Trip planning is always a big decision. Accordingly, there’s a lot you’ll need to know before you visit the country, especially if you are planning to drive. Accordingly, rules regarding driving on UK roads is just one such point. Hence, today’s guide looks at some pivotal factors you should know about driving in the UK before you visit; hopefully, this will allow you to prepare for your trip accordingly.
Always Check Your Vehicle is Safe First
One of the reasons that UK roads are so safe is due to stringent safety standards. However, not all cars are necessarily safe; as such, before you book any hire car, or if you’ve just moved and are looking to buy second-hand, make sure you’ve run a car check first to verify your choice. These checks provide a wealth of information about the vehicle, such as MOT history, write-off and stolen status, and the like; this check can help you ensure you’re buying or hiring a genuine second-hand vehicle.
What You Should Know About Driving Before Visiting the UK
Before coming to the UK, it is important to understand some key information around basic road safety as well as understanding important driving rules and regulations.
Age Requirements
To drive on UK roads, you need to be 17 at least; you’ll also need to hold a valid, full driver’s licence (a provisional isn’t enough to drive independently).
If you’re visiting the UK, you’ll still need to hold a full, valid driver’s licence. In addition, it’s worth noting that many car rental companies require drivers to be a minimum of 21 years old; below this, they may not hire out a car. Furthermore, it’s often common for hire companies to charge additional fees for those under 25 years.
Measurements
Despite many figures in the UK being measured on a metric system, driving uses the imperial system often. This means using miles instead of kilometres and yards instead of metres; this can potentially seem a little confusing for some people who usually drive with a metric system.
Basic Road Rules
When driving in the UK, being aware of the basic road rules is essential, as these may differ to some countries. One of the most prominent is that cars drive on the left hand-side of the road; there are also many specific rules around the Highway Code that drivers must always follow. As such, it’s always worth brushing up on the basics prior to your visit.
Speed Limits
As mentioned prior, the UK uses imperial measurements for driving, which also includes the speed limit. Each road should have its speed limit marked; the national speed limit is generally 60MPH, except for dual carriageways where 70MPH is permitted.
Residential areas will often have a lower speed limit. Checking these actively while driving is crucial to avoid speeding. It’s also important to make sure your car has no punctures before setting off as this will prevent accidents from happening.
Road Classifications
As part of naming conventions, roads use letters to help identify them. Motorways use the letter M (e.g., M1); major routes and roads have the letter A; smaller roads use the letter B, and finally, very small lanes are typically C or D roads. However, this may not always be the case perfectly, so always check your chosen route first so you’re prepared.
