Driving can be a nerve-racking experience on your own country’s roads, let alone when getting behind the wheel in a nation you’ve never driven in before. From travelling on unfamiliar road layouts, to trying to remember new driving rules and etiquette, there are lots of reasons why drivers might feel nervous about taking the wheel in a new destination.
That said, many holidaymakers will rent a car while abroad to give themselves more freedom to explore a new location, so we wanted to discover which countries people feel most nervous about driving in when planning their travels and the reasons why they feel anxious. To find out, we conducted a global survey to over 2,000 motorists, where they were asked to give an answer out of 10, on how nervous they would be to drive in each country (1 being not nervous at all, and 10 being extremely nervous).
In addition to this, we also wanted to help drivers around the world stay safe on the roads (and avoid the need for your vehicle to hit the scrap heap), so we have shared some top tips from our experts on what motorists should keep in mind when planning to drive abroad…
Drivers are most afraid of driving in India
With an average ‘scare score’ of 7.15 out of a possible 10, India ranks as the country that motorists are most nervous to drive in, followed by Venezuela and Zimbabwe, each with average scores of over 6.9 out of 10. Countries in Africa and Asia dominate much of the top ten, with Morocco and Thailand making up the top five nerve-racking nations to drive in, and China and Malaysia also ranking as some of the scariest places to drive in, if you’re not a local.
South America’s Venezuela ranks in second place, while Brazil and Colombia rank in 8th and 9th positions as more nerve-racking nations to drive in, while neighbouring countries Argentina and Ecuador also rank in the top 20, each with scores of over 6.3 out of 10.
Turkey, Hungary, Greece and Italy were the four European countries that make overseas drivers the most nervous. Driving in Hungary can be intimidating due to heavy truck traffic on major highways, which can make overtaking challenging for drivers not used to the traffic flow. Furthermore, in cities such as Budapest (Hungary’s capital city) navigating your way past public transport and trams, which often have the right of way, can also bring added stress for drivers. In Turkey, complex road systems in busy cities such as Istanbul and Ankara can make navigation particularly confusing for unfamiliar drivers. Similarly, Greece and Italy are notorious for their chaotic traffic conditions and ancient, narrow streets, which can be highly intimidating for visiting motorists.
Ranking in 25th spot is New Zealand with a scare score of 5.77 out of 10. Drivers in New Zealand will encounter lots of picturesque views as they travel through the region however many rural roads in the country are narrow, and often lack guardrails, especially in mountainous areas. Furthermore, in areas such as the South Island, drivers will regularly encounter long stretches of road with few other cars or services, meaning motorists should pack supplies in advance in order to avoid being stranded with no fuel or supplies.
Narrowly missing the top 25, the United Kingdom ranks in 26th spot scoring a moderate 5.71 scare score, likely due to our affection for roundabouts and one-way systems. Meanwhile, widely regarded for its wide range of road trip opportunities, the United States ranks in 33rd spot, with a score of 5.29.
At the other end of the scale as the nation holidaymakers would feel the most confident to drive in is the Netherlands, with a score of 4.41 out of 10. The Netherlands are known for their well-maintained and clearly marked roads, making navigation relatively easy for visitors. The country’s love of cycling also creates more organised traffic patterns for drivers – just make sure to drive safely alongside the cyclists around you!
Top 25 Scariest Nations To Drive In
| Rank | Country | Scare score (out of 10) |
| 1 | India | 7.15 |
| 2 | Venezuela | 6.97 |
| 3 | Zimbabwe | 6.90 |
| 4 | Morocco | 6.87 |
| 5 | Thailand | 6.86 |
| 6 | China | 6.84 |
| 7 | Tunisia | 6.79 |
| 8 | Brazil | 6.71 |
| 9 | Colombia | 6.71 |
| 10 | Malaysia | 6.70 |
| 11 | Mexico | 6.69 |
| 12 | Turkey | 6.68 |
| 13 | Vietnam | 6.67 |
| 14 | Chile | 6.52 |
| 15 | Hungary | 6.52 |
| 16 | Argentina | 6.48 |
| 17 | Singapore | 6.47 |
| 18 | Ecuador | 6.31 |
| 19 | Japan | 6.27 |
| 20 | United Arab Emirates | 6.12 |
| 21 | South Africa | 6.08 |
| 22 | Hong Kong | 5.97 |
| 23 | Greece | 5.86 |
| 24 | Italy | 5.83 |
| 25 | New Zealand | 5.77 |
1. India – 7.15 out of 10
India tops the list as the country motorists are most nervous to drive in – and perhaps for good reason. India is renowned for its unpredictable traffic conditions, with everything from cars and motorcycles to rickshaws and even livestock sharing the roads, meaning there are lots of hazards to be aware of. Two Indian cities (Bengaluru and Pune) feature in the top ten of TomTom’s Traffic Index, as two of the world’s worst cities for traffic. In addition, horns are used frequently in the country as a form of communication – not just for emergencies like in countries such as the United Kingdom, which can cause increased stress levels for drivers not used to noisier journeys. As in lots of countries around the world, the rural roads in India are also significantly less developed, meaning drivers will need to navigate local villages and agricultural areas with care.
2. Venezuela – 6.97 out of 10
In second spot is Venezuela, scoring 6.97 out of 10. Driving in Venezuela can be a challenging experience for lots of motorists due to poor road maintenance, with many roads containing large potholes. While fuel prices are extremely low compared to global standards, frequent fuel shortages result in long lines at petrol stations, and most are only open until 10pm in the evening – another thing to consider when planning a long journey overnight. Finally, traffic laws, though present, are often loosely enforced, leading to unpredictable driving behaviours such as ignoring traffic lights or lane discipline, which can be disconcerting for those not used to the local driving culture.
3. Zimbabwe – 6.90 out of 10
Zimbabwe places in third spot as one of the top three countries motorists are the most nervous about driving in. Roads in Zimbabwe are generally kept in good condition, particularly in big cities, however roads in rural areas are less well maintained, making off-road or 4×4 vehicles preferable depending on where you’re driving to. Fuel shortages are also relatively common in the country, so it’s recommended to plan ahead and carry extra fuel, particularly when driving long distances through remote areas. Traffic police checkpoints are also frequent, meaning drivers will need to have up-to-date vehicle documentation on them at all times.
4. Morocco – 6.87 out of 10
In fourth spot is the North African country of Morocco. Morocco has a mix of both chaotic urban traffic, and smaller, narrow-paved highways which are often shared with pedestrians, cyclists and animals such as camels, donkeys and goats. This variation in road types provides an exciting and stimulating experience for drivers visiting the country, however it does also create lots of potential hazards to watch out for, so it’s essential that drivers stay alert. The network of motorways in Morocco are state-owned by the ADM (Autoroutes du Maroc), and lots of motorways are also toll highways. Toll costs are generally much cheaper than those in Europe, however most need to be paid in cash, so drivers should try and carry small change on long drives in the country.
5. Thailand – 6.86 out of 10
Thailand ranks in 5th position as one of the most anxiety-inducing countries to drive in as a visitor. Motorists in the country drive on the left, which can be unfamiliar for some drivers, and motorbikes dominate the roads, weaving through traffic and creating potential distractions for nervous drivers. Heavy traffic is common in cities such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai, however more rural areas provide a beautiful backdrop of mountains and beaches for drivers to enjoy.
Driving on the opposite side of the road is the number one concern for anyone driving abroad
In addition to revealing the countries visitors are most nervous to drive in, we wanted to uncover the main reasons why people feel anxious about the idea of driving in another country.
Driving on the opposite side of the road emerged as the most prominent reason for this, with over half (56.2%) of all drivers surveyed stating this as a concern. Roughly 30% of the world’s countries (including the UK, Ireland, Cyprus, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong and more) drive on the left side of the road; while around 64 countries drive on the right side, including most of Europe. Depending on where you are travelling to and from, driving on the complete opposite side of the road (in a vehicle which has an opposite layout to what you’re used to) is a very likely possibility for lots of travellers.
The second biggest concern for motorists hitting the roads in a foreign country is the dangerous driving of other motorists, with 55.9% of drivers picking this out as a worry. There are many stereotypes about how good (or safe) drivers are in different countries around the world, with previous research suggesting that motorists in Thailand, Peru and Lebanon are amongst the worst drivers in the world. Regardless of where you’re driving, the unknown nature of drivers in another country can cause a lot of anxiety for visiting motorists, especially as manic road conditions are often witnessed before travelling, on the likes of YouTube or travel TV shows.
Rounding off the top three driving abroad concerns was not wanting to accidentally break a road law, with just over half (52.7%) of motorists claiming this is something they worry about when planning to drive abroad. From not being able to drink water behind the wheel in Cyprus, to splashing pedestrians being illegal in the UK and Japan – road laws and rules vary wildly from country to country, meaning it’s always advisable to brush up on a country’s driving laws before getting behind the wheel, in order to avoid fines or other penalties.
Driving on unfamiliar roads and not understanding the road signs rounded off the top five, while other concerns related to not knowing the area including getting lost (28.6%), and encountering unexpected road conditions (18.2%), also featured in the top ten. Not being able to communicate in the local language in the instance of being involved in a traffic collision (29.3%) or getting pulled over (22.2%) is also a concern for over 1 in 5 drivers globally. Fortunately, living in a digital world, many drivers are able to download translation or language apps such as Google Translate in advance of getting behind wheel, and it’s also advisable to learn key phrases in the language of whatever country you’re travelling in before setting off.
Top 10 Driving Abroad Concerns
| Rank | Concern | Average % Of Drivers Stressed About This Concern |
| 1 | Driving on the opposite side of the road | 56.2% |
| 2 | Dangerous driving of other motorists on the road | 55.9% |
| 3 | Accidentally breaking a road law | 52.7% |
| 4 | Driving on unfamiliar roads | 48.1% |
| 5 | Not understanding the road signs | 43.1% |
| 6 | General safety e.g. car theft | 33.3% |
| 7 | Being involved in a traffic collision and not being able to communicate in the local language | 29.3% |
| 8 | Getting lost | 28.6% |
| 9 | Getting pulled over and not being able to communicate in the local language | 22.2% |
| 10 | Encountering unexpected road conditions | 18.2% |
What to consider when driving abroad
At Scrap Car Comparison we understand how daunting it can be to drive in a foreign country, especially for nervous drivers. With unfamiliar roads, different rules, and varying driving cultures, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, so we’ve pulled together our top tips for driving abroad with confidence…
1. Research local driving laws
Before you set off in your vehicle, familiarise yourself with the country’s specific driving rules and road signs, as well as what documentation you might need to carry with you while driving in a new country. Different countries will have unique traffic regulations, speed limits, and road signage systems, and knowing the basics will make you feel much more confident and less stressed. Be aware that many countries may use kilometres per hour to describe their speed limits, instead of miles per hour as is used in the UK – an important distinction to make if you want to avoid receiving a speeding ticket!
2. Choose the right vehicle
Try and rent a car that you’re comfortable driving. If you’re used to driving an automatic car for example, make sure you request one. Also, pick a vehicle size that suits the environment you’re going to be driving in – a smaller car may be easier to navigate in tight, urban areas, for example.
3. Use GPS and navigation apps
A reliable GPS or directions app will be your best friend when driving abroad. Apps such as Google Maps or Waze can help you to avoid getting lost, and alert you to any upcoming traffic, road hazards or changes in speed limits. To be extra prepared, you can pre-plan your routes and download the maps, so that you can access them offline.
4. Take it slow
Don’t feel pressured to drive at the pace of local drivers, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the roads. Take your time when driving around in a new area and be extra cautious at intersections, roundabouts, and pedestrian crossings, where driving behaviours may differ.
5. Stay calm and plan for breaks
Driving in a new country can be tiring and stressful, so ensure to plan regular breaks to rest and recharge, especially if you are on a long journey. Stay calm and remind yourself that it’s okay to pull over and reassess if you start to feel overwhelmed.
If our research has inspired you to drive abroad, you can see more information on the cost of driving in different countries around the world here.
Methodology
We surveyed 2,000 motorists (via Prolific) from 10 different countries: UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Germany, New Zealand, South Africa, France, Italy, and Spain. Participants were asked to rate on a scale of 1-10 (1 being not very nervous at all, 10 being extremely nervous) how nervous they would feel to drive in a selection of 49 of the world’s most visited countries. Respondents were also asked to share their concerns about driving in an international destination (if any), from a list of commonly cited reasons sourced from desk research. Data was collated and analysed to reveal the countries which drivers are most nervous to drive in and the top concerns motorists have when getting behind the wheel in a new country. All data correct as of September 2024.
