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Old 22 December 2010, 10:12   #1
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Living with Left hand drive in UK?

All
A colleague asked me an interesting question today, which I’ve considered myself in the past, and he thought I might have some experience.
Unfortunately I don’t, but though I’d throw it out to you lot.

Basically, he’s been offered his Fathers relatively new VW Golf as a gift, it’s really low mileage and in exceptional condition, but although it’s registered in the UK with UK plates etc, his Father spends more time at his property in France so purchased it new in Left Hand drive.

He’s was asking if I’ve ever lived with a LHD car in the UK, and what issues it can cause day to day.

Apart from ticket Booths and parking ticket dispensers, I can imagine it would be a bit awkward at other times when you are on the wrong side of the car for correct vision at junctions etc.
Saying that, plenty of people do appear to cope with driving a LHD daily in the UK. Although they would normally be vehicles that are not available in Right Hand Drive such as Dodge Rams etc which must have other issues overshadowing the Left Hand drive bit.

Has anybody tried it? Or can share any experience?

Thanks

Nasher.
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Old 22 December 2010, 10:18   #2
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Left hand drive in UK.

I had a left hand drive vehicle for some years. It was occasionally a real pain but generally, with a little thought, not an issue.

I would certainly say try it and see how you go. Since I had driven mine overseas, the only problem was that, when very 'relaxed' setting off down the wrong side of the road!
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Old 22 December 2010, 10:27   #3
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Biggest problem is usually your passengers try and get into the driving seat.
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Old 22 December 2010, 13:22   #4
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We have RHD car here in Iceland in LHD world and it has not be a problem at all, and one day I am thinking of taking the Volvo I have in UK to Iceland so not a big deal to me anyway.

Have not experiance of driving LHD in UK but should be fairly similar to RHD driving in Iceland and continent Europe.

Bogi

This MG Midget is RHD in LHD country.
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Old 22 December 2010, 13:47   #5
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Ive had a few LHD's including a golf VR6 and a range rover.

As Erin says people are always jumping in the wrong side of the car but I never said much because I was always doing it too

Car park barriers etc aren't much of an issue in a golf if you're reasonably flexible, you can pull up close and reach over. Worst case scenario you have to get out and walk round but most of us probably don't use them much in the grand scheme of things unless you have one where you live or something.

As far as safety is concerned, visibility etc I never found a problem at all, I don't think it really matters, you're on the wrong side approximately 50% of the time whether you're LHD or RHD.

You might find yourself parking like a girl for the 1st few weeks though
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Old 22 December 2010, 15:31   #6
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lhd cars are making really strong money at the moment,flog it on and get a rhd if need be
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Old 22 December 2010, 16:41   #7
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Just like driving on the continent, seeing past a vehicle for overtaking is a pest...and one's insurance company will want to know about it too. I agree with Carl.
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Old 22 December 2010, 16:41   #8
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You might find yourself parking like a girl for the 1st few weeks though
And I see you've never lost that habit
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Old 22 December 2010, 19:01   #9
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Just like driving on the continent
Surely this is the obvious answer! A lot of camper vans with LWD are sold here and the owners seem to manage. Insurance is a good point. My favourite trick driving abroad is holding the wheel low and getting Mrs willk to "pretend" steer. Gets Johnny Foreigner every time. The lil Nashers might enjoy that...

Edit: sorry, no Nashers O/B
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Old 22 December 2010, 19:03   #10
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Surely this is the obvious answer!
And wot's wrong with that?!!
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Old 22 December 2010, 19:14   #11
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And wot's wrong with that?!!
Nothing. Sorry, just agreeing with your analysis. The obvious often being overlooked. I'm a bit "relaxed"
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Old 22 December 2010, 19:53   #12
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Slainte!
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Old 22 December 2010, 20:39   #13
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Thanks for all your replies guys, I'll send my colleague a link to this thread so he can read them for himself.

We did discuss how it was when we drive in France etc, and he's done that himself, but that's an exception, you know it's only temporary and make adjustments.

He's interested in what it's like to live with LHD day in day out as your only family transport so he can make any plans beforehand.
He's worried for example about joining busy motorways and overtaking.

Unfortunately selling the car on isn't an option, for a while at least, as he doesn't want to upset his Father, who lets face it is making a bold gesture giving him a 3 year old Golf.

Nasher
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Old 22 December 2010, 21:47   #14
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The only problem I see with driving a LHD car is when overtaking, when you need to see past and up the road.
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Old 22 December 2010, 22:45   #15
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And I see you've never lost that habit
That's just me trying to get used to RHD again
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Old 23 December 2010, 10:04   #16
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The only problem I see with driving a LHD car is when overtaking, when you need to see past and up the road.
Depends which way the corner is going, on a right hander you'll see further sooner.
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Old 23 December 2010, 18:28   #17
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Depends which way the corner is going, on a right hander you'll see further sooner.
Generally, I try to overtake on the straight bits...
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Old 23 December 2010, 18:48   #18
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Generally, I try to overtake on the straight bits...
Wheres the fun in that?
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