Top Tips for Driving in the UK

• By: Editor
• On: 22/Jul/2009
• In: UK Travel Tips

· If you have never been to the UK or drove there before, a detailed map or good Satellite Navigation or GPS system is very useful, and this will help you navigate the roads as you go from scenic attraction to attraction!

· Please ensure to have your valid driving licence with you at all times on the road – you may be asked to present it at a checkpoint!

· Holders of driving licences that originate overseas are able to drive for up to 12 months in the UK. At the moment, anyone from the age of 17 years of age is permitted to drive in the UK, provided that they have a Provisional Driving Licence and are accompanied by a fully qualified driver with at least 3 years driving experience.
· Make sure you drive on the left hand side of the road. You do not overtake on the left – on the right when it is safe to do so!
· UK roads are classified as M (Motorway Roads) or A or B roads. Local Authorities may also name roads C, D or U (Unclassified). The roads are numbered based on a zoned system. A large part of the major urban routes are connected through Motorways.  A Roads are known as Primary Roads, which are not part of the UK Motorways.
· The rules for using traffic roundabouts throughout the UK are as follows: Always give way to traffic that is coming from the right.

· In the main, the driving speed limit in cities and large towns is 30mph. On some urban roads you can drive at 40mph so keep an eye on the road signs! In rural areas you can reach a speed limit of 60mph on regular roads, and highway and motorway roads enable you to drive at the speed limit of 70mph. Be careful of speed cameras – they are very common on motorways so watch your speed!

· Don’t drink and drive – the blood/alcohol level in the UK is 80mg of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood.  It is very serious offence to be above the legal limit if tested, so don’t ruin your holiday by drinking and driving and getting prosecuted.

· In the UK there is a strong presence of unmarked police cars on roads who could perform random vehicle checks – so ensure to have your seatbelts on, both front and rear. Child restraints and baby seats are mandatory by law, so make sure to have these included in your car rental contract! It’s also illegal to use a hand held cell phone when driving so be aware of this.

· Acquire a good knowledge of the UK Rules of the Road by studying the Highway Code and becoming familiar with UK road signage and markings, speed limits and zones for parking!

· Check out the AA Website for motoring advice and some good UK maps.

· If you have not yet hired a car as of yet for your UK holiday, then we advise you to do so as soon as possible. Always remember to book well in advance of your holiday! Make sure you are 100% sure as to what is included in your car rental and what insurance you are covered for. And when you are collecting your rented vehicle ensure that that your entire additional rental requests (GPS Systems, roof racks, Child Seats etc) are all included and that there is no damage already done to the car!

Going to the UK in 2009? Thinking of taking a dream holiday to the UK and need a car to get around? For the very best deals in Car Rental check out our Car Hire UK page.

Have you hired a car for your UK holiday in the past? If you have any tips for driving around the UK please let us know in the comments box below. As always we appreciate your comments!