Frequently Asked Questions

Visitors can drive for up to 12 months with a valid licence from their home country. EU/EEA licences are accepted without an International Driving Permit (IDP). Some non-EU countries require an IDP alongside your national licence — check the UK government website for your country. Always carry your licence and passport while driving.

England drives on the left side of the road. The driver's seat is on the right. This applies across the entire United Kingdom including Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Visitors from right-hand-drive countries should take extra care at junctions, roundabouts, and when pulling out of car parks.

Yes — very. Fixed cameras, average-speed zones, and mobile camera vans operate across England. Speeding fines start at £100 and 3 penalty points. Many urban areas now enforce 20 mph limits with cameras. Smart motorways use gantry-mounted cameras for variable speed limits.

Third-party insurance is the legal minimum and is mandatory for all vehicles on public roads. Rental cars include basic cover at the desk — check what's included and whether you need excess protection. If driving your own vehicle, confirm your policy covers the UK or purchase temporary cover.

The limit in England and Wales is 80 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood (0.08%). Scotland has a lower limit of 50 mg. Penalties include fines, driving bans, and imprisonment. We strongly recommend zero alcohol if you're driving — even one drink can impair reaction times.

Yes, if the phone is securely mounted in a cradle and you do not touch it while the engine is running. Handheld phone use carries 6 penalty points and a £200 fine. Set your route before you set off, and use voice guidance rather than touching the screen.

Pay online at the Transport for London website, by phone, or set up Auto Pay for regular visits. The charge applies on most weekdays and some weekends in central London. Payment must be made by midnight on the day of travel to avoid penalty charges.

The Ultra Low Emission Zone covers all London boroughs 24 hours a day. Non-compliant vehicles pay a daily charge. Most petrol cars registered after 2006 and diesel after 2015 meet the standard. Check your vehicle's compliance on the TfL website using your registration number before driving into London.

Indicators on, move left to the hard shoulder or nearest Emergency Refuge Area. Hazard lights on. Exit the vehicle from the left-hand side and stand behind the barrier. Call your breakdown provider or National Highways on 0300 123 5000. Do not attempt repairs on the carriageway.

They follow a simple rule: give way to traffic from your right. Approach in the correct lane for your exit, signal left when taking the first exit, and signal right then left when going past the first exit. Mini-roundabouts use the same rule — you may drive over the painted centre if necessary.