Third of holidaymakers worried about driving on ‘wrong’ side of road 

“Just remember this – in this country they drive on the wrong side of the road.”

As new research¹ confirms, Michael Caine’s warning in 1969’s comedy classic The Italian Job remains as relevant now as it was more than half a century ago.

Of all the potential sources of holiday driving stress, driving on the opposite side of the road to the UK remains the most common, according to a survey commissioned by insurance4carhire.

Close to a third (30%) of respondents said that keeping their vehicle on the right-hand side of the road is the most nerve-wracking part of driving abroad.

“British holidaymakers would do well to heed Michael Caine’s advice when hiring a car in Europe, as Ireland, Malta and Cyprus are the only countries outside of the UK where people also drive on the left,” explains Sean Doolan from insurance4carhire.

“Worldwide, right-handed driving is far more popular than left-handed, having been adopted by 165 countries to left-handed driving’s 75.”

Unfamiliarity breeds anxiety

A general lack of familiarity with foreign regulations and conventions is at the root of Brits’ main concerns about driving abroad.

Coming a close second to driving on the opposite side of the road in the list of what makes British drivers nervous when on holiday is being governed by different rules and laws, chosen by 29% of respondents.

Linked to that, a quarter (25%) of holidaymakers said they become anxious when confronted with unfamiliar road signs, and a similar proportion (22%) admit to feeling worried about negotiating unfamiliar road layouts.

In fact, British drivers are generally so nervous when abroad that 4% claim to be unaffected by nerves when driving on foreign roads.

“Unless you’re one of the 25% of British tourists who’ve never driven abroad, you’re likely to have been confronted with unfamiliar driving laws, road signs and traffic systems at some point during a foreign holiday,” continues Sean.

“In these pressurised situations, scrapes, bumps and general damage to a hire car can be  more common than you might think, and the charges are often unexpected and certainly unwanted. Arranging car hire excess cover in advance means you can claim these charges back, helping to give you peace of mind throughout your trip and when you land back home.”