RHD vs LHD

We've already talked about driving a RHD car in a LHD world, but it doesn't just end there.
Sometimes you forget about the pedals, shifting, and signals. How do those work? Let us help.

---

Pedals

     Check out this RHD BMW. Notice the pedals? Notice how it goes clutch, brake, gas left to right just like a RHD? That's because it's the same!


     This is one relief when it comes to driving a RHD. On your list of things to learn, how to work the pedals isn't one of them. It kind of makes sense, though, because in a world where the pedals were opposite there would be some obvious (and catastrophic) issue.

Shifting

     Like pedals, shifting patterns are also the same, but that's not as easy at it sounds.

     If you learn to drive a manual in a LHD car, then you're used to pulling the shifter towards you to go into 1st, and then working the shifter away from you. Now picture it on the other side.

     If you're in a LHD drive, you have to push the shifter away from you (with your left hand, of course) to get into 1st. and then working your way toward you. Not surprisingly, this can be hard for people to adapt to, but it makes sense. Most things work right to left (like reading), so it would almost seem counterintuitive to work the opposite way.

Signals (and other controls)

     Now here's the fun one. Signals (and other controls) are opposite. Even though these things aren't exactly going to cause a wreck, the cars we deal with are all older, and mostly use literal shifters/levers as controls, so it's something to note.

    Your turn signals are on the right of the steering wheel (which makes sense given the shifter position), cruise control will most likely be on the left, wipers will be on the left, and your lights will probably be on the right.

     While every other control can vary depending on make/model, if you're familiar with a certain car stateside, know the controls will be opposite if it's imported.

---