
In most countries around the world, the driver's compartment is on the left side, with only a few countries and regions such as the Commonwealth and Japan having the driver's compartment on the right. Additional Information: 1. Evolution of Driver's Compartment Position: The earliest cars had the driver's seat positioned in the center of the vehicle. Shortly after, some automakers placed the driver's seat on the side closer to the centerline of the road to facilitate observation of oncoming traffic, while others positioned it on the roadside side to avoid collisions with obstacles like walls, hedges, or ditches. 2. Determining Factors of Driver's Compartment Position: Whether the driver's seat is on the left or right side is primarily determined by local road regulations, making it easier for drivers to assess road conditions when changing lanes or overtaking. Therefore, in right-hand traffic systems, the driver's seat is on the left side to facilitate overtaking on the left, and vice versa.

During my travels abroad, I had the chance to test drive a right-hand drive car. What left the deepest impression was renting a Japanese car in the UK—the steering wheel position felt completely different from the left-hand drive vehicles I'm used to. It took some time to adjust, and while it felt a bit awkward to drive, it was also quite fun. These cars are mainly popular in left-hand traffic countries like the UK, Australia, Japan, and India, as this setup allows drivers to be closer to the roadside for better traffic observation and safer driving. International standards mandate right-hand drive for left-hand traffic roads to minimize the risk of head-on collisions. When driving such a car, it's important to adjust your sightlines during turns, especially on narrow roads. Some car brands like Toyota and Honda manufacture right-hand drive models for export worldwide. If you visit these countries, experiencing this design's cultural differences can be quite fascinating.

Back when I worked as a mechanic, I often encountered right-hand drive vehicles, mostly imported used cars from Japan or the UK, primarily because those countries drive on the left side, hence the steering wheel is positioned on the right. When repairing such vehicles, extra caution is needed due to differences in wiring layouts—for instance, the offset position of the steering linkage mechanism might lead to more severe wear issues. Common faults include loose steering sensors or awkward pedal placements, which require professional tools for adjustment. In the workshop, I've had customers complain about significant visibility deviations when reversing, so I'd recommend installing wide-angle mirrors to assist with driving. These vehicles come from diverse sources in the market, some imported by individuals for collections or motorsport testing. After restoration, their performance isn't inferior, though maintenance costs tend to be slightly higher.

I often see cars with the steering wheel on the right side when watching anime and movies, like the Toyota AE86 driven by the protagonist in "Initial D," which has a right-hand drive design—super cool and very appealing to me. After some research, I learned that this design originates from national traffic regulations. In countries like the UK and Australia, where driving is on the left side, placing the steering wheel on the right makes the driver's position safer and more convenient for daily operations. I also discovered that right-hand drive cars in games like "Project CARS" offer an incredibly realistic driving experience. The design differences highlight cultural diversity, which is quite fun. Initially, it takes some getting used to, but you gradually adapt.


