How to Transition from right Hand to Left Hand Drive Vehicles
For many road users who are faced with driving in a country where the vehicle has the steering wheel on the opposite side, this causes worry. The whole concept of driving a vehicle which has all the controls in different places, and being able to stay in control of that vehicle comes into question. Even the most experienced drivers who have never driven a left hand drive vehicle will find it a little strange. Even more difficult than this is buying a left hand drive vehicle in a country where the normal cars have the steering wheel on the right.
Adjustments needed to the car where the normal layout is right hand drive
For those users who choose a vehicle contrary to the norm, one of the first considerations is lighting. The lights on a left hand drive vehicle should veer toward the curb, making them safe for oncoming traffic. However, change the vehicle to driving on the opposing side, and this also changes. It is necessary to comply with regulations within the country of driving, so that the lights are faced in the right direction. Legislation states that this is essential, and the laws should be adhered to. Luckily, there are stick on reflectors which can be used to adjust the beam of the lights. These should be applied carefully as placement of the reflectors is vital to accuracy.
Getting accustomed to mirror placement
It will be a natural reaction to look at the left hand side mirror to watch for oncoming traffic from behind. However, the most important mirror is that which is placed on the left hand side of the car. Make sure that all mirrors are adjusted, and that includes the mirror within the car itself. If new to driving on the other side, this is essential, since the distraction of driving the car may make the driver unaware of what vehicles are overtaking. Getting accustomed to mirrors being accurately positioned to eliminate blind spots is vital. It also helps to have a mirror inside the car which can be positioned so that the reflection of lights behind the car do not prove to add another distraction.
Seating position and pedals
Adjust the seat for maximum comfort, and try the pedals. The pedals on a left hand drive vehicle have the same positions as on a right hand drive vehicle. The seating should be adjusted for maximum driving efficiency and comfort. Try to reach all of the controls, and ensure that the seat is placed at the best posture position possible to avoid adding to the unfamiliarity.
The pedals are used by the same feet that the driver will already be accustomed to, though it is worthwhile checking these out, bearing in mind the change of driver placement within the car.
Steering wheel controls
Here, this may cause difficulty, as everything may appear backwards. Try the horn. Try the lighting positions as this may be vital during driving. It's important to be familiar with where emergency lighting is situated, and often this is on the steering column itself. If in doubt, check the car's manual. A driver who is unaware of where these vital elements are positioned can make mistakes. Check the indicator column and get accustomed to using them.
Changing gears
It's strange getting used to the gear stick being on the other side. Practice while the car is still stationary, pressing the appropriate pedal, and changing through the sequence of gears. During the early days of driving, the driver will find that the hand which is accustomed to changing the gears will attempt to do so, though this habit will soon be overcome.
Safety
The test drive should always be performed on a quiet road. The temptation will be for the car to wander. The driver will be accustomed to staying within set parameters using their position in the car to judge distance, width, and oncoming traffic. When changing sides in a country whose normal driving position is the opposite to the car being driven, this poses several problems. One is that the visibility of the driver will be impaired when wanting to overtake. It is safer to accept this limitation than to pull out too far in order to see the road ahead.
Another area of danger when driving a left hand drive vehicle on the left side of the road is that junctions may pose dilemmas. The driver will be accustomed to turning onto a particular side of the road, and drivers often make mistakes particularly on a road where there is no traffic. It's vital to ensure that the driver is aware of their own position on the road. In a left hand drive vehicle in an area where right hand drive is the norm, the driver's position should always be next to the curb, and using the central markings on a road to define the boundaries of where the car should be is helpful.
Mirror Signal Maneuver
The most important elements taught to drivers is to look in the mirror before signaling and certainly before making any maneuver of the vehicle. This is even more important when a driver is unaccustomed to the driver placement in a vehicle. This momentary glance in the mirror helps them to adjust their usual driving habits to the circumstances presented on the road.
Although the first days are always difficult, getting accustomed to left hand drive isn't as onerous as it first appears when driving in a country where the normal siting of the steering wheel is on the left. Everything is in reverse, but it's straightforward because what is happening outside the vehicle also takes account of this change. With wise approach, and sensible control of all the elements of the car, a driver will soon become accustomed to driving a left hand drive vehicle.
