Left hand drive cars, what are they like?

R.C.Anderson

R.C.Anderson

R.C.Anderson

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I'll probably be driving a left hand drive car for a few weeks, and I've never driven one (On the road, driven a couple on the track a couple of times) before, so what are they like?

Are they easy to get used to (lane positioning etc)

I won't be driving a RHD car at the same time, so I assume that'll make it easier?

I have driven the same model of car as a RHD, so I already have an idea what the vehicle is like, does that make much difference?


Anyone have any useful pointers?
 
I know that much, but after driving a RHD car, I would have thought it could take some getting used to the car sticking out to your right, rather than your left. Or is it quite easy to get used to?
 
Dunno about driving one, but having been a passenger in a LHD car on UK roads, its a complete mind**** sitting in the 'driving' seat and no wheel, pedals etc!
 
Aren't cars that are designed to be left-hand drive actually better to drive when in that format?

All to do with weight distribution etc?
 
Useful post from Fox there!!

I have never driven a LHD drive car in the UK, but driven quite a few abroad and surprisingly never had a problem whatsoever. It can be really confusing sitting in the passenger seat but as soon as you start driving everything just sort of 'clicks' into place. Even changing gear is easy, your right hand just automatically 'does' it without a second thought!

I'd imagine it being even easier in the UK as you won't have to worry about roundabouts and such.. :p
 
They're a bit of a ballache - but you get used to it.

At first you'll always try and enter the passenger door - especially at petrol stations.

Changing gear doesn't feel as natural, although I suppose that depends whether you are left or right handed. My right hand always feels better on the wheel.

Drive thru's - don't bother!

Carparks with ticket machines and barriers can be interesting.

Driving in the middle of your lane can seem a little strange at first as the correct position always feels like you are too far in the gutter.
 
If you are driving one here then it may take a little getting used to, but my experience driving them in Europe has been good, there isn't much to get used to and since the side of the road also changes, it helps.

If it's here in the UK then a LHD car on the left side of the road will feel strange and will probably take ore getting used IMO.
 
Cheers for the pointers all (Even those of you who were joking :p)

Nothing's popped up that I wasn't really expecting, and it's a semi-auto, so the paddles are the same, so I shouldn't accidentally open the door whilst going down the road, thinking I'm changing gear :P
 
For some people it just seems to be a complete non-issue, others seemingly can never get their head around it.

When I got into a manual LHD car and drove, it felt completely normal and I never had a single issue with it. Never punched the door card, and even remembered to always head for the right (ehehe) door, too. Didn't have any real bother with overtaking and learnt to deal with parking barriers and the like without issue, as well.

Just spend a moment familiarising yourself with the controls and cockpit, and remember that you need to hug the curb close to your door.
 
After the initial few times, I got used to it and never had any problems.

Found changing gear fine, just take a bit more precaution when overtaking.
 
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