The passenger door has the 'normal' operation found in most cars. ie. flick the door lock shut, & then close the door from outside holding the handle up. Result door is locked.

But, on the driver side it is only possible to to flick the door lock shut when the door is closed. So unable to lock the driver door from outside except with a key.

Is this deliberate design to prevent me locking myself out or do I have a problem with my door lock?

regards
Cuppa