Travelers, tips for driving in countries where cars travel the left side of the road?

Question

I may travel to Australia from the US. What do I need to drive there? Rent a car and go? Or are there other requirements?

And do you have tips for learning to drive on the left side of the road? (Australia, Britain anywhere it's an issue)

I'm looking for answers from people who've actually traveled to these places. Thanks.

Answer 1

I am also English and living in Mexico for many years and driving is on the right. When I return to and am driving in England(I have my US driving license which is OK for there) I have to be very careful. So I choose to drive quite slowly. Problems occur if there is an emergency situation then my immediate instinct is to relapse to right side driving and I find myself on the wrong side of the road. Also when coming to a junction and needing to turn right I have to correct my instinct to turn in the the first lane - where of course I will meet oncoming traffic. I think it helps a lot to drive slowly and to have someone with you to correct you if..... I keep a mantra going in my head - "drive on the left". But it's more of a problem if you have, say, a US car, and you have to drive it on the left side of the road.

Answer 2

I'm not really sure about that... but i think you should have an international driving license first to allowed you to drive in a foreign country...

...driving on the left side of the road will be the same like when you driving a car on the right side... i think you just need to get used to about traffic regulations that will be a little bit different than the US...

hope it's help... and have a nice trip...

Answer 3

Well, in America, where driving on the right started, we wanted to be closer to the middle of the road, but the Europeans felt if you hit each other accidently, going opposite directions, you'd have a better chance of not getting hurt if both drivers were on the outside of each other. The controller of the vehicle was much more important than the passengers, for vehicle control purposes. It makes sense if you think about it, but I would not be able to drive that way. Thats because I was born and raised in America. I hope this was of some help.

Answer 4

No requirements whatsoever except age (for insurance purposes) if you are over the age limit than there is no problem. We drove in Australia, Britain New Zeland, all on the left side. It takes awhile to get adjusted and not sway to the wrong direction
when a car comes opposite you. We try, if possible, to use for the first two hours (at least) to drive on a four lane road, i.e. two lanes on each side that give your brain time to adjust you are driving on the "wrong side". My partner says he prefers to drive on the left side much easier for him,.

Answer 5

I am English live in the US, but go back and forth a lot. It takes me a while to adjust to driving in the UK again, its worth checking on all the road and parking signs and remember the roundabouts. You should have no problems renting a car on holiday, I rent one every year in England with a US drivers licence - it is easier however, if you have an international licence.
Have fun.

Answer 6

just go slow - it's better to make someone behind you a little mad than to get in a wreck.

i rented a car in the Bahamas - where they drive on the left BUT the rental was a normal american car with the steering wheel on the Left .

it was extremely hard for me at intersections when i was turning right. (you feel like you are back in drivers training classes starting all over). I had my son in the front passenger seat help "guide" me. lol

Answer 7

Definately don't drive on the right side.

Answer 8

Make sure you've got plenty of insurance.

Answer 9

GET YOURSELF A GUN PERMIT QUICK, WHEN YOUR OUT THERE PURCHASE A GUN,GOOD LUCK