UK Driving Tips

Click on one of the options below to view more information:

• Car Hire Depots
• Driving Distances
• Driving Licence
• Driving Age
• Rules and Regulations
• Equipment
• Child Safety Seats
• Speed Limits
• Drink Driving
• Tolls
• Road Signs
• Parking
• Visa Information
• Winter Driving

Depot information

We search & compare the best rates and choices with reputable suppliers in the United Kingdom. Our Suppliers are located throughout major cities.

Car Hire Driving Distances in UK

Driving Licence

A full valid drivers licence is required for a minimum of 1 year.

Age Restrictions

Generally the minimum age is 21 years, but can vary between the car hire company and location. Maximum age limits apply in some locations, a young/senior driver surcharge may apply. Please check terms & conditions when making an enquiry or booking.

Rules, Laws and Regulations

General driving rules, laws and regulations in the United Kingdom;

• Driving is on the left hand side of the road.
• Pass other cars on the right hand side of the road.
• Dipped headlights are to be used during poor visibility.
• Mobile phones are prohibited while driving.
• All occupants of the vehicle must wear a seat belt.
• All vehicles must give way to emergency services vehicles.
• Do not drive in bus lanes during restricted hours. See signs by the side of the road for times.
• Drivers are to carry at all times while driving, a valid drivers licence, registration documents and insurance documents.

Equipment

Whilst there are no laws regarding equipment you must carry with you in the vehicle; it is important to make sure you are prepared for whatever driving conditions you may endure.

For more information on traveling in the snow, check out our snow tips page.

Child Safety Seats

Children up to the age of 12 years old or 135cms in height must use a seat belt or an appropriate child seat. for more information here is our child safet seats page

Speed Limits

In the United Kingdom speed limits are posted in miles per hour (mph), limits can vary depending on the type of road and vehicle used. You're speed must be adjusted depending on the conditions of the road, environment, hazards and time of day. Below are the speed limits in the United Kingdom for use as a guide only, unless signed otherwise.

• Urban Area (built up areas): 30mph (50km/h)
• Single Carriageways: 60mph (100km/h)
• Dual Carriageways: 70mph (115km/h)
• Motorways: 70mph (115km/h)

Drink Driving

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a very serious offence and can lead to imprisonment. Alcohol can have a serious affect on your judgement and ability to drive. The legal blood alcohol content (BAC) in the United Kingdom is 0.08mg/100ml. Police have the authority to stop motorists suspected to be over the limit and carry out alcohol tests.

Tolls

The only motorway in the United Kingdom where a toll is payable is on the M6. Tolls can be paid in cash, credit cards or and electronic tag linked with an account. Toll charges also exist on some tunnels and bridges. In London a congestion charge is payable when driving within the congestion charging zone during the applicable times of the day and day of the week. Payment can be made online, by phone, at participating shops or by post. Rental cars - check with the supplier upon collection for additional information and procedures.

Road Signs

Road signs in the United Kingdom conform broadly to European standards, although there are signs that are unique to the United Kingdom.

• Regulatory Signs; motorists must follow the actions they are permitted or forbidden to do. You will generally find these signs in a circular shape with a red border and either a black symbol/text in the middle, an example is a speed limit sign.
• Warning Signs; provides motorists warnings of any upcoming hazards ahead. These signs can be found with a yellow background, black border and a black symbol/text in the middle. An example is a sharp turn ahead sign or speed hump ahead.
• Roadwork Signs; gives motorists information of upcoming road works or road changes. These signs are displayed with a white background, red border with a symbol/text in the middle, shapes can also vary.
• Information Signs; provides information regarding directions, facilities, distance...etc. Shapes and colours can vary depending on the types of roads and the information type. These signs can be found with a green background, white, blue, or brown background. Green is used for directions to cities/towns and streets/roads, white will provide information to other major roads or motorways, blue details motorways and brown are used for tourist facilities/attractions.

Parking

On-street parking in the United Kingdom can be very complicating and with many regulations to obey. Rules, restrictions and prices differ depending on the city, in major cities such as London you can expect to pay a high price for parking. An alternative to on-street parking is car parks, they're great for those extended stays and often secure. Although prices can vary depending on the location and time. If you decide to use on-street parking within a major city parking permitted in areas where a pay-and-display sign is posted. A ticket pre-paid to your desired time must be purchased from nearby machines and displayed on your front dashboard. You must return to your vehicle before your expiry time and remove your car or purchase more time, otherwise you will be left with a fine or having your vehicle towed. Note; Parking is not permitted in areas marked with a single and double yellow and red lines along the edge of the road. Be sure to check signage before leaving your vehicle.

Visa Information

Visa, passport and entry requirements for Australians visiting the United Kingdom:

• As a general guide, visas are not required for Australian passport holders entering the United Kingdom for a tourism or business stay of less than 6 months but are required if you intend to work. Contact the UK High Commission in Canberra or the British Consulate in your local state for additional information regarding visas.
• A valid passport is required with at least 6 months validity.

Winter Driving

There is no legal requirement for the use of snow tires or snow chains. However, driving in winter conditions may be hazardous for the unprepared driver. Although the UK is not known for extreme winter weather, such conditions may be extremely hazardous and many drivers might need to consider driving in situations where they do not feel confident.

Here is further information on or our winter driving page.

All information provided is to be used as a guide only. Distances and time may very according to the route taken. The information shown on this page may have changed since the date of publication. Please refer to the countries local tourist office for up-to-date advice. Last updated: August 2022.