Who should read this article on driving on the left:
- Visitors to New Zealand, Australia, the UK or any country that drives on the left side of the road
- Travellers from the United States, Canada, mainland Europe, or other countries where people drive on the right
- First-time visitors nervous about driving on the left
- People renting a car in New Zealand
- Cruise passengers extending their stay and planning to drive
Quick answer: Is driving on the left difficult?
Most visitors adapt to driving on the left within a few hours or days. The biggest challenges are remembering to stay on the left side of the road, looking right first at intersections, and navigating roundabouts. Starting in a quiet area and having a passenger remind you to “keep left” can make the transition much easier.
Driving on the left doesn’t have to be intimidating
Driving on the left can be a concern for visitors planning a trip to New Zealand. We understand completely because we were there once, too.
As American expats and avid world travellers living in New Zealand for more than 20 years, Jeff and I have had to make the transition many times. We have driven in more than 20 countries where traffic keeps to the right side of the road, as well as in New Zealand, Australia, Rarotonga, Jamaica, Fiji, Samoa, the United Kingdom, and Ireland, where traffic drives on the left.
The good news is that most people adapt quickly. The first day requires extra concentration, but within a few days, driving on the left often feels natural.
What does driving on the left mean?
In New Zealand, vehicles drive on the left side of the road, and the steering wheel is on the right side of the vehicle.
When I first came here, I was used to driving on the right; suddenly, everything felt reversed. As the driver, I still sit closer to the centre of the road, but now my passenger sits closer to the left-side shoulder.
The change isn’t difficult, but it does require more focus, especially when turning corners or looking for the rear-view mirror (as it’s now on the opposite side of your head).
Our favourite trick for making the transition
One of the things that helped us most when we first switched to driving on the left was agreeing on a simple strategy before we even arrived.
For the first few days, the passenger reminded the driver to “keep left” whenever we approached an intersection, roundabout, or turn.
Because we discussed this ahead of time, it never felt like criticism. Instead, it became a teamwork exercise that helped us stay safe and avoid mistakes.
Even today, after years of experience, we occasionally remind each other when driving in a different country.
Our top tips for driving on the left
Before you head off on a New Zealand road trip, we recommend these tips:
1. Get some rest before driving
If you’ve just completed a long-haul flight, resist the temptation to jump straight into a rental car.
Jet lag and unfamiliar roads are not a great combination. We recommend spending your first night near the airport or taking time to rest before getting behind the wheel.
2. Start in a quieter area
If possible, avoid beginning your driving adventure in the centre of Auckland or Christchurch. For us, it wasn’t as we picked up our first car at the airport.
Instead, start in a quieter suburb or rural area with lighter traffic. This gives you time to adjust before dealing with busy roads and intersections.
3. Remember the driver sits near the centre of the road
A simple reminder that helps many visitors is to remember that the driver should always be closest to the centre line of the road.
If you find yourself near the shoulder, you may have drifted onto the wrong side.
4. Look right at intersections
Visitors from countries that drive on the right often automatically look left first.
In New Zealand, traffic approaches from the right. Make a conscious effort to look right, then left, then right again before entering an intersection. I do the same when I walk across a street.
5. Learn how roundabouts work
New Zealand has many roundabouts.
Vehicles already in the roundabout have the right of way. Take your time and pay attention to traffic approaching from your right.
6. There is no turning on red
This surprises many American visitors.
In New Zealand, a red light means stop. There is no turning left on a red light unless a specific green arrow allows the movement.
7. Expect slower travel times
One mistake many visitors to New Zealand make is underestimating travel times. Honestly, this happens to many locals heading out on road trips, too.
Outside our cities, many roads have only one lane in each direction. They often wind through hills, mountains, and rural areas.
New Zealand speed limits are generally lower than those in many other countries, so journeys often take longer than visitors expect. Patience is essential, especially when you are driving behind a slow truck, a farm vehicle, or a driver unfamiliar with our narrow, winding roads.
If it all feels overwhelming, check out these alternative ways for getting around New Zealand.
Helpful resources for driving in New Zealand
Before your trip, we recommend checking these useful resources:
- New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) tips on driving for overseas visitors.
- Here’s a time and distance calculator from the Automobile Association (AA).
- NZ road closures especially important if you’re travelling during winter or severe weather.
- Finding a rental car – We prefer Discover Cars as a search engine to find options, prices, and ratings.
Countries that drive on the left
About one-third of the world’s countries drive on the left side of the road.
Some of the most popular destinations include:
- New Zealand
- Australia
- United Kingdom
- Ireland
- South Africa
- India
- Japan
- Thailand
- Singapore
- Malaysia
- Indonesia
- Sri Lanka
- Malta
- Cyprus
- Jamaica
- Barbados
- Fiji
You can see the entire list here. You might be surprised. I know I was.
Take the Tiaki Promise
Taiki means to care for people and place. The Tiaki Promise is a commitment to care for New Zealand, now and for future generations.
By following the Tiaki Promise, you are committing to New Zealand to act as a guardian, protecting and preserving our home. It is all our responsibility. This video explains it well.
NZ road trips you might enjoy
Or check out all our New Zealand itineraries here: New Zealand Road Trips: Our Itineraries for North or South Island Adventures
Do you have any tips for driving on the left to add to our list?
Photo Credits:
All photos on this page are either shot by our team and watermarked as such or stock images from Depositphotos.
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