Driving On The Left Takes Guts And New Skills

After careful consideration, there’s only one place we tried this

Clifden, Ireland. © Carol Labuzzetta, 2024

Over the years, we’ve visited several places that drive on the left side of the road. These include Bermuda, Ireland, and the United States Virgin Islands.

Since my husband and I are from the United States, we driving on the left to be odd. I mean we’re just not used to it. Thus, until recently, we stayed away from driving in countries that drive vehicles on the opposite side of the road from what we’re used to.

Bermuda

Our first exposure to left-sided driving was on our honeymoon, in Bermuda. It was 1987. At that time, tourists could not rent cars on the island.

Downtown Hamilton, Bermuda, and the famous “birdcage” in the middle of the street where a police officer might stand to direct traffic. © Carol Labuzzetta, 2017.

One got around by taxi and ferry, which we could not afford, or the pink public buses that regularly traversed the island.

We did, however, rent a scooter, which was allowed. We rode on one bike, across the island, wearing helmets and paying close attention to signs. The experience did not want us to do it more than once.