- Europe: United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Malta, Channel Islands, Isle of Man.
- Asia: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste.
- Africa: Botswana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Eswatini (Swaziland), Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
- Oceania: Australia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu.
- Caribbean/Atlantic: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, US Virgin Islands.
- South America: Guyana, Suriname.
The remaining countries and territories drive on the right.
Approximately 65% of the world’s population live in countries that drive on the right side of the road. This practice, known as Right-Hand Traffic (RHT), is the standard for about 163 to 174 countries and territories globally.
- North America: United States, Canada, Mexico.
Europe: Almost all of mainland Europe, including
France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Russia,Asia:
- China, South Korea, Philippines, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia.
- South America: Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Colombia.
Africa:
Nigeria, Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Ethiopia
Any other tips or trends?
Once you have found out which side of the road you will need to drive on, you’re on the way to working out the rules when it comes to junctions. Go online to find out more and any driving permits required. If you are taking your own car, you may need to modify it especially where the head lights point.
Essential Documentation
Valid Driving Licence: Full UK photocard license.
V5C Logbook: Original document (not a copy).
Insurance Certificate: Proof of insurance covering EU countries.
Passport: Valid for travel
- VE103 Form: If driving a leased or hired car, this proves you have permission to take it abroad.
- International Driving Permit (IDP): Generally not required for UK licence holders in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein.
- Vehicle Equipment Requirements
- UK Sticker: Required on the rear of your car, even if you have a UK flag on your number plate.
- Headlamp Converters: Necessary to adjust beams for driving on the right.
- Warning Triangle: Compulsory in most European countries.
- Hi-Vis Jackets: Required for all occupants, to be kept inside the cabin, not the boot.
- First Aid Kit & Fire Extinguisher: Compulsory in some countries.
- Spare Bulbs: Advisable for cars without LED/xenon lights.
- Country-Specific Rules
- France: A Crit’Air emissions sticker is required to drive in3 many cities.
- Spain/Malta/Cyprus: Specific, prominent UK stickers are strictly required.
- Speed Cameras: Using radar detection devices is illegal in countries like France.Additional Advice
- Breakdown Cover: Ensure your policy includes European repatriation.
- Emission Stickers: Check if cities in Germany or other countries require environmental stickers.
