Which countries drive on the left side of the road

Last Updated: 08 Oct 2025
Read time: 3 minutes

Written by: Deirbhile Coyle
Insurance Writer

Written in line with our Editorial Guidelines

If you’re going overseas and plan to do some driving, then you may be wondering which countries drive on the left side of the road. Perhaps the most notable destination for British tourists which doesn’t follow this rule is the USA, but there are in fact many others where you could be caught out…

Why do countries drive on different sides of the road?

There are numerous reasons why countries have different road rules and drive on different sides of the road. Mainly it comes down to historical reasons as well as the difficulty of changing such rules and driving habits after generations of motorists have gotten used to them.

A common reason why countries may drive on the left of the road is through historical ties and interactions with the UK. Many countries that drive on the left side of the road are, or were, part of the commonwealth. Since the UK has historically driven on the left side of the road, this practice was also adopted by many former colonies. For example, India, Australia, and New Zealand all drive on the left side of the road. It is also very difficult to change these rules as there is little real desire to do so.

Why do some countries drive on the right?

In contrast to left-hand drives, some countries drive on the right side of the road for the same historical reasons. In the Napoleonic era, riders drove horse and carriage on the right side of the road and this is why most countries in continental Europe now drive their cars on the right side of the road due to historical French influence.

The terrain of a country can also influence the side of the road that motorists drive on as it is safer to drive on the left side of the road in mountainous terrain for example as you get a better view of oncoming traffic.

What countries drive on the left side of the road?

Here are a list of countries that drive on the left side of the road by continent. Some of these are common holiday destinations for British tourists which drive on the left side of the road.

Countries that drive on the left in Europe

• Cyprus
• Ireland
• Malta

Countries in Asia that drive on the left

• Thailand
• Vietnam
• Singapore
• Hong Kong
• India
• Indonesia
• Japan
• Malaysia
• Nepal

Australasia countries that drive on the left

• Australia
• New Zealand
• Fiji
• Samoa
• Cook Islands
• Tonga
• Vanuatu
• Papua New Guinea

African countries that drive on the left

• South Africa
• Kenya
• Nigeria
• Tanzania
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe

Caribbean countries that drive on the left

• Belize
• Barbados
• Bermuda
• Cayman Islands
• Trinidad
• Jamaica
• British Virgin Islands

What countries drive on the right-hand side of the road?

Continental Europe drives on the right side, and virtually all of the Americas with the exception of Belize. Most Caribbean nations drive on the left, and virtually all former British colonies and protectorates with the exception of Canada.

Our full list of countries that drive on the left

Why you should take out insurance when going overseas

When going overseas, most people just think of taking out a travel insurance policy for their belongings and luggage. However if you are planning on driving in a foreign country then it’s strongly advised that you take out a car insurance policy. Many rental services overseas will include car insurance coverage in their rental costs however you should always check this before driving.