📄 How to Drive in Europe: Tips for Driving on the Opposite Side of the Road

How to Drive in Europe: A Guide for First-Time Drivers on the Opposite Side of the Road Driving in Europe can be an exciting experience, but for many drivers, it also comes with a big challenge: driving on the opposite side of the road. If you’ve never done it before, it can feel confusing at first—but with the right preparation, it quickly becomes manageable and even enjoyable. This guide explains what to do before you travel, what to expect once you arrive, and how to stay safe while driving abroad. Before You Go: How to Prepare for Driving in Europe Preparation is key when driving in a country where road rules differ from what you’re used to. 1. Learn Which Side of the Road Each Country Uses Most European countries drive on the right-hand side of the road. However, some countries—including the UK, Ireland, Malta, and Cyprus—drive on the left-hand side. Knowing this in advance helps you mentally prepare and avoid early mistakes. 2. Understand Local Road Rules Road signs, speed limits, and priorities can vary across Europe. Before travelling, check: Speed limits for cities, rural roads, and motorways Rules at roundabouts (often opposite to what UK drivers expect) Drink-driving limits, which are often stricter than in the UK 3. Choose the Right Vehicle If possible, rent a car with the steering wheel positioned for the country you’re visiting. An automatic car can also make the transition easier, allowing you to focus on road positioning rather than gears. 4. Practise the Mental Switch Before travelling, practise saying reminders like: 👉 “Stay right.” or “Stay left.” This mental habit helps reduce hesitation when pulling out of junctions or car parks. What to Do When You Arrive Your first few hours on the road are the most important. 1. Start Slow Take your time and avoid rushing. Drive cautiously at first, especially when leaving car parks, petrol stations, or quiet roads—these are where drivers most often drift to the wrong side. 2. Follow the Traffic One of the easiest ways to stay correct is to follow other vehicles. Local drivers naturally position themselves correctly, which helps guide you. 3. Be Extra Careful at Junctions Junctions and roundabouts are the most common problem areas. Always pause and double-check: Which direction traffic is coming from Which lane you should enter or exit A quick pause is far safer than reacting automatically. 4. Watch Your Road Position A good rule of thumb is: 👉 The driver should always be closest to the centre of the road. If you find yourself near the kerb, you’re likely on the wrong side. Driving on Motorways and High-Speed Roads Motorways in Europe are generally well marked and easier to navigate. However, remember: Overtaking lanes are on the opposite side Speed limits may be higher—or unrestricted in some countries Lane discipline is strictly enforced in many regions Always return to the correct lane after overtaking. Extra Tips for Staying Safe Take regular breaks to avoid fatigue and confusion Avoid night driving until you feel confident Use GPS or sat-nav with voice guidance Don’t rely solely on instinct—always think before reacting Common Mistakes to Avoid Pulling out of a junction without checking both directions Entering roundabouts the wrong way Drifting into the wrong lane on quiet roads Forgetting local speed limits and enforcement rules Awareness of these mistakes greatly reduces risk. Conclusion Driving in Europe—especially on the opposite side of the road—can feel intimidating at first, but with preparation, patience, and awareness, it becomes second nature. By learning the rules, staying calm, and taking your time, you can enjoy your journey safely and confidently. Remember: Slow down, think ahead, and don’t rush—safe driving abroad is all about awareness. ← Back to Resources