including South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, and Botswana.
5. The Caribbean
Islands such as Jamaica, Barbados, and Trinidad & Tobago follow left-hand driving, again due to British influence.
6. Some Surprising Countries
Thailand drives on the left, despite not being colonised by the British.
Indonesia also follows left-hand traffic, influenced by Dutch colonial rule, which had already adopted British driving customs.
Switching from Right to Left: A Historical Shift
A few countries have switched from right-hand to left-hand driving or vice versa. For example:
Sweden used to drive on the left but switched to the right in 1967 in an event known as “Dagen H” (H Day).
Samoa moved from right-hand to left-hand driving in 2009 to align with neighbouring Australia and New Zealand, making vehicle imports easier.
Tips for Driving in a Left-Hand Country
- If you're used to right-hand driving and find yourself in a country where cars drive on the left, here are some tips:
- Stay alert at intersections – It’s easy to instinctively look the wrong way when crossing or turning.
- Use rental cars with automatic transmission – This reduces the challenge of shifting gears with your non-dominant hand.
- Follow local drivers – If in doubt, observe how locals navigate the roads.
- Be extra cautious at roundabouts – Traffic flows clockwise in left-hand driving countries, which can be disorienting at first.
Whether you're planning a road trip in the UK, exploring the beaches of Australia, or navigating the streets of Tokyo, knowing which countries drive on the left can help you stay safe and confident behind the wheel.
So, next time you travel, will you be driving on the left or the right? Either way, buckle up and enjoy the ride!
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