Driving In The United Kingdom

This page provides the basic rules of the road for driving in the United Kingdom.

Telephone Numbers
Emergency Services:

Police	999
Fire	999
Ambulance	999

The European standard emergency number is 112. This will put you through to the local emergency services.

Airports:

Heathrow	0870 000 0123
Gatwick	0870 000 2468
Stansted	0870 000 0303
Edinburgh	0870 040 0007
Glasgow	0870 040 0008

Speed Limits
Speed limits in the UK are measured in MPH (Miles per Hour)

Motorways	70mph
Urban stretches	60mph
Dual carriageways	70mph
Outside built-up areas	60mph
Built-up areas	30/40mph

In the UK, speed cameras are in use on all busy traffic routes. Ensure you keep to limits as you will be liable for anything from a fine or points on your licence to a complete ban if you are caught speeding.
Ensure you are up to date by double checking the UK speed limits: http://www.police999.com/traffic/speedlim.html

Toll Information
Are there any toll roads in UK?
Yes. The M6 motorway has a toll, as do a handful of major bridges and tunnels. Get up-to-date M6 toll information at its website: http://www.m6toll.co.uk

Bridge tolls:
There are also tolls on larger bridges in the UK. In the south the most notable is the Dartford Tunnel and Queen Elizabeth Bridge which cross the Thames.

General Tips and Road Information
The road system in the UK is generally of a good standard and drivers drive on the left hand side of the road.
When travelling into the countryside, be aware that you may encounter narrow country lanes with limited space. On some roads like this you will notice that there may barely be room for two cars to pass, often there are passing places along the way to pull into, to allow passing.

If you are visiting the UK from a country that has in the main a reasonably flat landscape, be aware that you may come across steep hills and mountainsides in some regions of the countryside. Scotland, Wales, Yorkshire, Derbyshire, the Lake District and Northumberland are all areas where you may encounter incredibly steep roads.
When driving up steep inclines, ensure you are in a low gear and take it steady. On particularly sharp hills road signs will warn you how steep your route is.

The south east in comparison is very flat. On all country roads, be aware you may encounter the local wildlife meandering across in front of you. This can be both distressing for drivers who are animal lovers, should you hit anything, but can also cause damage to the car and cause an accident.

Requirements

Minimum driving age:
The UK minimum driving age is 17yrs.

Learner drivers:
Driving information for learner drivers can be found at: http://www.motoring.gov.uk

Driving licences:
Information regarding driving licences can be found at the Citizens Advice Bureau website

Disabled driving:
Disabled Drivers Association: http://www.dda.org.uk
Disabled Drivers Motor Club: http://www.ddmc.org.uk

Road Signs
Familiarise yourself with UK road signs courtesy of the UK Highway Code website:
http://www.highwaycode.gov.uk

Useful Links and Further Information
Learn how to find cheaper petrol on the UK's motorways.
See the UK Highways Agency website for information on traffic, congestion, tolls, road works and severe weather warnings

The Google Maps website has a dynamic, searchable map of the United Kingdom and can be used to plan journey routes.  Alternatively Maps Worldwide offers a comprehensive list of maps for sale.
For car hire in the United Kingdom we recommend Hertz Car Rental.