Which Countries Drive on the Left? [Full List]

Around 76 countries & territories drive on the left side of the road, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, India, South Africa, and many former British colonies.

If you’re planning to rent a car abroad, knowing which countries drive on the left is essential to avoid confusion, wrong turns, or accidents at the first junction.

It’s believed that driving on the left originated due to the medieval tradition of fighting with a sword. Later, Napoleon’s influence spread throughout most of Europe to create right-hand driving.

Countries That Drive on the Left (Full List)

Here is the complete list of countries and territories where traffic flows on the left side of the road:

Europe

• United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)
• Ireland
• Malta
• Cyprus
• Guernsey
• Jersey
• Isle of Man

Asia

• Japan
• India
• Pakistan
• Indonesia
• Thailand
• Malaysia
• Singapore
• Sri Lanka
• Bangladesh
• Nepal
• Bhutan
• Brunei
• Timor-Leste (East Timor)
• Maldives
• Macau
• Hong Kong

Oceania / Pacific

• Australia
• New Zealand
• Fiji
• Papua New Guinea
• Samoa
• Tonga
• Solomon Islands
• Kiribati
• Tuvalu
• Nauru
• Vanuatu
• Niue
• Cook Islands
• Tokelau

Africa

• South Africa
• Kenya
• Tanzania
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe
• Botswana
• Namibia
• Lesotho
• Eswatini (Swaziland)
• Malawi
• Mauritius
• Seychelles
• Mozambique
• Uganda

Americas & Caribbean

• Jamaica
• The Bahamas
• Barbados
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Dominica
• Grenada
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Guyana
• Suriname
• Anguilla
• British Virgin Islands
• Cayman Islands
• Montserrat
• Turks and Caicos Islands
• United States Virgin Islands

Why Do Some Countries Drive On The Left Side?

Countries, including the United Kingdom, drive on the left side due to a medieval practice. The custom dates back centuries, when knights who rode horses would keep their right arm free in case they needed to draw their sword at another horseman. 

From this tradition, knights would mount their horses from the left side as well.

According to Historic UK, when large wagons became popular for transporting goods in the late 1700s, they were drawn by several pairs of horses and had no driver’s seat. The driver sat on the horse at the back left, thus keeping his whip hand free to control the horses.

However, these wagons were not called much in Britain & the smaller British vehicles had driver seats behind the horses. Since most people are right-handed, the driver would sit to the right so his whip hand was free.

Later, after Napoleon’s rule, many countries in Europe began driving on the right side of the road because he was left-handed. However, England continued to drive on the left and spread the left-hand driving to many of its colonies around the world. 

Japan also adopted the left-hand driving rule independently of England, influenced by samurai customs & early railway standards borrowed from Britain.

Which Countries Drive On The Right Side?

The majority of the countries, about 163, drive on the right side of the road. These countries include the United States of America, Canada, Mexico, most of Europe (i.e., France, Germany, Italy, Spain, etc.), China, Russia, Brazil, South Korea, and so many others!

Part of the reason why Americans drive on the right side of the road could be no loyalty and obligation to follow Britain’s left-side lead.

Also Read: Why Are Nissan Skylines Illegal In The United States?

Is Driving on the Left Safer Than Driving on the Right?

There is no definitive evidence to suggest that one type or side of traffic is inherently safer. The accident rate is much less dependent on the orientation of traffic than on the road quality, driver training, and road layout. 

Some studies show that left-hand traffic in right-hand drive vehicles provides the driver with a better view of oncoming traffic since they sit closer to the centre line. 

Some drivers also prefer aspects of driving in right-hand traffic because it feels more intuitive to them as they are right-handed while performing certain manoeuvres. 

Ultimately, both types of traffic should provide the same level of safety.

Driving Tips If You Are Visiting a Left-Hand Traffic Country

As a visitor to a country that adopts left-hand traffic rules, driving in a left-hand traffic zone may require more focus, especially when you’re new to it.

Try these:

• Use an automatic transmission vehicle, if you can, to reduce your level of difficulty with driving the vehicle effectively.
• Practice in a quiet area of town before venturing onto the busy roads within the community to become familiar with the rules.
• To navigate roundabouts, yield to vehicles already travelling in the roundabout and proceed in a counter-clockwise direction.
• Always look to the right, left, and then right again before proceeding through an intersection or pulling out from a parked position.
• Verify your rental vehicle insurance policy provides coverage while operating a rental vehicle in the country you will be visiting.

Generally, the driver of a vehicle with left-hand traffic rules operates from the right side of the vehicle, while the passenger operates from the left side.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many countries drive on the left?

Around 76 countries and territories drive on the left, which cover about 35% of the world’s population.

Which European countries drive on the left?

The United Kingdom, Ireland, Malta, Cyprus, Guernsey, Jersey, and the Isle of Man drive on the left side of the road.

Which countries in Asia drive on the left?

Japan, India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Brunei, Timor-Leste, Maldives, Macau, and Hong Kong drive on the left.

Which country switched from left to right driving?

On September 3, 1967, Sweden switched from left-hand traffic to right-hand traffic as part of an event named “Dagen H.“

How does LHD affect car insurance?

Left-hand drive (LHD) vehicles may raise insurance premiums as they have a higher risk of accidents in countries with right-hand traffic.

Why did Canada switch to the right side of the road?

Canada aligned with the United States in the 1920s to drive on the right, simplifying cross-border travel & trade.

Final Say

I have always driven on the right side of the road, but I’ve driven with my family in a right-hand drive car, cruising on the left. I’m sure most people may find it inconvenient to switch, but you just have to get used to it.

Regardless of whether you travel to England, Australia, Nepal, or Japan, knowing which side of the street vehicles operate on is essential for a safe and enjoyable experience.

Let us know in the comments your experience with driving in the opposite lane!