Renting a car on holiday is one of travel’s great freedoms, but for many of us it comes with a twist. Singapore drives on the left in right-hand-drive cars, so the moment you land somewhere that drives on the right, everything flips. Getting comfortable with a left hand drive overseas singapore drivers can enjoy the trip instead of white-knuckling every roundabout. This guide walks through the mental adjustments and the paperwork so your holiday drive stays relaxed and safe.
Adjusting to the opposite side
The biggest change is that you now sit on the left of the car and drive on the right of the road. Your instincts, built over years at home, will fight you at first, so the trick is to slow down and think consciously for the first day or two. A few things help enormously.
First, the gear stick and many controls are now operated with your right hand, though the pedals stay in the same order. Give yourself a few minutes in the car park to find the indicators, wipers, and lights before you set off, because in some cars the indicator and wiper stalks are swapped and you do not want to be hunting for them at a junction.
Second, keep repeating a simple mantra when you turn or pull out: stay to the right. Junctions and roundabouts are where habit is strongest and mistakes are most likely, especially when the road is quiet and there is no other traffic to remind you which side to be on. Roundabouts overseas typically flow anticlockwise, the opposite of home, so approach them slowly and follow the car in front if you can.
Third, judging the width of the car takes practice because you are sitting on the unfamiliar side. You may drift toward the kerb on the right or clip it, so give yourself extra room and take it slowly on narrow roads. A passenger who keeps an eye on your positioning is a genuine help. Take regular breaks, since the extra concentration is tiring, and avoid driving jet-lagged or at night until you feel settled.
Sort the paperwork and local rules first
Before you even think about the driving itself, get the documents right. In most countries you will need an International Driving Permit alongside your Singapore licence. An IDP is essentially a recognised translation of your licence, and many rental companies and local authorities expect to see both together. Arrange your IDP before you leave, since you generally cannot get it after you have already travelled, and check that it covers the country you are visiting.
Just as important, read up on the local road rules, because they are set by each country and can differ from ours in ways that catch visitors out. Speed limits, priority rules, when you may turn on a red light, drink-driving limits, tolls, and even which documents you must carry in the car all vary from place to place. Confirm these with official local sources and your rental company rather than assuming they match Singapore. Check that your rental insurance covers what you expect too, and read the agreement before signing.
Ease in and keep it safe
Give yourself a gentle start. Pick up the car somewhere quiet if you can, do a slow loop of the car park, and choose an easy route for your first drive rather than plunging straight into a strange city centre at rush hour. Confidence builds quickly once the basics click.
For more on handling unfamiliar cars and preparing well, these guides are useful:
- Driving an Unfamiliar or Rental Car
- Converting a Foreign Driving Licence
- What to Check Before a Long Drive
None of this replaces proper lessons with a qualified instructor or the local Highway Code, so drive within your comfort zone, follow the current rules and signage where you are, and never do anything unsafe just to keep up with local traffic. Sort your IDP and the local rules first, adjust to the opposite side slowly, and a left-hand-drive holiday can be one of the most enjoyable parts of the whole trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car abroad? In most countries you will need one alongside your Singapore licence, and many rental firms expect to see both. Arrange it before you leave, because you generally cannot get it after you have travelled. Check that it covers the country you are visiting.
Which hand do I use for the gear stick when driving on the right? In a left-hand-drive car the gear stick is operated with your right hand, though the pedals stay in the same order. In some cars the indicator and wiper stalks are swapped, so find the controls in the car park before setting off.
Which way do roundabouts go in countries that drive on the right? They typically flow anticlockwise, the opposite of home. Approach slowly and follow the car in front if you can. Roundabouts and junctions are where habit is strongest, so repeat to yourself to stay to the right.
Is it safe to drive the day I land when I am jet-lagged? It is better to wait. The opposite-side driving takes extra concentration, and tiredness makes mistakes more likely. Avoid driving jet-lagged or at night until you feel settled, and take regular breaks. Public transport for the first day is a sensible option.
What should I check on rental insurance before driving overseas? Read the agreement fully before signing and check that the cover is what you expect. Ask the rental company what is included, what you pay in an accident, and which documents you must carry. Local road rules and tolls also vary, so confirm them locally.
Official sources: OneMotoring
Further reading: How to Buy and Fit Snow Chains for Overseas Trips · How to Prepare Your Car for a Ferry to Indonesia · Driving to Thailand From Singapore: Permits, Insurance and Route