🚗 From the Right to the Left: An American’s Crash Course in British Driving (British Quirks 7/30)

One of the first truly disorienting moments I had after moving to the UK was stepping into a car and realizing… everything felt backward. The driver’s seat was on the right side. The gear stick (in a manual, no less) was to my left. And perhaps most jarringly, I was expected to drive on the left side of the road.

As an American, I grew up driving on the right like 70% of the world does. So, switching sides wasn’t just a mild adjustment—it was like suddenly being asked to eat soup with my non-dominant hand in a room full of people silently judging me.

🌍 Wait, Why Do They Drive on the Left Here?

Britain is one of a handful of countries that still drives on the left side of the road—others include Australia, India, Japan, Malta, and a few countries in Africa and the Caribbean. There's historical reasoning behind it: in medieval times, people traveled on the left so their sword hand (typically the right) would be closer to an approaching stranger. This tradition stuck, and was later standardized in Britain in the 18th century.

Meanwhile, in the U.S., we veered right—literally and figuratively—thanks in part to wagon design and traffic flow conventions in the 18th and 19th centuries. The divide widened, and now here we are, navigating the roads of history and habit.

🧠 The Mental Gymnastics of Left-Side Driving

If you’re used to driving on the right, adjusting to the UK’s roads can be nerve-racking. The roundabouts alone are enough to cause an existential crisis. Turning right means crossing lanes of oncoming traffic. Exiting a parking lot (or “car park”) can require a moment of mental math just to figure out where to point the car.

Even walking around as a pedestrian takes some recalibration—more than once I’ve looked the wrong way before crossing the street. (Pro tip: In many cities, “LOOK RIGHT” or “LOOK LEFT” is literally painted on the pavement for people like me.)

🛣️ But Then… the Roads Win You Over

Despite the early confusion and occasional near-miss, I have to say: Britain’s roads grow on you. The countryside is filled with winding, hedge-lined backroads that feel like something out of a storybook. You’ll drive past castles, sheep-dotted hillsides, cozy stone villages, and pubs that look like they’ve been unchanged for 300 years.

Sure, some of these roads are barely wide enough for one car (even though they’re two-way). And yes, you'll inevitably find yourself reversing half a mile to let a tractor pass. But there’s a kind of rhythm to it. The respect among drivers, the courteous headlight flashes and finger waves, the unspoken language of patience—it’s all part of the charm.

🚦 Tips for Surviving and Thriving on UK Roads

If you're an American living in or visiting the UK, here are a few tips I wish someone had spelled out clearly for me:

1. Take it slow: Speed limits are posted in miles per hour, which helps, but country roads can feel faster than they are.

2. Master the roundabout: Always yield to the right and go clockwise. It feels wrong at first—but trust me, it’s incredibly efficient once you get the hang of it.

3. Know your gears: Automatics are common in the U.S., but manuals are still widely used here. If you’re not confident with a stick shift, rent an automatic.

4. Sat-navs are your friend: British roads can be twisty, and signage can be inconsistent. A GPS or smartphone navigation app is invaluable.

5. Be courteous: Flashing your lights to let someone go, giving a little wave of thanks—these gestures go a long way here.

   
   

🚘 The Verdict: Worth the (Occasional) Panic

Driving on the left isn’t just about flipping your orientation—it’s about adapting to a whole different style of travel. It forces you to slow down, be present, and engage with your environment in a new way.

As much as I dreaded it at first, there’s something undeniably satisfying about mastering the skill. Now, when I hop behind the wheel and cruise through the Lake District or along the Jurassic Coast, I feel a little thrill of accomplishment. I’m still American, still getting confused at roundabouts from time to time—but I’ve learned to see the left side of the road as part of the adventure.

And honestly? I wouldn’t have it any other way.