The bulk of countries that drive on the left are former British colonies including South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Only four countries in Europe still drive on the left and they are all islands. They consist of the UK, the Republic of Ireland, Malta and Cyprus.
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Why does Japan drive on the left?
Following Japan’s defeat during World War II, the Japanese prefecture of Okinawa came under American rule, which meant that the island was required to drive on the right. In 1978 once the area was returned to Japan, the drivers also returned to the left side of the road.
Is UK left side drive?
Conversely, driving on the left-hand side of the road usually implies that the driver’s seat is on the right-hand side of the car.
List of all left- & right-driving countries around the world.
| Country / state / territory | drive(s) on the | left / right |
|---|---|---|
| England | drives on the | left |
Does Canada drive on the left?
What side of the road does Canada drive on? Like most of the world, Canadians drive on the right-hand side of the road. If this is your first time driving on the right, spend some time getting used to it on smaller side roads.
Why does England drive on the left?
Have you ever wondered why the British drive on the left? There is an historical reason for this; it’s all to do with keeping your sword hand free!Most people are right-handed, so if a stranger passed by on the right of you, your right hand would be free to use your sword if required.
Why does India drive on the right?
Left-hand driving was made mandatory in Britain in 1835. Countries which were part of the British Empire followed suit. This is why to this very day, India, Australasia and the former British colonies in Africa go left.It wasn’t until Napoleon conquered the Netherlands that the Dutch started driving on the right.
Why do Americans drive on the right?
Drivers tended to sit on the right so they could ensure their buggy, wagon, or other vehicle didn’t run into a roadside ditch.Thus, most American cars produced before 1910 were made with right-side driver seating, although intended for right-side driving.
Does Scotland drive on the left?
What side of the road do I drive on in Scotland? Always drive on the left hand side of the road.
Why did Sweden drive on the left?
Sweden initiated the driving change in part because its neighbors already drove on the right side of the road. Many members of the Swedish parliament also argued that the left-hand vehicles Swedes drove had caused too many head-on collisions.
Did Ireland always drive on the left?
This is why to this very day, India, Australasia, and the former British colonies in Africa go left. Ireland was part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland from 1801 to 1922, and so we too drove on the left and still do, to this day!
What is the world’s most populous country that drives on the left?
India. While smaller than Australia in area at 1.27 million square miles, India’s population is significantly higher at 1.37 billion, which makes it the largest left-driving country in the world by population.
Does New Zealand drive on the right?
we drive on the left-hand side of the road. it’s easy to underestimate travelling times. our roads are narrower, more winding and sometimes steeper than you might expect. our roads are mostly two-way, with one lane in each direction – we have few motorways.
Is Japan right or left hand drive?
In Japan, vehicles usually drive on the left-hand side of the road. Be sure to obey any signs that indicate a speed limit. The legal speed limit is 60 km per hour on general roads and 100 km per hour on expressways.
What side of the road does China drive on?
In mainland China, traffic drives on the right-hand side of the road. Various neighbors — Hong Kong, Macau, India, Nepal and Pakistan — drive on the left. The official driving code in the People’s Republic of China is the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People’s Republic of China (中华人民共和国道路交通安全法)[1].
Why Driving on the left is better?
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There’s a reason for this. Most people are right-handed, so by driving on the left, that’d place their stronger hand in the best position to greet those coming the other way, or whack them with a sword, as seemed most appropriate.
What side of the road do British drive on?
left
Know the reasons how driving on the left side of the road came about in the United Kingdom. Learn why the British drive on the left side of the road.
Why does Thailand drive on the left?
The reason why Thailand drives on the left side of the road is that the first car in Thailand was a gift from the Royal Family of England to the King of Thailand back in the 1900s. Since the United Kingdom drives on the left side of the road, the car given was made for left-hand driving.
Does Australia drive on the left?
The bulk of countries that drive on the left are former British colonies including South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Only four countries in Europe still drive on the left and they are all islands. They consist of the UK, the Republic of Ireland, Malta and Cyprus.
Can an American drive in Scotland?
Requirements. Drive in Scotland using your United States driver’s license or an international driving permit.Although any qualified person age 18 or older can drive on public roads in the United Kingdom, rental companies require drivers to be at least 21or older.
Are French cars left hand drive?
The French drive on the right side of the road, like most European countries. If you’re hiring a car and haven’t driven on the right before you will have to get used to the steering wheel being on the left-hand side of the vehicle. Start out driving defensively until you get used to it.
When did Canada stop driving on the left?
Canada abandoned the left side of the road in the 1920s to facilitate traffic to and from the United States. In 1967, meanwhile, the government of Sweden spent around $120 million preparing its citizens to begin driving on the right.