Driving on the Left – Which Other Countries Do It?
One of the many factors to consider if you are considering moving from the UK to overseas is what side of the road motorists drive on. Driving on the left means the UK is in a minority, although there are a number of other countries where this is the norm as well.
The Moving Partnership offer removals from the UK to a host of other countries, including Scandinavia, other parts of Europe, and further afield. Here we look at the historical reasons for driving on the left, which countries (apart from the UK) do it, as well as some factors that you need to consider if you are thinking of taking your vehicle abroad with you.
Which Other Countries Keep to the Left?
There are 63 other countries which also drive on the left-hand side of the road in addition to the UK. These include many of the Caribbean islands (including Jamaica, Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda), countries in Africa (including Botswana, Malawi and Kenya), and some which are closer to the UK (such as Jersey, Guernsey, the Republic of Ireland).
Some of the larger countries that also follow this practice include Australia, New Zealand, Japan and South Africa. Many of these were part of the British Empire, or are now part of the Commonwealth, and simply followed Britain’s lead.
Why Did Driving on the Left Take Hold?
The generally accepted wisdom is that it dates back to the time when horsepower of the equine variety was the main way of getting around. Riders preferred to pass to the left of any oncoming horses – that way they could defend themselves more easily against any oncoming highwaymen.
Most people are right-handed, so their ‘sword arm’ would be nearest to the approaching horseman (or woman). The sword itself usually being in a sheath on the left side of the body so that a passer-by couldn’t steal it. Keeping to the left became a legal requirement for riders in the UK in the 18th and 19th centuries and, when the motor car came along, the same rules applied.
However, more than two out of every three countries drive on the right (including the Scandinavian countries). This is partly down to the influence of the French. Class distinctions there meant the rich aristocrats drove their horses and carriages on the left, forcing everyone else to ride on the right.
Napoleon’s 18th Century European conquests were another factor. He insisted his armies used the right-hand side of the road to avoid congestion in military manoeuvres. Countries who Napoleon invaded followed suit. And Napoleon himself was left-handed himself so preferred riding on the right.
If your new country doesn’t drive on the left, you will need to learn a whole new set of skills (even if you take your own car abroad) particularly when it comes to roundabouts and obeying speed limits. The limits could well be set in kilometres per hour rather than miles per hour. You will also have to get used to completely different road signs, and you will need to check your documentation (including insurance) to ensure you are legally entitled to drive your car in your new country.
Shipping it Abroad
There are also factors to consider if you are going to have it shipped abroad, including the make and model of the car, the distance it’s going to travel, and how flexible you can be with arrival dates. It will cost more if you specify a particular day. It may also work out cheaper if you ship it with your other possessions.
You may need to consider if it’s worth selling your car in this country and buying a new one when you arrive, or if you can rely on public transport when you arrive.
Removals from the UK to Scandinavia with The Moving Partnership
Talk to us at The Moving Partnership about your requirements – including on shipping vehicles abroad – if you need any advice on your move to Scandinavia or elsewhere in the world. To get in touch you can simply click on the ‘Contact Us’ pop-up link on our home page, and then fill in the online contact form.
Our network of contacts will help find you the right package at the right price, whether you are considering removals from the UK to the UAE, Canada or the USA, or any other international destinations.
