Living with Left hand drive in UK?

Nasher · 22 December 2010, 11:12

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.

JABS · 22 December 2010, 11:18

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!

Erin · 22 December 2010, 11:27

Biggest problem is usually your passengers try and get into the driving seat.

bogib · 22 December 2010, 14:22

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.

martini · 22 December 2010, 14:47

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

Carl · 22 December 2010, 16:31

lhd cars are making really strong money at the moment,flog it on and get a rhd if need be

jwalker · 22 December 2010, 17:41

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.

Erin · 22 December 2010, 17:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by martini

You might find yourself parking like a girl for the 1st few weeks though

And I see you've never lost that habit

willk · 22 December 2010, 20:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwalker

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

jwalker · 22 December 2010, 20:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by willk

Surely this is the obvious answer!

And wot's wrong with that?!!

willk · 22 December 2010, 20:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwalker

And wot's wrong with that?!!

Nothing. Sorry, just agreeing with your analysis. The obvious often being overlooked. I'm a bit "relaxed"

jwalker · 22 December 2010, 20:53

Slainte!

Nasher · 22 December 2010, 21:39

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

Hightower · 22 December 2010, 22:47

The only problem I see with driving a LHD car is when overtaking, when you need to see past and up the road.

martini · 22 December 2010, 23:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Erin

And I see you've never lost that habit

That's just me trying to get used to RHD again

chewy · 23 December 2010, 11:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hightower

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.

willk · 23 December 2010, 19:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by chewy

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...

chewy · 23 December 2010, 19:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by willk

Generally, I try to overtake on the straight bits...

Wheres the fun in that?