Driving on the 'wrong side of the road'

[luckystrike]

I am hiring a left hand drive Nissan X-Trail in Italy this summer, and am beginning to worry a bit about driving on the 'wrong side of the road', which is something I haven't done before.

Does anyone have any tips to put my mind at rest?

Thanks!

[Reverandfunk]

All I would say is when you pick it just have a little practice before you go on any main roads. The pedals are the same so that helps, but you need to think about your road position at roundabouts and when turning left. You'll be fine lol

[buildersmate]

Many people find it easier than driving a UK right-hand drive car in (say) France. As above, plus take particular care at junctions and after filling up with fuel that you emerge on the correct side of the road.

[Trotbot]

Busy roads are fine, as there are plenty of reminders where you need to be. You need to think a lot more on quiet roads, particularly after turning at a junction and you are on a quiet stretch as you may end up on the wrong side of the road. Left hand drive will help remind you.

[Narolines]

I always find the most difficult thing is getting used to where the offside of the car is when it's on my right rather than my left. The actual rules of the road sink in very quickly, but it takes me a day or two to get into positioning the car the right sort of distance from the side of the road - and more importantly from parked vehicles. That, and constantly forgetting that the gear lever is ON THE RIGHT -I'm forever automatically dropping my left hand to find myself trying to change gear withe the door pocket.....

[Gef]

Agree with Narolines about the offside of the car. I've driven thousands of miles in France in my own right hand drive car and no problems. First time I picked a left hand drive car I nearly hit parked cars because I forgot I was sitting on the other side of the car. Good luck.

[KARL]

I find I can switch between both wrong sides of the road without much trouble. The offside of the car is no trouble to me either - but both the onside and the farside really mess me up, especially as it is invariably a hired car and therefore a make and model I have never previously used.