Driving a RHD in Spain
Posted: 09 October 2008 05:16 PM  
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Hi,

After a few years in the UK, we are now moving back to Spain and have to bring our RHD from London to Madrid (actually, Torrelodones). I don’t have any issues driving on the left or on the right (I’ve lived many years in Spain, UK and US), but I have never driven a RHD in Spain (or a LHD in UK). Is it hard to get used to? Or is just the same as getting used to drive on the other side? Please, keep in mind that I have many, many opinions of people who has never done this before; I would appreciate feedback from those wo have actually done it (or better yet, are still driving RHD in Spain or any other LHD country)

Thanks for your help.

Un saludo,
Rafa
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Posted: 09 October 2008 08:23 PM   [ # 1 ]  
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I’ve done it both ways round, and it’s fine on main roads, motorways and even city streets.  However on country roads, when you’re trying to overtake and you obviously have to get right out into the wrong carriageway to see what’s coming, it’s a nightmare.  This would be a big problem somewhere like rural Andalucia, but you might be OK where you are.  If it was me I would change cars unless there was a serious financial or aesthetic reason to keep your old one (like if it’s a classic or something).  You have to re-register after a while anyway, and it’s a massive hassle I believe (never done it myself).

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Martin, Scotland and the Alpujarra.  http://www.casasierra.blogspot.com

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Posted: 10 October 2008 08:14 AM   [ # 2 ]  
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Hi Raffa,
I have lived here/driven LHD on right for past 9 years. (Also previously lived in Germany - ditto car/ sides).
I actually am so used to it I tense up even when a passenger in the UK!  (I have not attempted to drive there for this period of time - but may have to soon - so will be able to update on how I managed it if of interest!).

My partner has a RHD car here - I refuse to drive it. It doesn’t ‘feel right’ for me anymore.  I am also worried about being stopped by Guardia to be honest as although it is supposed to be a ‘holiday car for a non-resident’ we know otherwise (wink wink). If partner chooses to take risk - their decision. (Although I am not happy with it). (NB They had their last UK vehicle transferred to Spanish plates - but then when they sold it - they lost a heap of money as no one wants a RHD car on local plates - not even the car trade :(  ).

On balance - and many many years/kms of driving I thought I was ‘adaptable’ - but in fact I prefer the right and a left hand drive car. 

Good luck with your move back.
sj

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Posted: 10 October 2008 08:20 AM   [ # 3 ]  
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Ps - My partner drives my Spanish LHD car on occasions - but I am reluctant to let it out as they do not seem to notice how close they are to the verge on the right - and when I am a passenger I become nervous! (Not just for my car!). They also seem to have a problem with gear change/foot controls on occasions - as they seem to forget where the gearstick is! (They are not too bad a driver in their own RHD car - but this has got a bit OTT on ‘taking precautionary measures’ since we were run off the road by an oncoming out of control car end of last year - And being in the passenger seat I seem to take the scary bit!).

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Posted: 10 October 2008 08:24 AM   [ # 4 ]  
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PPS - (sorry it is a bit late/early and I need to go back to bed!) zzzz - last post I promise!

Partner has problems with ‘viewpoint’ when pulling onto the main carreterras. As you know the run ins are very tight/short and somtimes almost at right angles to the fast main road! They have to crane to look in the passenger wing mirror or lean across to passenger seat to make doubly sure it is safe to pull out.
By choice I would not drive an opposing RHD or LHD on the ‘wrong side’. 
😉

This said - many many brits travel abroad in RHD camper vans - But I just don’t get it! 

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