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Driving on the Right: How to Adjust and Safely Drive Abroad
In Singapore, we drive on the left, a practice inherited from British colonial rule. This makes driving in Singapore left-hand drive vehicles second nature. However, when travelling to countries where driving on the right is the norm, such as the USA, Canada, China, and most of Europe, adjusting can be challenging.
One of the biggest challenges of driving outside of your home country is adjusting to driving on what feels like the wrong side of the road, which can be disorienting at first.
If you’re planning to drive in a different country, whether for business or leisure, this guide will help you understand how to drive on the right side of the road safely and confidently in traffic.
Which Countries Drive on the Right?
While Singapore left-hand drive rules apply domestically, many other countries follow a right-hand driving system. Notable countries where you’ll need to adjust include:
- United States & Canada – Canada once drove on the left but switched to align with the USA.
- Most of Europe – Except for the UK, Ireland, Malta, and Cyprus.
- China & Russia – Both drive on the right-hand side.
In these countries, the driver's seat is typically on the left-hand side of the car, which can take some getting used to for those of us accustomed to right-hand drive vehicles.
If you’re visiting any of these countries, understanding right-of-way rules, road signs, and traffic lights is essential before hitting the road.
Tips for Driving on the Right Side of the Road
Adapting to right-hand driving requires mental and physical adjustments. Follow these 12 essential tips to drive safely and confidently:
1. Get the Right Car & Licence
If you're renting a car, opt for an automatic transmission to avoid struggling with changing gears using the opposite hand. Ensure you have an international driver’s licence (also known as International Driving Permit IDP), as many countries require one for tourists. Make sure you have travel insurance before you leave Singapore and ensure you have bought the appropriate rental car insurance from the car rental company.
2. Familiarise Yourself Before Driving
Choose a car rental location in a quieter area, away from busy airports or city centres, to practise before hitting traffic. Practise driving in a parking lot to get used to the driver’s seat position and vehicle controls. Drivers accustomed to driving on the left side may find it challenging to adapt to the different positioning of vehicle controls when driving on the right. So remember, if you are rushed for time, an automatic car may be an easier choice as you will be changing gears with the opposite hand.
3. Understand Road Rules & Lane Discipline
In right-hand driving countries, the right lane is the slow lane, while the left lane is for overtaking. On dual carriageways, stay in the right lane unless overtaking.
4. Stay Focused at Junctions & Roundabouts
Always check both sides before making turns. At roundabouts, yield to traffic from the left and remember that traffic moves counterclockwise. Use GPS navigation to stay focused on the road instead of searching for road signs.
5. Watch for Oncoming Traffic & Turns
Oncoming traffic will approach from your left, meaning left turns require crossing oncoming traffic—exercise caution. Pay attention to traffic lights and road signs, as they are placed on the right-hand side of the road. Red light rules differ—some countries allow right turns on red, while others do not.
6. Keep Your Position on the Road
Your right shoulder should be closest to the yellow lines or kerb to ensure you're in the correct lane. This helps prevent drifting into the opposite direction at turns or intersections.
7. Check Mirrors & Signal Early
Check your mirrors thoroughly before making a manoeuvre, and signal in advance to let other drivers know your intentions. Changing lanes requires extra attention to blind spots.
8. Drive Cautiously & Follow Speed Limits
Adjust your speed to match local speed limits, as they may differ from Singapore’s right-of-way regulations. Drive slowly at first and gradually build confidence.
9. Be Extra Careful When Driving Alone
Following other vehicles will naturally guide you into the correct lane. Be extra cautious when you're the only car on the road or in car parks, as it’s easier to revert to left-hand driving habits by mistake.
10. Use GPS & Travel with a Passenger
A GPS system helps you focus on the road instead of searching for directions. If possible, bring a passenger to assist with navigation and provide a second pair of eyes at junctions.
11. Adjust to Traffic Light & Signage Placement
Traffic signals will appear on the right-hand side, unlike in Singapore. Take extra care at intersections and pedestrian crossings, as these may also follow different right-of-way rules.
12. Stay Alert & Avoid Distractions
Driving in a foreign country requires heightened awareness. Avoid distractions, follow public road rules, and practise patience as you adjust to driving on the right.
Common Mistakes When Driving on the Right
Many Singapore left-hand drive motorists make simple but dangerous mistakes when switching to right-hand driving. Here are some key ones to avoid:
- Entering the wrong lane at intersections – Be mindful of the correct side of the road. Many drivers find it challenging to adjust to driving on what feels like the wrong side of the road, leading to mistakes such as entering the wrong lane at intersections.
- Reaching for the wrong controls – The steering wheel and indicators may be reversed.
- Parking lot confusion – Enter and exit parking spaces on the correct side.
- Drifting into the wrong lane – This can happen when making a turn at a junction.
Right of Way Rules in Singapore vs. Right-Hand Driving Countries
Understanding right of way rules is crucial when driving in a foreign country. Some key differences include:
| Scenario | Singapore (Left-Hand Drive) | Right-Hand Driving Countries |
|---|---|---|
| Lane discipline | Keep left, overtake right | Keep right, overtake left |
| Roundabout direction | Clockwise | Counterclockwise |
| Oncoming traffic | From the right | From the left |
| Fast lane | Right lane | Left lane |
| Left turns | No crossing oncoming traffic | Must cross oncoming traffic |
Conclusion
Switching from Singapore left-hand drive to driving on the right requires awareness and practice. By understanding lane discipline, right-of-way rules, and traffic signals, you can drive confidently in any right-hand driving country.
