Countries that Drive on the Left: a Complete Guide to Driving in Cyprus for Tourists

Planning a trip to Cyprus and want to rent a car to explore beyond the limits of guided tours and public transport? Great idea. The island is compact but surprisingly rich: you'll find quiet coves with crystal-clear water, ancient villages in the mountains, and monasteries hidden among pine trees. However, before you get behind the wheel, it’s important to know one key detail: Cyprus has left-hand traffic. Many tourists, while preparing for their vacation, specifically check which countries drive on the left and are surprised to find Cyprus on the list. If you want to feel confident on the road, it’s worth learning the basic driving rules Cyprus follows to avoid confusion and enjoy a smooth trip.

If you’re used to a left-hand drive car and driving in the right lane, the thought of having to drive "the other way around" can be daunting. In reality, it's much simpler: all it takes is a little practice, understanding the logic of the traffic flow, and staying calm. A little preparation will ensure your safety and save you unnecessary stress.

Now, let's take a closer look at how left-hand traffic works in Cyprus, from its historical roots to everyday nuances. We'll answer questions about the most common challenges and how to handle them.

What is Left-Hand and Right-Hand Traffic

First, let's clarify the terms. It's quite simple: it's a mirror image of the system most of us are used to.

In Cyprus, you'll be given a car with the steering wheel on the right. This means the gear stick will be to your left, and the main rearview mirror to your right. You'll need to get used to this, but more on that later.

From the Sword to the Ford Model T: Why the World Was Divided

Why did this confusion arise in the first place? The roots of this division go back centuries, long before the invention of the automobile.

The Logic of the Left Side

In the Middle Ages, most horse riders and wagon drivers in Europe kept to the left side of the road. The reason was practical: it kept their right hand, which usually held a sword, closer to a potential opponent approaching from the opposite direction. This tradition was officially codified in England and later spread throughout the British Empire.

The Logic of the Right Side

The shift to the right side is linked to several factors. Firstly, after the French Revolution, France decided to abandon the aristocratic habit of riding on the left. Napoleon Bonaparte, being left-handed, also preferred the right side and enforced this rule in all the countries he conquered.

Secondly, in the 19th century, large freight wagons pulled by several pairs of horses became common in the United States. The driver would sit on the rear left horse to be able to whip all the animals with his right hand. To get a better view of oncoming wagons and avoid a collision, he kept to the right side of the road.

Right-hand traffic was finally solidified with the advent of the mass-produced automobile. Henry Ford began manufacturing his famous Model T with the steering wheel on the left, believing it was safer for passengers to exit onto the sidewalk rather than into the street. The success of the Ford Model T made left-hand drive the standard in the US and subsequently in many other countries.

Today, about 65% of the world's population drives on the right, while 35% drives on the left. These countries with left hand traffic are often called right hand drive countries, since people drive on the left side of the road, and the steering wheel in their cars is located on the right.

Here is a list of the main right hand drive countries (with left-hand traffic):

As a former British colony, Cyprus fully inherited this tradition. Road signs, markings, motorway exits, and roundabouts—the entire island's infrastructure is designed for left-hand traffic.

Peculiarities of Left-Hand Traffic in Cyprus

So, you're in Cyprus, in a car with the steering wheel on the right. The first thing to realize is that it's not just «your» lane that has changed, but the entire geometry of the road. The whole infrastructure, from interchanges to parking lots, is designed as a mirror image.

How Roads and Intersections are Laid Out

On Cypriot roads, a simple rule applies: keep left. The far-left lane on a motorway is the slow lane, for relaxed driving. The right lane is for overtaking. Exits from the motorway are also on the left, so move into the left lane in advance if you plan to turn off.

Pay special attention to roundabouts. There are many of them in Cyprus. Traffic on them moves clockwise. The main rule is to yield to those already on the roundabout, meaning vehicles approaching from your right. This is the most important point to remember to avoid an accident.

Overtaking and Turning

Overtaking is only permitted on the right. A left turn won't cause any trouble—it's a simple maneuver within your lane. A right turn, however, requires concentration: you will have to cross the lane of oncoming traffic. Before making the turn, ensure there are no cars coming from the right. The classic safety formula is:

• look right;
• look left;
• and then look right again.

Getting Used to Mirror-Image Driving

Your brain is accustomed to the right-hand traffic pattern, and it will take time to reprogram it. At first, you'll instinctively drift to the right, especially on empty roads. Try to consciously keep the car closer to the left shoulder, using it as a guide. This will help you develop a new sense of the car's dimensions and your position in the traffic flow.

Problems and Difficulties for Tourists

Even if you have twenty years of driving experience, you'll feel like a novice during your first few hours behind the wheel in Cyprus. This is normal. The key is to understand what specific challenges you will face.

First Days Behind the Wheel: Disorientation

The most dangerous moments are the first few turns and pulling out of a parking space. Your brain will instinctively tell you to turn into the right lane, and only conscious control will save you from driving into oncoming traffic. The feeling of sitting in the passenger seat while driving also adds to the discomfort. This disorientation is a common trait for anyone driving for the first time in countries that drive on the left, whether it's Cyprus, Australia, or the UK.

Increased Risk of Accidents at Roundabouts and Turns

Insurance company statistics confirm that most accidents involving tourists in Cyprus occur at roundabouts and when making right turns. Drivers forget to look to the right and yield, which leads to collisions.

Unusual Position of the Gear Stick, Mirrors, and Wipers

If you've rented a car with a manual transmission, be prepared for the gear stick to be on your left. At first, your right hand will reflexively hit the door when you try to change gears. To avoid this problem, it's better to rent a car with an automatic transmission.

Another common mistake is confusing the control stalks. In many Japanese cars, which are popular in Cyprus, the turn signal stalk is on the right, and the wiper stalk is on the left. Don't be surprised if, on a sunny day, you turn on the wipers at full speed when trying to signal a turn.

Mistakes When Pulling Out of a Parking Space and Overtaking

Pulling out from an adjacent area or a parking space is a moment that requires maximum concentration. Your instinct tells you to look left, but the main danger is approaching from the right. Always remember: look right first. Overtaking also feels unusual, as you need to move to the right, toward the center of the road.

Practical Tips for Drivers in Cyprus

Theory is important, but practice is everything. To ensure your adaptation is as smooth and safe as possible, follow these simple recommendations. They will help your brain readjust more quickly and save your nerves.

How to Adapt More Quickly

Your first day behind the wheel is the most crucial. Don't plan long drives or trips into a busy city center. Your task is to get used to the car's dimensions, mirrors, and your new position on the road.

Here is a short checklist for quick adaptation:

• Rent an automatic car.
• Don’t get distracted by your phone.
• Start on quiet streets.
• Always keep to the left side.
• Use the centerline as a guide.
• Yield to the right at roundabouts.
• Use a sticker on the steering wheel.
• Follow the flow of traffic.
• Don’t rush, stay calm.

Now, let's go over the most important points in more detail.

1. Choose an automatic transmission

This is the most effective tip. It frees your brain from having to operate the gear stick with your left hand. Instead of spending mental energy on an unfamiliar action, you can fully concentrate on the road, signs, and other drivers. The extra cost for an automatic is an investment in your safety.

2. Start small

After picking up your car from the rental agency, don't rush onto a busy highway. Find a nearby empty parking lot or a quiet side street. Spend 10–15 minutes getting a feel for the car's dimensions. Practice parking, turning, and reversing. This will help you calibrate your internal sense of space.

3. Use a GPS navigator

Even if you know the route, turn on Google Maps or Waze. The visual cue on the screen showing you exactly where to turn at an interchange or which exit to take from a roundabout is invaluable. The navigator acts as a co-pilot, preventing you from mistakenly entering the wrong lane.

4. Create an «anchor»

The easiest way to avoid driving into the oncoming lane is to constantly remind yourself: «The centerline should be on my right». You can take it a step further and stick a bright sticker on the right side of the steering wheel or dashboard. It will serve as a visual reminder of which side the oncoming traffic is on.

5. Ask your passenger for help

If you're not traveling alone, your front-seat passenger is your best assistant. Ask them to be your "co-pilot" and pay special attention to the situation on the right during turns and at intersections. A simple question like «Is it clear on the right?» before a maneuver can prevent an accident.

6. Follow the rules and speed limits

Traffic rules are strictly enforced in Cyprus. There are cameras everywhere, and fines are high. For example, speeding can cost you anywhere from €25 to several hundred euros, and driving into the oncoming lane can result in losing your license. If you do get a fine, you can pay it online through the JCCsmart service or at local banks. Don't ignore it: an unpaid fine can cause problems when you leave the country. This issue is relevant for anyone driving for the first time in countries that drive on the left.

Conclusion

Driving on the left is not a verdict, but just one of the travel peculiarities you need to prepare for. Thousands of tourists successfully manage this task every year, and so will you. The main thing is not to overestimate your abilities, to be extremely attentive during the first few days, and not to be shy about driving slower than the flow of traffic until you feel confident.

Remember the three main rules for a tourist driver in Cyprus:

1. Keep left.
2. At a roundabout, yield to the right.
3. At turns, look in all directions.

Driving calmly and carefully will help you avoid trouble and fully enjoy the freedom that a car provides. You'll be able to explore wild beaches, reach mountain villages, and see a side of Cyprus that is hidden from most vacationers.

Ultimately, the experience of driving in right hand drive countries is a very useful skill. It broadens your driving horizons and boosts your confidence. When you return home, you'll realize that you're now ready for any road adventure, wherever it may await you. Have a safe journey and unforgettable impressions!