Key Points
- European countries like Hungary, Greece, and Italy also cause anxiety
- The Netherlands is rated the least stressful country to drive in
- Top concerns for international drivers include switching driving sides and dangerous local habits
ISLAMABAD: Driving at home can already test your nerves — whether it is gridlocked traffic, erratic drivers, or dodging potholes. But venturing abroad, where road rules shift, driving sides flip, and a casual cow crossing might halt your journey.
A global survey by Scrap Car Comparison asked over 2,000 motorists to rate how nervous they would feel about driving in different countries — and the results are in. While some nations inspire road trip dreams, others seem more like driving nightmares. Topping the list is none other than India.
India’s driving gauntlet
With an average scare score of 7.15 out of 10, India stands as the most nerve-wracking country to drive in. And for good reason. A typical Indian road may feature cars, buses, rickshaws, pedestrians, motorbikes, ox-carts, and yes, stray cows — all vying for a spot on the road.
Traffic flows more like a fluid than a structured system, and the near-constant honking is not a sign of aggression, but a way of communicating everything from “I’m here” to “Get out of the way.”
“There’s a kind of order to the chaos, but it’s not for the faint-hearted,” says Anika Rao, a travel writer based in Mumbai. “It’s not just about following rules — it’s about reading the road like a living thing.”
Third-world driving challenges
Coming in just behind India is Venezuela, with a score of 6.97. Though fuel is cheap, poor road conditions, potholes, and unreliable petrol stations mean long waits and a need for constant planning. The rules of the road are often optional.
Third place goes to Zimbabwe, scoring 6.90. While major city roads are generally navigable, driving in rural areas can be challenging due to poorly maintained roads, limited signage, and the need to carry fuel. Frequent police checkpoints also add a layer of tension.
Europe’s driving dilemmas
Despite Europe’s reputation for excellent infrastructure, some countries still make drivers uneasy. Hungary (6.52) is a challenge due to heavy lorry traffic and streetcars that often take precedence in city centres. Greece (5.86) and Italy (5.83) both feature narrow, centuries-old roads, especially in towns where the streets were built for horses, not hatchbacks.
James Pearson, a British tourist, recalls trying to exit a tiny alleyway in Florence: “There were three scooters honking behind me while I tried to back out without scraping the wall. It felt like a scene from a comedy sketch.”
Smooth rides, safer roads
On the flip side, the Netherlands emerged as the least stressful country to drive in, with a score of just 4.41. Its flat terrain, well-maintained roads, and disciplined driving culture make it a smooth experience, though visitors should stay alert for the many cyclists who often have priority.
New Zealand (5.77) also appears on the list, mainly due to its rural roads and isolated stretches, where you may drive for hours without seeing another vehicle or fuel station. While visually stunning, its terrain requires both caution and preparation.
According to the survey, the top 10 most intimidating countries to drive in — based on average scare scores out of 10 — are led by India, with a score of 7.15, followed by Venezuela (6.97) and Zimbabwe (6.90). Other entries include Morocco (6.87), Thailand (6.86), China (6.84), Tunisia (6.79), Brazil and Colombia (both at 6.71), and Malaysia (6.70).
Stress triggers for tourists
The survey also shed light on the biggest fears drivers have when travelling internationally. The number one concern is driving on the opposite side of the road, which 56.2 per cent of respondents admitted was anxiety-inducing.
Other notable sources of stress included not understanding road signs (43.1 per cent), not being able to speak the local language in case of emergencies (29.3 per cent), and simply getting lost while navigating unfamiliar terrain (28.6 per cent).
Driving tips for travellers
To help reduce stress and stay safe on foreign roads, experts at Scrap Car Comparison offer several practical tips. First and foremost, they recommend researching the driving laws of your destination — from standard speed limits to unusual local rules, such as the ban on sipping water while driving in Cyprus. Choosing the right vehicle is equally important; if you are accustomed to an automatic transmission, be sure to request it in advance, and opt for a smaller car when navigating narrow or crowded streets.
It is also wise to download offline maps before your journey to avoid issues with patchy mobile reception. Driving defensively and giving yourself time to adjust to local conditions can go a long way in easing initial nerves.
Lastly, planning regular breaks is essential, especially when covering long distances through unfamiliar or rural areas.
Preparations beat panic
Driving abroad does not have to be a white-knuckle experience. With the right preparation and mindset, it can become one of the most rewarding ways to explore a new destination. While the thought of dodging scooters in Hanoi or navigating Mumbai’s manic intersections might seem overwhelming, thousands of drivers do it every day — and you can too.
Because sometimes, the most memorable parts of your journey do not happen at your destination — they unfold on the road getting there.
