Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[Ellis]

I have not driven anywhere outside the British Isles which means never having driven on the right hand side of the road in a rhd vehicle.

I speak to people who think nothing of driving to Italy or Austria or even further afield. One chap recalled his experiences of driving to St. Petersburg and the abysmal driving standards on Russian roads.

What is it like to drive on the Continent of Europe and how do driving standards compare with the UK and Eire?
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Starting Handle Expert

1964 Jaguar Mark 2 3.4 litre
1962 Land Rover Series 2a 88"
2002 BMW M3 E46 Cabriolet

[ukdave2002]

I have driven a lot in France, Spain, Portugal, less so in Italy. I don't have a problem switching to driving on the right. Compared to driving in the UK they just get on with it, by that I mean you won't find vehicles hogging the middle lane, they overtake and get back in to the slow lane, they will indicate and pull into small gaps, but that is accepted and as such there is less road rage.

It can appear more aggressive than the UK but it's not really and you soon get used to it.

Dave

[petermeachem]

Have we gone back to the 190's or something. To answer the question, many 'continental' countries are quite advanced, some even have electricity.

[lowdrag]

I understand the worry since I suffered the same in my youth. Living in France you get used to people driving to close, indicating after they start to turn (they are actually taught to drive like that), but they are OK really. Your problem will be at roundabouts usually where everyone gets confused. The only real problem here is that at some places, especially in town, people emerging from the right have priority. Just watch out for no white line at their exit.

But then we have lovely roads and scenery so take your time and enjoy.

[colwyn500]

Having just come back from a week in Mallorca I can say that driving there is much better than in the UK.
There are excellent motorways with smooth surfaces, no lane-hogging and clear signage.
The minor roads can be more severe in gradient and bends than any of the roads here in Scotland, but are better surfaced and have very good safety features.
The drivers were all very courteous and safe and for me, driving on the right is a doddle after a few hours' experience. In fact, I shouted at Sheila to get on the right as we drove out of the car parking back here at Edinburgh airport.

[peter scott]

If you are driving a British car (or even if not) and parking by the roadside always park facing the correct way for the side you choose. It is all too easy to drive off on the wrong side if you park on the wrong side.

Peter
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https://www.nostalgiatech.co.uk
1939 SS Jaguar 2 1/2 litre saloon

[Keith D]

This is a really appropriate thread for me as I am currently in Holland and drove a left hand drive car on the right hand side of the road for the first time in my life this afternoon! As I have to drive in Germany, Poland, Austria and the Czech Republic, I should end up quite experienced.

Keith

[petelang]

I have driven in Sweden, France, Belgium, Spain, Israel, Cyprus, Greece and Jamaica.
The experience in Jamaica was a bit scary, especially in Kingston, but mostly due to the appalling state of the roads at that time. It was routine to get stopped, asked to contribute a few dollars towards a bag of cement to fill the potholes before being allowed to continue and the menace of people jumping out and plonking a soapy sponge on the windscreen at every major traffic junction to clean your screen for a dollar.
Most of Europe is extremely civilised and I have mostly found less congestion, good drivers, and not many crazy Jerks.Central Paris looks like a very different story though and similarly Italy has never been on my list and they definitely drive "with passion" there.
Sadly, it's not so civilised back here.
Some of these countries have very different traffic light systems so you should familiarise yourself with them before you go but in the main it's quite easy. Road signs are also a bit of a mystery.
My experiences in Sweden have been from driving on long roads with sparse traffic in glorious sunshine to blizzard conditions, in the dark mid winters. Unlike here, they have winter studded tyres and everything just works as normal, whereas here, a bit of snow and everyone grinds to a halt!
I have I suppose covered about a million miles without any accidents or major breakdowns and I really can't think of any time I found myself on the wrong side of the road.
Peter

[Dipster]

[peter scott]

French road signs are rather less obvious than British ones. Sensibly our signs indicate left with a left arrow, right with a right arrow and straight on with an upward pointing arrow.

In France they don't know about upward arrows so all directions use left or right pointing arrows. Oh, and talking of all directions (Tout Directions) if you don't see your destination indicated then follow the sign for "Tout Directions"
which means everywhere else.

Peter
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https://www.nostalgiatech.co.uk
1939 SS Jaguar 2 1/2 litre saloon

[Peter_L]

Drove all over Western Europe and some of Eastern during the 60's 70's.

Spent half a day trying to find the town of Ausfahrt on the map.

Had less problem driving RHD on the Right than driving LHD, because of the space perception. Left turns grab one's attention especially when there are multiple lanes.

US and Canada have possibly the worst road signing system ever. 3 way and 4 way stops with similar shape signs and no rhyme or reason to when and where they appear. Road works signs, always about 6ft way from the lane closure and persons with tiny orange SLOW and orange STOP signs. Who wave the sign if they want you to stop and wave it to continue.

Right Lane must Exit, written on the road.

Anything less than 100% straight road has numerous warning signs and advisory speed limits.

Go with the flow and don't try and educate others to your own style.

[Penman]

Hi
Just thought I would add to this a short article seen in a trade magazine to which I contribute regularly.