Many overseas visitors to the United Kingdom do not need a car to get about. Major cities like London, York and Edinburgh can be easily reached by train and bus connections meet trains to take visitors to popular attractions, like Stonehenge. In fact, when visiting popular tourist destinations, especially in summer, a car is likely to be a hindrance rather than a help.
Unless on an organized tour, there will be some places in the United Kingdom that will be largely inaccessible without a car. The Highlands of Scotland, rural Wales and most National Parks in England are notoriously difficult to see by public transport.
All major railway stations and airports have car hire facilities, most with brands that will be well known to overseas visitors; such as Hertz and Avis. Driving in the UK can however be a novel, and daunting, experience for overseas visitors so here are a few things to consider.
British Drivers Drive on the Left
The most obvious difference that visitors from Europe and North America will notice is that vehicles are right hand drive and traffic drives on the left. This requires drivers to adapt their driving style as left turns can now be made without crossing the flow of traffic and right turns usually require crossing the flow. Unlike the US, red stop lights must always be obeyed; there is no British equivalent of the right turn on red.
The second major difference American visitors will notice is that most vehicles are powered by manual transmission. Cars have up to six gears and a clutch and may seem alien to overseas tourists. Automatic transmission vehicles are available but it is vital to arrange this at the time of booking.
Fuel Prices in the UK are Much Higher than the US
The cost of motoring in the UK tends to be higher than many places overseas. Car hire rates are generally far higher than the US. At the time of writing, it was possible to hire a Lincoln Town Car from JFK Airport, New York, for little more than it costs to hire a Vauxhall Astra family saloon from London Heathrow Airport. Petrol (gasoline) prices are also far higher than the US, but this may not be apparent at first as pump prices are displayed in the cost per litre, not per gallon. One UK gallon is approximately 4.5 litres and one US gallon 3.8 litres. Most vehicles run on unleaded petrol but a small number run on diesel.
Most Car Hire Companies Rent to Drivers over 25 Years of Age
Car hire companies in the UK will usually only hire to drivers over 25 with at least one year’s driving experience, but some have an age limit of 21. A foreign driving licence is usually sufficient to hire a car for a vacation stay, but if the licence is not in English an International licence may be preferable. The rules regarding licences vary from country to country and it may be useful to contact the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency to confirm a licence’s validity before arriving in the UK.
Always check what the hire agreement covers. All hire cars will come taxed , insured and ready to drive away but watch out for the hidden extras. There may be a daily amount payable to remove any insurance excess; this is often called a collision damage waiver. Many cars come with unlimited mileage but some only allow a certain number of miles to be driven before extra charges apply. Additional charges may also be incurred for additional drivers and for a one way hire.
Finally, before taking a hire car to Ireland or Continental Europe check with the hire company. Many companies specifically forbid this in their terms and conditions and taking a vehicle out of the country could be a breach of contract.
John Oyston - I am a freelance travel writer, accountant and further education teacher. I have spent a lifetime travelling across the UK, Western Europe ...
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