What countries drive on the left? Complete list by region

Imagine this: an American touches down in London and picks up a rental car. He pulls out toward the first roundabout. For a moment, the whole world seems to have flipped.

The steering wheel is on the wrong side. Traffic comes from a direction their instincts don’t expect. Even a simple turn, something they’ve done thousands of times at home, suddenly demands real concentration.

So which countries drive on the left? World Population Review counts 57 countries and territories with left-hand traffic, and World Standards keeps its own reference that also covers states and territories. The numbers don't always match, mostly because the two sources don't agree on how to classify every place.

Below, you'll find the list broken down by region, a bit of the history behind why some countries drive on the left, and a few things worth knowing before you rent a car abroad.

Which countries drive on the left?

Left-hand traffic means vehicles travel on the left side of the road. Drivers usually sit on the right side of the car.

The practice appears across several continents. Some countries have followed it for centuries. Others adopted it during the colonial period. A few made the switch much later.

The list includes territories and dependencies alongside independent countries. Hong Kong and Macau, for instance, are part of China but have their own traffic systems. The Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey are Crown Dependencies.

For reference, see World Population Review's list of countries that drive on the left¹ and World Standards' list of left-driving countries².

A few countries come up repeatedly in searches. Does Australia drive on the left side of the road? Yes. Australians keep left, and right-hand-drive cars are standard.

In Asia, plenty of countries keep to the left. India, Japan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand are the ones most people think of, and there are a few more besides. The map becomes more interesting around borders and territories. A shared national identity does not always mean a shared road system.

Why do some countries drive on the left?

Ask ten historians why some countries drive on the left and you’ll get ten slightly different answers. Nobody’s found one reason that fits everywhere. The habit is older than cars by centuries. People were riding horses and rattling along in carriages on the left long before anyone built an engine, and what stuck in each place came down to a messy blend of local custom, whatever the ruler of the day decided, and plain old habit.

Carriages complicate things. A driver had a team of horses to control, a heavy wagon to keep steady, and traffic coming straight at him, all at once. Where the driver sat and which side of the road he used made a real difference. There were no official rules at the time. So different regions developed their own habits. That eventually became law.

Britain helped spread left-hand traffic across the world. Many territories under British rule adopted the practice. Several kept it after gaining independence. India, Australia, New Zealand, Kenya and Pakistan are familiar examples.

Switching sides would have meant a lot more than repainting a few signs. Every junction had to be redone, the road markings changed, buses and trains rethought, and millions of drivers had to unlearn habits they’d had for decades.

Still, the history is more complicated than the rule that every former British colony drives on the left. Some places took a different route. Other countries switched sides as their transport systems developed. World Standards' account of left-hand traffic³ discusses the British connection and the exceptions.

Of course, you can’t just tell a whole country to change a lifelong habit and hope for the best. People had to be coached ahead of time. Also, everyone had to retrain their instincts. This included all from the first turn out of the driveway to the way they glanced at a junction.

For a while, people had to pay close attention to something that drivers elsewhere rarely think about.

Left-hand traffic vs. left-hand drive

Easy to get these two tangled, but they’re not the same thing. Left-hand traffic just means everyone drives on the left side of the road. Left-hand drive is something else entirely: it’s where the steering wheel sits inside the car. Mixing them up can trip you up at the rental counter. So, get it straight before you book.

• Left-hand traffic (LHT): Vehicles travel on the left side of the road.
• Right-hand traffic (RHT): Vehicles travel on the right.
• Left-hand-drive (LHD) car: The steering wheel is on the left.
• Right-hand-drive (RHD) car: The steering wheel is on the right.

Japan uses left-hand traffic. Most Japanese cars have the steering wheel on the right. The United States uses right-hand traffic, and left-hand-drive cars are standard.

The two systems usually match in this way. However, local laws may allow vehicles with the steering wheel on the opposite side. Some countries impose restrictions on their registration or use.

A country can therefore have left-hand traffic without requiring every vehicle on its roads to have the steering wheel on the right. World Population Review¹ explains the difference between traffic direction and steering-wheel placement. 

What is it like to drive on the left?

The first few minutes can feel odd. Your hands reach for familiar controls. Your eyes look for traffic in the usual places. Then you remember that the road works differently here.

Most drivers adjust with practice. The first drive still deserves care, particularly in an unfamiliar city.

Tips for driving on the left for the first time

A little prep goes a long way toward making that first drive less stressful. Keep these tips in mind when you’re behind the wheel somewhere the rules of the road aren’t what you’re used to.

1. Choose an automatic rental car if possible: You will have fewer controls to think about while adjusting to the road.
2. Start in a quiet area: Practice turning, stopping, and changing lanes before entering heavy traffic.
3. Remember to keep left: A small reminder on the dashboard may help during your first few drives.
4. Pay extra attention at intersections: Look both ways and follow the local right-of-way rules.
5. Slow down before roundabouts: Read the signs early and choose your lane before entering.
6. Follow local road signs and speed limits: Do not rely on the rules you know from home.
7. Avoid driving when tired or distracted: Fatigue makes unfamiliar traffic patterns harder to manage.

Before leaving the rental office, adjust your seat and mirrors. Find the indicators, headlights, wipers, and hazard lights. Check the fuel policy, too. Ask about toll roads and local driving restrictions.

The U.S. Department of State's driving and transportation guidance⁵ advises travelers to check local licensing and insurance rules. It also warns about road hazards in some destinations, including poor lighting, damaged surfaces, and missing markings.

Consider hiring a local driver if busy traffic feels overwhelming. There is no need to make your first experience of a new road system harder than it has to be.

Do you need an international driving permit to drive on the left?

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not automatically required in every country with left-hand traffic. Local law determines the rules. Your existing license and the length of your stay can also affect the requirements.

An IDP provides a translation of your domestic driver's license. It does not replace the original document. You may need to carry both. Before leaving home, take a few minutes to check the paperwork.

• Read the destination's official driving requirements.
• Carry your valid driver's license.
• Find out if an IDP is required or recommended.
• Check the rental company's documentation rules.
• Review the rental car's insurance policy.
• Ask your insurer if your existing auto insurance covers driving abroad.

The U.S. Department of State's guidance⁵ explains that some countries accept a U.S. driver's license. Many others require an IDP. U.S. travelers can also consult USAGov's international driving permit guide⁶ for information on obtaining the document.

Do not assume your U.S. auto insurance will cover an overseas rental. Contact your insurer before the trip. Read the rental agreement for exclusions, deductibles, and local coverage requirements.

Staying connected with family abroad

A long drive often means a quick call home at the end of the day. You might want to tell your family you arrived safely or check in after reaching your hotel. BOSS Revolution offers international calling through its app. Rates depend on the destination and calling option. Travelers can check the available rates before making a call. Mobile roaming can become expensive in some countries. Check your phone plan before departure. Wi-Fi calling may help when a reliable connection is available. Visit the BOSS Revolution international calling page to review available options and current rates.

Keep your phone charged during long drives. Save emergency contacts before leaving your hotel. If you plan to travel through remote areas, tell someone your route and expected arrival time.

Sources: all third party information obtained from applicable website as of  October 13, 2026

1. https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/countries-that-drive-on-the-left
2. https://www.worldstandards.eu/cars/list-of-left-driving-countries/
3. https://www.worldstandards.eu/cars/driving-on-the-left/
4. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/sep/08/samoa-drivers-switch-left
5. https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/planning/guidance/driving-transportation.html
6. https://www.usa.gov/international-drivers-license

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