Which Side is the Steering Wheel on in the UK?

[BraxtonFitz]

In the UK, the steering wheel is on the right. Steering Wheel Position: In mainland China, car steering wheels are always on the left, but in Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, they are on the right. However, in fact, about 90% of countries and regions worldwide have the steering wheel on the left. The most common places where the steering wheel is on the right are the UK and its former colonies. This tradition has influenced many British colonial regions or countries, such as Australia and India. Function of the Steering Wheel: The most common function of the steering wheel is to control direction. While driving, frequent turns, U-turns, or straight driving all require the use of the steering wheel to control the direction, change the orientation of the car, and turn the wheels.

[VanJoanna]

I've always been fascinated by automotive history. The right-hand steering wheel in the UK dates back to the 19th century carriage era. Back then, coachmen sat on the right side to conveniently wield the whip with their right hand without hitting pedestrians. When automobiles emerged, the British maintained this tradition, developing the right-hand drive system. Today, UK road designs prioritize right-hand drive, with vehicle configurations like turn signals on the left differing from most countries. Having traveled extensively, I constantly remind myself to adapt while driving, especially since navigating roundabouts on the right can be tricky. Beginners should consider practicing with an instructor first. Once accustomed, driving on rural roads becomes quite smooth, allowing you to enjoy the scenery – don't let this difference spoil your travel enjoyment.

[DelLevi]

As a travel enthusiast, I vividly remember driving on the right-hand side of the car in the UK. Last time I rented a car in London, the salesperson said I had to shift gears with my right hand, which felt really awkward. I often mixed up the turn signals with my left hand. I recommend choosing an automatic transmission to reduce hassle when renting a car. GPS navigation is crucial to avoid taking wrong turns. Road rules are different too—for example, pedestrians crossing from the right have priority, so extra caution is needed. Once you get used to it, driving along the riverside in Cambridge is incredibly enjoyable. Bringing a local friend along for directions makes it even more fun. On short highway trips, adjust your vision quickly, and avoid driving at night to prevent fatigue.

[LeLeonardo]

Safe driving is a priority in my life, and the right-hand drive in the UK requires special attention. This means both the driving perspective and habits are different, making it easy to misjudge turns when switching from left-hand drive. I personally experienced the need to check the mirrors multiple times when changing lanes on the highway to reduce blind spot risks. Interior components like the gear shift being on the left require familiarization for emergency operations. Rental companies usually provide adaptation guides, but don't overlook basic checks like tire pressure to prevent accidents. Incidents often occur due to unfamiliarity, so I recommend driving slowly for a few days to adjust before long trips.