Moving to the UK from Sweden just before turning 20, I already held a Swedish driving license and felt comfortable behind the wheel. It took me four years in the UK, attending university and residing in larger cities, before I decided to purchase my first car for work. Although I had adapted to various driving regulations as a pedestrian and public transport passenger, there were significant differences I had to adjust to while teaching myself to drive in a new country.
Even after nearly four years of driving in the UK, there are still aspects of driving that I find peculiar. Here are six things I still struggle with, despite my experience, as driving abroad can present unexpected challenges.
One notable disparity is the British preference for driving on the left side of the road, unlike the majority of the world that drives on the right side. This difference requires constant reminders to perform tasks oppositely, such as using the left hand for gear changes and navigating roundabouts clockwise instead of counterclockwise.
Even now, I occasionally find it strange to drive on the left side, especially when I have passengers like my parents. However, I have come to terms with the fact that driving in the UK follows this unique convention.
Another surprising adjustment was understanding the workings of car insurance in the UK when purchasing my vehicle. Not only was it more expensive than in Sweden, but the insurance system also operated differently. In Sweden, insurance covers each vehicle rather than individual drivers, allowing anyone with a license to drive the car.
This approach made more sense to me, as I could comprehend the various factors considered in the UK’s car insurance system. Initially living in Swindon, known for its Magic Roundabouts, I hesitated to navigate these complex five mini-roundabouts arranged in a circle. Despite locals praising its convenience, it took me almost a year before I braved driving through it myself.
Coming from Northern Sweden, where driving in snowy conditions was commonplace, I was surprised by the traffic chaos that even a small amount of snow could cause in the UK. The extensive traffic delays due to snow made me avoid driving in such conditions altogether.
Furthermore, the speed at which people drive on narrow country roads in the UK still baffles me. While others reach speeds of up to 60mph, I prefer a cautious 40mph to avoid any potential collisions on these winding roads.
Lastly, the presence of traffic lights within roundabouts remains a puzzle to me. Encountering this setup for the first time was unexpected, as I had never experienced it in Sweden. I believe roundabouts should serve as an alternative to traffic lights, making the simultaneous use of both redundant.
Have you ever driven in another country? If so, what traffic rules surprised you the most?
