Nearside and offside on a car explained

The terms ‘nearside’ and ‘offside’ will be familiar to people who are learning to drive and those who have taken their vehicle to the local mechanic.

As a driver, it's important to understand what these terms mean, as they identify different areas of your vehicle.

Here, in this know how, we explain what nearside and offside mean and why they are important for all drivers to clearly understand.

What is nearside on a car?

The nearside on a vehicle refers to the side of the vehicle closest to the kerb or pavement when driving.

In the UK, where you drive on the left side of the road, the nearside is the left side – or passenger side – of the car.

When it comes to car repairs, there are certain parts that will be designed to fit one side of the vehicle.

What is offside on a car?

The offside on a car is the side of the vehicle that is furthest from the kerb or pavement when driving.

This is also known as the ‘driver’s side’ of the vehicle.

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Is nearside left or right in the UK?

For drivers in the UK, the nearside refers to the left-hand side – or passenger side – of the vehicle.

So, when it comes to car repairs or learner drivers, make sure you check the left side of your vehicle for damage or for when you need to carry out a manoeuvre in your lesson or test.

Offside and nearside tyres

A common place where you will hear the terms nearside and offside, is when you take your vehicle to your trusted local mechanic.

They will use the phrases to describe where there is any damage or where any repairs are needed.

Usually, this will be used when drivers need new tyres.

Here are the abbreviations to look out for:

• NSF – Near Side Front
• NSR – Near Side Rear
• OSF – Off Side Front
• OSR – Off Side Rear

Understanding mechanics

There are a lot of phrases that are only used when taking your vehicle to a local garage or when speaking to a mobile mechanic.

Referred to as ‘garage speak’, understanding these terms is vital to understand what work needs to be carried out on the vehicle.

NS and OS (nearside and offside) are frequently used in the annual MOT and during a car service.

Learning to drive – nearside and offside

There is a lot to learn about when taking driving lessons, and preparing for the driving theory test and practical driving test.

However, your driving instructor will teach you the difference between nearside and offside – and give you instructions that could include either phrase.

If your driving instructor asks you to check your nearside mirror, they want you to look at the left mirror. On the other hand, the offside refers to the right-hand side of the car.