The only difference between a right and left hand drive car is the location of the primary driving components such as the steering wheel and pedals. For this reason many car manufactures design and create cars for both sides. However, the available left hand drive cars usually don’t match the production amounts of the right hand models. This is because the majority of the world’s population drives on the right. Traveling abroad to any of the many nations that require a left hand car can cause tourist problems.
If you plan to rent a car when you are visiting any of these countries you should be aware of the fact that a right hand car probably won’t be available. In fact, in most places where they drive left hand it is illegal to drive using a right hand car. Places such as Poland for example may not allow drivers to register their right hand cars. Something else to consider is the insurance cost of a left hand car in a right hand area. Not only the cost but even finding a insurer can be nearly impossible.
Here is a partial list of countries where they drive on the left hand:
1. Anguilla
2. Antigua and Barbuda
3. Australia
4. Bahamas
5. Bangladesh
6. Barbados
7. Bermuda
8. Bhutan
9. Botswana
10. Brunei
11. Cayman Islands
12. Christmas Island
(Australia)
13. Cook Islands
14. Cyprus
15. Dominica
16. East Timor
17. Falkland
Islands
18. Fiji
19. Grenada
20. Guernsey (Channel Islands)
21. Guyana
22. Hong Kong
23. India
24. Indonesia
25. Ireland
26. Isle of Man
27. Jamaica
28. Japan
Learning to drive using a left drive car may be the best option for someone who will be placed in the position of having to drive on the left. Sure, the same driving rules are in effect no matter which side you are on but the feel is completely different. Think about which way you stick your head out of the window at the fast food place or when you pay a toll on a toll booth. No image the same scenario but this time view yourself from the passengers side. Since everything is on the other side in left hand drive sections, you can see how that would be awkward.
Volkswagen’s most successful model, the sixth-generation Golf is made for both left and right hand while the Ford Falcon is exclusively right hand. Other popular models for left hand drive include the Toyota Camry, Nissan Infiniti, Land Rover Discovery, BMW 525, BMW 316, KIA Carival, Renault CLIO 1. 2, the Citroen Picasso 1. 6 and the coveted BMW 340. The Cadillac CTS-V is also strictly designed for left hand and may be very difficult to find outside of certain countries.
Certain cars models can also be converted over to the other side by professional mechanics. Someone relocating over seas may find it less expensive to have their car converted instead of purchasing a new one. Conversion kits are on the market for anyone knowledgeable enough to make the necessary changes themselves but for safety purposes it is advised to take it to a professional.
The steering wheel, dashboard and pedals are the primary parts included in such kits. Another option would be to import the proper hand car to your area. Finding a mechanic who can make repairs on either hand car certainly isn’t difficult considering they both function the same way. However their may be additional cost added for importing specialty parts.
