Do Canadians drive on the left or right side of the road?

[LaMiguel]

Drive on the right. In most countries, vehicles drive on the right side of the road, with only some island nations and a few other countries driving on the left. Driving on the right is considered safer as it prevents vehicles from veering into oncoming traffic lanes, reducing potential hazards. Ancient China: Pedestrians, horses, and vehicles generally stayed and moved on the left side of the passage, known as "left greeting." When greeting guests, people typically used their right hand for salutations, hence positioning their bodies to the left. France: The custom of driving on the right side of the road emerged in 18th-century France. This was due to the country's well-developed postal coach and freight wagon businesses. These vehicles were usually drawn by two horses, and the coachman typically held the whip in his right hand. By driving on the right, when encountering oncoming traffic, the coachman could lean to the left to check, avoiding collisions between the wheels or hubs of the two vehicles.

[Randall]

When driving in Canada, I noticed the entire country drives on the right side of the road, which felt quite novel to me since I'm from the UK where we drive on the left. It was confusing at first, especially at intersections: when the light turns green, I must yield to vehicles going straight instead of giving priority to the left-side traffic as back home. The steering wheel being on the left side actually feels quite natural after getting used to it, making it easier to control the car on right-hand roads. For new drivers arriving here, I'd recommend practicing for a few days in quiet residential areas first to familiarize yourself with local signage and right-of-way rules to avoid dangerous situations. Canada and the US share this system, historically standardizing traffic flow from the beginning to prevent conflicts between neighboring countries. On highways, entrance ramps also merge from the right, which feels very safe. Overall, driving on the right is standard practice here, and you'll adapt surprisingly quickly.

[SavannahMarie]

In Canada, driving on the right is common knowledge, and as a daily driver, this rule is deeply ingrained. Vehicle design matches right-side habits: the steering wheel is on the left, making operations natural. While driving, I pay attention to priority rules, such as yielding to vehicles on the right at roundabout entrances, which helps reduce accidents. Compared to left-driving countries like the UK, turning is more convenient here because the straight path is smoother. I remind beginners to check tire pressure while also reviewing traffic direction. There aren’t many related changes—rules remain consistent, requiring no special adjustments. Safety-wise, the right-side system helps maintain streamlined traffic flow, ensuring greater stability at higher speeds. Daily experience tells me that driving on the right is the smoothest—no need to overthink it.

[DelCali]

All vehicles in Canada drive on the right, consistent with the United States, and I've never questioned this rule. Confusion may arise when directions are opposite, such as drivers from left-hand traffic countries needing time to adapt. The vehicle's steering wheel is on the left to accommodate right-hand road design. Relatedly, traffic lights prioritize straight-going traffic, unlike in the UK where left-hand traffic gives priority to the left. It's advisable for beginners to review local maps to familiarize themselves with intersection layouts before driving. For safety, keeping to the right can reduce collisions. Simply remember: right-hand traffic, right turns have priority.