Tips for Driving in the UK
The UK is one of the world's most popular destinations with numerous attractions located beyond major city centers. Get familiar with local rules, signs, and types of rental cars available before you embark on your journey.
Driver’s Checklist
- Valid documentation: Driving licence and vehicle rental agreement
- Insurance. insured to drive, you’ll receive a £300 fine and six points on your licence. Penalties could be higher, including disqualification, if the case goes to court
- Valid MOT certificate
112 is the European emergency number
Speed Limits
- Motorways : 70 mp/h (Where there is a derestricted zone, marked by a white circle with a diagonal black stripe.)
- Dual carriageways: 70 mp/h (Where there is a derestricted zone, marked by a white circle with a black stripe.)
- Main roads: 60 mp/h
- Built up areas: 30 mp/h
Rules of the Road
- Stay on the left side of the road. (It helps to keep a small post-it note saying “stay left” on the dashboard.)
- Pass traffic islands to the left.
- Only use a roundabout clockwise.
- Take a left turn when accessing a motorway and remember to join traffic on your right side.
Dos
- Always remember to drive on the left. In the UK, you drive on the left side of the road and the driver sits on the right-hand side of the car.
- Be aware of speed limits. Speed limits are set in miles per hour, rather than kilometres per hour.
- Be aware of variable motorway rules. Parts of the UK operate managed motorway systems, which control traffic-flow during congested periods by varying speed limits and opening up hard shoulders.
- Stop for adequate rest-breaks. There’s no excuse not to, the UK has around 100 service stations.
Don’ts
- Don't allow children under 12 to sit in the front seat. The UK only has one toll road - a section of the M6, from Birmingham to Wolverhampton.
- Don't drive into central London without checking where the congestion zone is. You need to pay a £10 daily charge to drive in London’s congestion charge zone.
- Don't drive in bus lanes. During restricted hours. Exact timings will be displayed on road signs.
- Illegally parked cars will be quickly immobilized by clamps or towed away, and only released after a hefty fee is paid. Don’t make this part of your experience!
RENTING IN THE UK
Car Rental Locations
You’ll find an Enterprise Rent-A-Car location perfect for your adventure.
- Airport: Begin the trip as soon as you arrive. Airports are usually located near major roadways that will allow you to get on the road quickly.
- Neighborhood: Great for day trips or to begin your journey after a visit to a major city.
- Train Station: Rent at a train station to explore a region further.
Automatic and Manual Transmissions
Manual transmissions are more common in the UK. Make sure to specify an automatic if required.
Legal Requirements for Driving in the UK
- The minimum driving age is 17, however the minimum age to hire a car is 25. The minimum age is 30 for MPVs, premiums, and 4x4s.
- At unmarked crossings the car from the right will have right of way, the same goes for cars already in a roundabout. Additional stop signs or markings on the road surface will help you. When exiting a roundabout, you should be in the outside lane.
- No ‘Right on Red’. In the UK, you may not pass through a red traffic light.
- Seat belts are compulsory in front and rear seats.
- It is illegal to use a mobile phone when driving if it is not used with a hands-free device.
- Liability coverage will be included in the daily rental rate for North American renters. You can also purchase a Damage Waiver to reduce your financial responsibility for any damage to or loss of the rental vehicle.
LOYALTY CLUB INFORMATION
Enterprise Plus
Include the Enterprise Plus number at the time of reservation to earn points on qualifying rentals in Europe. Members can redeem points for free rental days at thousands of participating Enterprise® locations worldwide.
Emerald Club
Emerald Club® makes the car rental experience faster with Priority Service. Include the Emerald Club member number at the time of reservation to earn credits toward free days on qualifying rentals.