Tips for Driving in the UK and Renting a Car

Planning to rent a car in England can be a daunting experience filled with uncertainties. You might be asking yourself questions like: "Will I accidentally hit someone for not following the rules?" or "What if I mess up at the first roundabout?" Rest assured that these concerns are common among travelers. To help you navigate the challenges of driving on the left side of the road, we have compiled the ultimate tips for driving in the UK. Additionally, we offer essential recommendations for car rental in the UK, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.

Before embarking on any journey that involves renting a car and driving abroad, it's natural to feel a sense of insecurity. This anxiety often fades after covering the first few kilometers. However, in England and throughout the UK—along with countries like Japan, Australia, and India where driving is on the left side of the road—this feeling can be amplified. If you follow our tips for driving in the UK and stay focused (both on the road and in your reading), you will encounter minimal issues. Trust us on this one!

Understanding the Left-Hand Driving System

First and foremost, it’s crucial to understand that in the UK, driving is on the left side of the road. Consequently, the steering wheel is located on the right side of the vehicle. This can lead to confusion, especially when getting into your car. It’s common to mistakenly reach for the wrong door—let's hope you don't do this while driving!

Adapting to this new driving style may take some time, but with vigilance and the assistance of a co-pilot, you'll quickly get the hang of it. The real challenge comes when you return home and try to switch back to driving on the right!

Key Considerations When Driving in the UK

Driving on the left introduces several critical factors to keep in mind:

• Space Awareness: Judging distances from the left side of the road can be tricky. It’s easy to scrape the edges, leaving your passengers nervous as you navigate narrow bridges.
• Pedal Placement: While the pedals are arranged as expected (clutch on the left, brake in the middle, accelerator on the right), the gear shift is on the left side. Opting for an automatic car can simplify matters, but if you end up with a manual transmission, you’ll adapt quickly.
• Intersections: These can be particularly daunting. Be cautious not to enter the wrong lane; clear signage is often in place to prevent confusion for tourists.
• Roundabouts: Contrary to popular belief, roundabouts can be managed with ease. Simply yield to vehicles coming from your right. The rules here are straightforward, and most drivers follow them well.
• Traffic Lights: Interestingly, some roundabouts are equipped with traffic lights. Additionally, when the light turns green, there will be a brief amber phase first.

Do I Need an International Driving Permit?

One of the most common concerns post-Brexit is whether you need an international driving permit to rent a car in the UK. If you are from Spain or any other EU country, you do not need an international driving permit for short trips; your national driving license suffices.

However, if you are traveling from outside the European Union, it's advisable to check with your local traffic authority or the British embassy for specific requirements.

Driving Culture and Behavior in England

In our experience, drivers in England are generally courteous. While city driving may be more chaotic, rural areas tend to be calmer. In the picturesque Cotswolds, for instance, you’ll encounter many narrow roads where yielding is common. A friendly wave can go a long way in fostering good spirits on the road!

Distance Measurements: Miles vs. Kilometers

Forget about kilometers; in the UK, distances are measured in miles, feet, and yards. This applies not only to road signs but also to navigation apps like Google Maps. To put things in perspective, 1 mile equals approximately 1.5 kilometers, which can make journeys seem shorter than they actually are.

Parking Regulations in the UK

Parking in cities often involves fees, with options like pay-and-display zones, public parking lots, and the ever-present parking meters. Be prepared to leave coins visible on your dashboard. Some places only accept cash, while others may take cards or even app payments.

While we tried using parking apps like RingGo and MiPermit, we encountered issues due to not having a UK phone number. Fortunately, you can also use the AppyParking app to find available parking spaces, both free and paid.

It’s worth noting that the free roaming policy no longer applies in the UK. Learn more about how to stay connected while traveling in the UK and consider getting a local SIM card or eSIM for data access.

Lastly, be cautious with parking meters; if you accidentally overpay, the meter won’t refund your change, nor will it extend your parking time. For instance, if two hours cost £3.40 and you insert £4, the ticket will only reflect a two-hour duration, leaving you out of pocket.

Additional Tips for Safe Driving in the UK

Here are some final recommendations to ensure your driving experience in the UK is both safe and enjoyable:

• Alcohol Limit: The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.8 g/l, slightly higher than in Spain. However, to avoid any issues, it's best to abstain from drinking altogether while driving.
• Speed Limits: Speed is measured in miles per hour (mph). Generally, the limit is 70 mph on motorways (around 112 km/h), but this decreases on secondary roads and urban areas. Be aware of speed cameras; fines are strictly enforced.
• Wildlife: If you're driving through rural areas, especially in the Cotswolds, stay alert for wild animals crossing the road, especially at dawn and dusk.
• Use of Horn: Honking your horn is frowned upon. Using it in residential areas between 11:30 PM and 7:00 AM is illegal.
• Toll Roads: There are no extensive toll road systems, but certain bridges and tunnels may require payment. More details can be found on official government sites.
• Congestion Charge: If driving in London during weekdays, be aware of the Congestion Charge, which costs around £15 per day.
• Fuel Stations: Fuel stations operate similarly: fill up, enter the pump number, and pay. Note that fuel is sold in liters, not gallons.

Renting a Car in the UK: A Practical Guide

Renting a car is often the best way to explore certain regions of the UK, such as the Cotswolds, due to the flexibility and freedom it offers. Additionally, car rental costs are generally reasonable, especially if you share the expenses with fellow travelers.

Below, we outline the car rental process in England and provide useful tips and requirements to consider.

Steps for Renting a Car in the UK

The good news is that numerous local and international car rental companies operate at every airport in England, giving you plenty of options. But how do you choose the right company? We always use the comparison site Auto Europe to find the best prices. Here's how to navigate the process:

1. Visit the Auto Europe website and input your trip details. For example, let’s say you’re planning a 5-day trip to the Cotswolds with arrival and departure from Bristol Airport.
2. The search will yield results displaying prices from various companies, sorted by type of car and cost. You can apply filters, such as automatic transmission, unlimited mileage, and pickup locations within the airport.
3. Choosing a Company: You’ll find both international (Avis, Hertz, Sixt, Europcar) and local companies (Green Motion). While international brands may seem more reliable, we’ve found that local companies can sometimes provide better service. Read reviews and select the option with the best balance of ratings and price.
4. Once you’ve made your choice, click on the price to see options for comprehensive insurance or rental without insurance. We highly recommend opting for insurance. If Auto Europe no longer offers it, consider booking through another site like Discovercars, or rent without insurance and purchase it directly from the rental company.
5. Next, enter your personal details and review the terms of the reservation. If everything looks good, proceed to payment and receive a confirmation email (response time may vary based on the chosen company).
6. We prefer to pay the full amount upfront to avoid confusion upon pickup, ensuring no outstanding balance remains. Make sure to check for any additional fees, such as airport surcharges.

Tips for Renting a Car in the UK

Renting a car may seem straightforward, but there are important factors to consider to avoid surprises:

• Whenever possible, choose an automatic over a manual transmission if the price difference is reasonable.
• Opt for a pickup location within the airport to avoid additional transport delays. If the price difference is substantial, this may not be critical.
• Note down the contact number of the rental office for assistance if the shuttle is delayed or if you can't find their location.
• Check for any mileage limits per day, especially with budget companies. For our Cotswold trip, we had a limit of 100 miles per day, which was more than sufficient.
• The minimum age for renting a car in the UK is 22 years.
• It’s usually advisable (sometimes mandatory) to use a credit card in the name of the primary driver for the rental deposit. While some companies may accept debit cards, doing so often results in a higher deposit.
• For couples traveling short distances, a small car is ideal for both cost efficiency and easier parking.
• Before leaving the rental lot, inspect the interior and exterior of the vehicle. Take photos or videos of any pre-existing damage and ensure they are documented in the rental agreement. Notify the company immediately if you find any discrepancies.

When driving in the UK, remember to frequently check your mirrors; you never know who might be lurking nearby!

We hope these tips about driving safely in the UK and renting a car have been helpful. Driving on the left may seem more daunting than it actually is, so don't panic! Have you driven in England before? We’d love to hear about your experiences!

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