When renting a car abroad, these countries are the most intimidating for drivers.

Navigating a foreign land while behind the wheel can be a delightful or nerve-wracking experience, from a leisurely drive through the countryside to an adrenaline-fueled journey through the city.

But some countries make motorists more nervous than others.

In October, a survey revealed that drivers in India are most worried about driving. India received an average score of 7.15 out of 10, making it the country with the highest score among the 49 nations surveyed.

According to a survey of 2,000 drivers from 10 countries, a score of "1" indicated no nervousness at all, while a "10" represented being "extremely nervous." The countries included the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain.

Prolific, commissioned by U.K.-based car company Scrap Car Comparison, conducted a survey that revealed India's roads are characterized by "unpredictable traffic conditions, with a variety of vehicles including cars, motorcycles, rickshaws, and even livestock sharing the roads."

In 2023, three Indian cities — Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Pune — are among the top 10 metro areas on the TomTom Traffic Index, which evaluates traffic congestion and rush hour speeds globally.

The survey does not rely on statistical data, such as road safety or fatalities, but rather on the perceptions of drivability among non-residents.

The top 10 list comprises countries from Asia, Africa, and South America, but none of the respondents are from those regions.

On the list, Mexico ranked 11th, the highest among North American countries, while the United States came in 33rd and Canada was in 41st.

In Europe, Turkey ranked No. 12, while Hungary and Chile were tied at No. 14.

In contrast to many Asian nations, Vietnam has a higher number of motorbikes than cars, making it challenging to operate a full-sized vehicle.

The 10 countries with survey respondents ranked South Africa highest at No. 21 and Italy at No. 24.

The Netherlands received the highest score of 4.41 from motorists, indicating their comfort behind the wheel, followed by Switzerland, Austria, and Australia.

What scares drivers

Driving on the opposite side of the road is the most intimidating factor for motorists when driving abroad.

In most of the world, people drive on the right side of the road, while left-hand traffic is more common in the UK, as well as in India, Australia, South Africa, and Singapore, which were once British colonies.

More than half of respondents cited erratic driving from others and unknowingly breaking a road law as factors contributing to accidents.

One-third of drivers expressed concern about being involved in an accident and not being able to communicate in the local language.