Driving In The United Kingdom


     Traveling in the UK has become highly dependant on car hiring. There are many developments recently that have made car hire in the UK more popular and competitive. Most car hire companies will even deliver your car or pick you up. If you are traveling to the United Kingdom, there are a few things to keep in mind. The insurance policies, airport surcharges, age restrictions, and drivers license requirements still apply. But driving on the left side can be a little tricky if you have never done it before.

Driving on the Left Side of the Road
     Driving day after day becomes second nature to us, and often times we can find ourselves reacting to situations and following laws without even a quick thought. Right-of-way laws and traffic signals are every day experiences, and it's easy to drive all the way to your destination without much effort. Well, driving on the other side of the road can make that simple drive a little intimidating. But it's easier than it sounds. Your mind will probably remain in a constant thinking mode, at least for the first few minutes. But soon you'll be driving on the other side with ease!

     Also, it might be a little tricky driving from the right seat. You might want to hire a car with an automatic transmission, unless you are comfortable shifting with your left hand. All these rules to remember might be too much. It's a good idea to spend a little more time inside your rental car to get familiar with its features, most of which are on the other side. Turn signals and windscreen wipers, for example, are in new places. So take some time to get used to the cars, roads, and laws, otherwise you might end up hitting the windscreen wipers when you go to make a turn!

Major Differences
     On the road, the major differences occur with intersections, right turns, and roundabouts. Remember, you have to yield to oncoming traffic when making a right turn. Take your time and be sure it's safe before you turn. Even if it's clear, don't forget to cross the first lane and turn right into the far lane. At first, I often made a right turn from the left lane into the right lane, against traffic! Also, speed limits are measured in kilometers per hour, not miles per hour. So don't be nervous if you see a speed limit sign that says 100 km/hr. That's only about 62 mph.

Roundabouts
     Roundabouts are easier than they appear. When you approach a roundabout, turn your signal to the appropriate side, and yield to the right. If you are making a left turn, turn your left signal on and stay in the left lane. If you are going straight through a roundabout, leave your turn signals off until you exit on the other side, where you would exit with your left turn signal on. A right turn is executed with a right signal on, then switched to the left signal just before you exit. If you pass your exit, just go around the circle again. Remember, roundabouts are always one-way, clockwise.