Is the UK Left-Hand Drive?

No. The United Kingdom drives on the left side of the road, and most vehicles are right-hand drive (steering wheel on the right). In other words, the UK is not “left-hand drive” in vehicle terms; it is a left-side-driving country where right-hand-drive cars are standard.

Understanding the Terms

The phrase “left-hand drive” can be confusing because it refers to vehicles, not road position. A left-hand-drive (LHD) vehicle has the steering wheel on the left; a right-hand-drive (RHD) vehicle has it on the right. Separately, countries either drive on the left or right side of the road. In the UK, traffic keeps left, so drivers sit on the right for better visibility of oncoming traffic and road edges.

Where the UK Stands

Across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, traffic keeps to the left, and the vast majority of vehicles are right-hand drive. Crown Dependencies such as the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands also drive on the left. Speed limits are posted in miles per hour, distances in miles, and roundabouts circulate clockwise with priority typically given to traffic already on the roundabout (from the right).

Historical Context

The UK’s left-side driving tradition traces back centuries, often linked to customs dating to horseback and carriage travel, where keeping left allowed right-handed riders and drivers to meet oncomers defensively. This convention was codified over time and carried into the motor era, aligning the driver’s position on the right side of the vehicle to maximize sightlines for overtaking and junction visibility.

Vehicle Configuration and Legality

Right-hand-drive vehicles are the norm in the UK. Left-hand-drive cars are legal to own and operate, but owners may need headlight adjustments (or beam deflectors) to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic and should expect potential differences in insurance pricing and parts availability. Most rental fleets in the UK are RHD; LHD rentals are uncommon.

Practical Tips for Visitors Driving in the UK

If you’re planning to drive in the UK—especially if you’re used to right-side driving—these key points will help you adapt more safely and comfortably.

1. Keep left at all times and overtake on the right; return to the left lane after passing.
2. Approach roundabouts with care: circulate clockwise and give way to traffic from your right.
3. Mind speed limits in mph; common limits include 30 mph in built-up areas, 60 mph on single carriageways, and 70 mph on dual carriageways and motorways unless signed otherwise.
4. Look right first when entering traffic and when crossing roads on foot; pedestrians and drivers often misjudge this initially.
5. Use headlights appropriately; rural roads can be narrow and unlit, and hedgerows can limit sightlines.
6. If driving an LHD vehicle, take extra care when overtaking and at tolls, car parks, and drive-throughs designed for RHD vehicles.

Following these habits will make transitions smoother and reduce the risk of common errors made by drivers accustomed to right-side systems.

Other Countries That Drive on the Left

The UK is part of a global minority that drives on the left. Below are some notable places where left-side traffic is standard, which can help travelers anticipate similar driving patterns.

• Ireland
• Australia
• New Zealand
• Japan
• India
• Pakistan
• Bangladesh
• South Africa
• Kenya
• Malaysia
• Singapore
• Hong Kong
• Cyprus
• Malta
• Thailand

While these regions share left-side driving, local road rules, signage, and enforcement vary, so always review country-specific guidance before driving.

Bottom Line

The UK is a left-side-driving country, and its standard vehicles are right-hand drive. Visitors can legally drive LHD cars, but RHD vehicles align better with UK roads and infrastructure. Plan for mph speed limits, clockwise roundabouts with priority to the right, and left-lane discipline on multi-lane roads.

Summary

The UK is not left-hand drive in vehicle terms: it drives on the left, with right-hand-drive cars as the norm. LHD vehicles are allowed but less convenient. Understanding the left-side system, roundabout rules, and mph speed limits will help ensure safer, smoother travel on UK roads.

Is the USA left-hand drive?

Yes, most vehicles in the United States are left-hand drive because the U.S. drives on the right side of the road, a practice that became standard in Colonial America. The driver’s position on the left provides better visibility of oncoming traffic and makes it easier to safely pull out from parallel parking. An exception is the U.S. Virgin Islands, where drivers travel on the left, but cars still have their steering wheels on the left, which is a unique situation.
 
Why the U.S. uses left-hand drive cars:

• Right-hand travel: The U.S. adopted right-hand driving early on, with New York instituting the rule for public highways in 1804. 
• Visibility: Having the steering wheel on the left allows drivers to better see oncoming traffic that is coming from the left. 
• Historical factors: The tradition of right-hand driving may stem from large, bulky Conestoga wagons and a resistance to British customs, which favored left-hand traffic. 

Where it’s different:

• U.S. Virgin Islands: Opens in new tabThis U.S. territory drives on the left side of the road, though their vehicles still have the steering wheel on the left. 
• Specialized Vehicles: Opens in new tabA small number of specialized U.S. vehicles, such as mail delivery vehicles, may be built with right-hand drive to improve functionality for the driver. 

Where to see right-hand drive cars: 

• In countries like the United Kingdom, Japan, India, and Australia, which drive on the left side of the road.

Is the UK left or right-hand drive?

The United Kingdom is a left-hand drive country, meaning traffic drives on the left side of the road and most cars have the steering wheel on the right side of the vehicle. This practice is a remnant of long-standing historical traditions, possibly dating back to the Romans, and is a characteristic shared with about 30% of the world’s countries.
 
Historical Roots

• Pre-Roman and Roman Eras: The practice of driving on the left may have been established by the Romans, with evidence suggesting they also used left-hand traffic. 
• Medieval Times: Knights, being predominantly right-handed, would naturally hold their lances in their right hand for combat, keeping their left side to the horse and the opponent, a tradition that continued on horseback. 
• Wagon Drivers: When large wagons for transporting goods became popular in the late 1700s, the driver would often sit on a horse in the middle of the team, using their whip hand to control the horses from the left, which kept their right hand free. 

Left-Hand Traffic (LHT) and RHT

• Left-Hand Traffic (LHT): Countries that drive on the left use the LHT system. 
• Right-Hand Traffic (RHT): Countries that drive on the right use the RHT system. 
• Global Majority: Most of the world’s countries, including the United States, Canada, and much of Europe, have switched to RHT, with the United Kingdom and other countries like Australia, India, and Japan still following LHT. 

Are all UK cars left-hand drive?

While left-hand drive cars are less common in the UK, they are available for purchase, often at lower prices than their right-hand drive counterparts. However, resale value tends to be lower as most UK drivers prefer RHD vehicles.

What side is the steering wheel on in the UK?

In LHT, traffic keeps left and cars usually have the steering wheel on the right (RHD: right-hand drive) and roundabouts circulate clockwise. RHT is the opposite: traffic keeps right, the driver usually sits on the left side of the car (LHD: left-hand drive), and roundabouts circulate counterclockwise.