Chris is a great driver. He can handle busy freeways, drive a manual, navigate mountain passes, and parallel park like a pro. And now he can add one more skill to the list: driving in the United Kingdom. Americans driving in the United Kingdom should know it’s not the same as driving in the States. For starters, you’ll be on the LEFTa side of the road.
I won’t sugarcoat it—hiring a car in the UK to explore the English countryside definitely stressed Chris out. Maybe you’re feeling a little stressed just thinking about it. Don’t worry. I’m here to help make the whole experience feel a lot more manageable.
What Makes Driving in the UK so Stressful?
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It isn’t driving on the left side of the road or the main freeways or even all of the roundabouts that is stressful necessarily. It is the ONE LANE country roads (aka single track roads) or village streets that are meant for two lanes of traffic!
In fact, we were driving along one afternoon and had to laugh when the song “Start Me Up” by the Rolling Stones began to play on the radio. The words “you make a grown man cry” were quite appropriate to what he had been feeling as he began driving in the United Kingdom!
15 Tips for Americans Driving in the United Kingdom
If you have the occasion to be driving in the United Kingdom as an American and want to know the differences between driving in the UK vs the US, learn road rules, or discover must-have advice for driving in the English countryside, let me share a few tips with you.
1. You Need a Valid Driver’s License
Yes, Americans CAN drive in the United Kingdom. YOU must have a valid driver’s license from the United States. If you don’t have a valid driver’s license at home, you won’t be driving or renting a car in the UK.
You DO NOT NEED to have an International Driver’s License, but Travel Experts would agree that isn’t a bad idea either.
2. You Need Current Car Insurance
Along with a valid driver’s license, you also need car insurance when renting a car in the UK, so make sure you know what if anything is offered through your own insurance company or your credit card company. If you come up wanting, be sure to purchase car insurance through the rental company.
3. Be Informed and Safe
It would be advised that you spend a little time learning the rules of the road for driving in the United Kingdom. Even simple things such as signage are different. There are lots of roundabouts in the UK, so make sure you understand roundabout right of way. In many countries, road signs signal on-coming changes. In the UK, many of the road signs are actually painted on the road.
It is important to “Read the Paint”.
4. Automatic vs Manual Transmission
In general, most of the cars available to rent in the United States come with automatic transmissions. The opposite is true in the United Kingdom. If you do not know how to drive a manual, you would do well to suck it up and pay the extra costs for an automatic transmission (if you are lucky enough to find that option).
Driving in the United Kingdom is NOT the place for you to learn how to drive a stick.
You may be happy to find that the pedal layout is the same. Whew. It may be a bit of a trick to learn to shift with your left hand and still manage the turn signal though.
5. You Will be Driving on the Left Side of the Road from the Right Side of the Car
Obviously, if you climb into your car on the left side while driving in the United Kingdom, you won’t get too far. That is the passenger seat! It may take a few days before coming around to the right side becomes second nature.
But, NEVER, NEVER, NEVER forget that you should be driving on the left side of the road.
6. Opt for the Smaller Car
If given the choice, choose the smaller car. There is a reason why so many of the cars on the road in the United Kingdom are small:
- Gas is much more expensive in Europe.
- You will encounter narrow streets within cities, towns and villages and along rural roads. Smaller cars make it much easier to maneuver on a one track road.
- Parallel parking is a thing. A smaller car makes it much easier to park.
- You may encounter more affordable car rental fees, parking fees, and insurance.
- It will be significantly easier to pull over and pass an oncoming car on a single track road.
One thing you will want to keep in mind is the amount of luggage you bring. Will it fit in a smaller car?
7. Pass (or Overtake) on the Right
This is especially true on the freeways. You never pass (or overtake) on the left side. If you do, you may face a hefty fine. And when you do move to the right to pass, be sure to move back into the far left lane once you have finished passing.
Cars don’t “hang out” in all lanes of traffic.
8. Be Alert on a Single Track Road
Many of the roads in rural areas are only wide enough for only one vehicle at a time. They are specified as a “single track” road.
What it means is that traffic goes both ways on the road. And many of these roads are lined with tall hedgerows on either side. Add in some blind corners and hilly roads and you will need to be on full alert.
Pay attention to oncoming traffic. To allow two vehicles to safely pass each other, there are clearly (and maybe not always clearly) marked passing places. If you see an oncoming car and a passing place, pull over.
These are the roads that stressed my husband out. As we were driving to Dartmoor National Park, Google Maps directed us onto these one lane roads. Chris stopped, backed up, and looked for another entrance to the park with wider roads. “Surely this can’t be the road it means for me to take!”
Surely it can.
You may find yourself hugging the left side of the road to allow a car to pass and hoping that the branches from the hedgerows aren’t damaging the paint of your rental car!
9. Who has the Right of Way on a Single Track Road?
Think common sense and politeness. There is no law that specifies who has the right of way in the middle of a small village or on a single track road (except you should give way to vehicles driving uphill when possible). However, if you are driving in the United Kingdom in a small car and encounter a lorry (similar to a semi but narrower for obvious reasons), bus, or work vehicle, chances are they will take the right of way. After all, they are bigger.
This leads into the next tip.
10. There is No Shame in Backing Up
This was the advice my husband received from a gentleman in Chagford as we drove through the village with impossibly narrow roads, oncoming traffic, and cars parallel parked along the road and sometimes on the sidewalk.
If you are watching the traffic and see cars coming your way within a village, pull over where you can. If not, you may find yourself backing up quite a distance.
11. Give a Little Wave
This is not only a friendly gesture where all people wave to each other as they pass, it is a matter of politeness. When you pull over for another car on a small winding road (and they might just be going 60 mph!), they will often wave to say “thank you.”
12. Speed Limits are in MPH
Did you know that speed limits are posted in miles per hour and not kilometers per hour? Why when everything else in England is measured with the metric system? It does not seem to make sense that the speed limit is MPH.
13. Be Brave
Well, you might just have to take a deep breath and simply drive. After a couple of days, you’ll begin to get the hang of driving in the United Kingdom.
14. Do YOUR Due Diligence
Obviously, these aren’t ALL of the rules of the road. Take time to learn signage, speed limits, road markings, etc., before you attempt to drive in the United Kingdom.
15. Take a Tour and Leave the Driving to Someone Else
If the thought of driving on the left side of the road is just more than you can handle, plan tours and alternate transportation options (think BUS) and let someone else do the driving.
Check more Tour Options on Viator
Why Are UK Drivers Driving on the Left Side of the Road?
Have you ever wondered why the United Kingdom drivers are driving on the left? Here’s a bit of a history lesson.
The reason why people driving in the United Kingdom drive on the left side of the road has a historical background. It goes back to the time when men carried swords and rode horses and had the need to keep their sword-hand free and closer to their opponent (making the assumption that most people were right handed).
It was also easier to mount and dismount their horses on the left side of the horse. In the Middle Ages, as you were traveling by horseback and came upon a stranger, you did not know if they would be friend or foe. In such cases, keeping your sword-hand free was essential.
The “keep to the left” rule even dates back to Roman times when Romans drove their carts and wagons on the left side of the road for similar reasons; Roman soldiers even marched on the left side of the road.
What happened if soldiers or drivers were left-handed? Well, they had to make do. Perhaps they practiced to be proficient with their right hand.
In the 1700s in France, Canada, and the United States, larger wagons began to gain popularity and were often characterized as having no driver’s seat and being drawn by several pairs of horses. The driver would sit on the horse at the back left to have greater control over the horses and to keep his whip-hand free. This made it difficult to see oncoming traffic.
Perhaps having Napoleon as a ruler influenced the changes as well for many European countries. He was left-handed.
The first “keep-to-the-right” law was passed in Pennsylvania in 1792, with many Canadian and US states following suit later.
“When Henry Ford unveiled his Model T in 1908, the driver’s seat was on the left, meaning that cars would have to drive on the right-hand side of the road to allow front and back passengers to exit the car onto the curb. According to National Geographic, this influenced a change in many countries: Canada, Italy, and Spain changed to right-side driving in the 1920s and most of Eastern Europe followed suit in the 1930s.” ~ The Reader’s Digest
However, in Britain, these massive wagons were not popularized and the smaller British wagons and vehicles used for transport still had seats for the driver to sit on behind the horses. In this case, the driver would sit to the right of the seat so his whip hand was free.
Driving on the left side of the road in the United Kingdom continues today. If you happen to visit other European cities and countries—the Netherlands as an example—you may feel right at home driving through the Amsterdam countryside. They drive on the right side of the road!
I will add, that many of the vehicles in the UK are still small to accommodate the narrow roads and passageways through towns and villages. Those narrow roads and rolling hills are what make the English countryside so charming.
United Kingdom, Great Britain, the British Isles, England? What is the Difference?
If you are like me and wonder when you should use United Kingdom vs. Great Britain vs. Britain vs. England, you are not alone. So let me break it down for you.
The United Kingdom (UK)
Did you know that the UK is short for The United Kingdom of Great Britain and North Ireland? As a sovereign state (much the same as the United States of America is made up of states united together), the UK is made up of four united countries: England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales.
Great Britain (aka Britain)
Great Britain is a landmass not a country. It has the designation of “Great” because it is the largest island within the British Isles. When referring to Great Britain, you are referring to England, Scotland and Wales.
Specifically, Great Britain is the name of the island east of Ireland and northwest of France.
British, then, references anything from Great Britain, meaning anyone who lives in Scotland, Wales or England. They are considered British (but also Scottish, Welsh, or English).
The British Isles
When referring to the British Isles, you are referring to the grouping of islands off of mainland Europe: Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales), Ireland, The Isles of Scilly, The Channel Island (Guernsey, Jersey, Sark, and Alderney), The Isle of Man plus over 6,000 smaller islands.
England
“England” is the largest country within the United Kingdom. It is referred to as a country, the same as Wales and Scotland, but it is not a sovereign state.
If you use “England” as a term to refer to all of the United Kingdom, that would not be correct. England is simply a country within the United Kingdom.
Is the United Kingdom part of Europe?
As far as I understand it, geographically, the United Kingdom is part of the continent of Europe but it is not part of the European Union (EU).
To differentiate further, the European Union is not the same as the continent of Europe. The EU refers to the partnership of 27 nations from the continent of Europe. With this collaboration, these countries are able to function together with their trade, travel, and immigration and use the Euro as their common currency (for the most part).
Clear? Try to remember it this way: the United Kingdom (or the UK) is the country, Great Britain is the island, and England is one of the United Kingdom’s four administrative regions. Referenced from Babbel.com.
Where to Stay in the UK
Chris and I often stay in hotels that we have travel rewards with:
You can also search Booking.com for your adventures in the UK!
We also love the quaint charm of vacation rentals as well. That’s where we found the cutest cottage for a week in the Cotswolds. They are perfect for a chance to spread out a little more, do laundry, and have access to a fridge if you wish to purchase groceries and cut down on travel costs.
Travel Must-Haves
- Travel Adapter: Not all international countries use the same adapters. Be sure to check before you go. Purchase one here.
- Travel Backpack: Chris and I both like our North Face Recon Backpacks. They have a standard version and a woman’s version.
- Get a Travel Credit Card: We often travel worldwide for free with a travel credit card as well as using travel rewards. The Chase Sapphire Reserve is one of our favorite travel credit cards.
- Favorite Camera: I am all about taking photos and keeping memories alive from all of our trips. My favorite camera is the Canon 6d Mark II.
- Favorite Electronics: We are a family of Apple users. We love our watches, phones, tablets, Airpods, and Apple AirTags for security. Don’t forget the cables and chargers too! Check out our electronic suggestions here.
>> Related: Apple AirTags: The Tiny Travel Hack That Outsmarts Lost Luggage
Frequently Asked Questions
Is London in Europe?
Technically, yes, London is in Europe. London, the capital city of the United Kingdom, belongs to a country located on the European continent. While no longer part of the European Union, London is still geographically part of Europe.
What are the other countries that drive on the left side of the road?
You’ll also find people driving on the left side of the road in India, Indonesia, Ireland, Malta, Cyprus, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, and Samoa.
Do I need to rent a car while visiting England?
The public transport system, whether it be bus or train, can get you to many of the places you want to visit during your travel. However, there are some destinations such as the Cotswolds where you will want to have a car if you plan to visit the small villages.
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Americans Driving in the United Kingdom—Read Before You Drive
Prior to arriving in England, our family fully expected to be sailing off on a cruise to Norway from Southampton. Driving in the United Kingdom wasn’t even on our radar. But you know what they say—the best laid plans…
During our proctored Covid tests before boarding, one of our girls tested positive. Everything shifted in an instant. We were denied boarding, two of our daughters flew home to avoid getting sick and missing work, and suddenly our entire week looked very different.
Chris, our youngest, and I were still scheduled to fly home the following Sunday, so we pivoted fast—booking a cozy cottage in Fairford and deciding to spend the week exploring the Cotswolds and the English countryside while she recovered. It was a whirlwind change of plans, but one we embraced.
The night before picking up our rental car, my husband dove into a crash course on UK driving rules. Many prayers were said, and those narrow roads definitely kept us on our toes. If you’re an American planning to drive in the United Kingdom, take it from us—preparation makes all the difference.
Ready to feel confident behind the wheel? Keep reading for the essential tips every American should know before driving in the UK.
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I’m not often scared of driving in foreign countries, but driving on the other side of the road… I just honestly can’t seem to fathom how I would do it. These tips are super helpful! Maybe I will brave it one day soon!
It was a little unnerving for my husband and me! So glad it was him driving though!
Such good tips! I remember visiting family in England and my husband getting in the driver’s seat when he was meant to be a passenger! And I loved the history lesson on the evolution of roads.
We went around to the wrong side of the car a number of times!
Great share on driving in the UK! Whenever we are in London, I always have to pay extra attention when I walk across the street! It’s so easy to forget which way the traffic is going.
I am not American but still, these are useful heads-ups to get ready to drive in the UK. it’s a great share and one can never be too careful, getting distracted is a matter of a second!
I have never drove in the UK, but I will keep these pinned for the future. The history of why they drive on the left side of the road was fascinating! Thanks for sharing.
Best of luck when you do!
We love driving in the UK! I find the drivers to be overall very attentive. While it can be confusing at first, like you said, “be brave!”
Awesome tips! As someone who grew up in a former British colony, but has spent all of my driving years in the US, I will be saving these tips for my next UK visit – super handy. Appreciated the history lesson too.
We often rent a car and drive when we travel. But I must admit that driving in the UK on the “other” side of the road would make us think twice. Luckily we both know how to drive a stick and always travel with international drivers licenses. And other driving in Europe sure reinforces the “small” car need. A good primer for people thinking about driving in the UK.
Super informative! Love the history behind the right vs left side driving.
I didn’t know it either prior to researching.
This is so funny, it’s always such a drama when driving in a new country right! So much to leek at, plus you have to pay attention to new road rules! ha ha ha
So glad I wasn’t driving. That’s for sure.
Driving in another country is always a little scary. Thanks so much for sharing this.
Thanks. You just have to jump in and do it. (Please be a good driver before you jump in though!)
Those are great tips. But I don’t know how I’d be able to drive on the opposite side of the road. I loved the history fact of driving on the left side!
As a Brit who has driven in the US, I can understand why the UK can be tricky. This is a really great guide with tones of accurate and valid info!
Thanks Katy. Somehow they say it is easier for Brits to drive in the US than it is for Americans to drive in the UK.
This was a fascinating read! I loved hearing the history of this, and for someone who has never visited the UK I enjoyed learning. I will say it gave me a bit of anxiety thinking about those narrow roads, but Ill keep this handy and read again before our Ireland trip!
Ireland sounds awesome. You will definitely need these tips!
Lots of great tips! It can be stressful driving on the opposite side of the road for the first time, but after a while you get used to it.
You do for sure. But it can be harrowing at the beginning.
This is an incredibly helpful post. Thank you for sharing. My husband and I are hoping to do a road trip through Scotland at some point next year, and my biggest fear about the trip is driving (and I won’t even be the one doing the driving, haha). I’ll definitely be passing this post along to my husband. Thank you!
Just be brave.
Wow that sounds overwhelming! I went to England in 2019 and it was the first time I’ve ever seen driving on the right side. It was interesting. I don’t think I would try to drive if I lived there, I don’t even know how to drive a stick! I would probably take public transportation everywhere lol
It was definitely a learning experience for both of us.
I love how people are always mindful about “giving way” when the road is narrow! Really thoughtful
They were mindful and then polite with a little wave!
I give him a lot of credit for taking the wheel — if it can make a “grown man cry” you know it’s not easy! Thanks for the great driving insight!
Thanks. I’m pretty sure he was glad to turn the rental car in at the end of that week.
I would never ever rent a car in England because I wound panic driving on (my perceived) wrong side of the road. In the USVI, you also drive on left side of the road. I have no idea why!
Yeah, I was definitely glad that my husband was driving.
I found this really interesting to read. Being British (English, from the UK?!), it’s second nature but you easily forget how our road system could be a scary place if you’re not used to it. I regularly hire a car when I’m travelling & always struggle with the “right”/”other” side of the road challenges. Great tips here though.
Though I’ve finally gotten used to driving on the “wrong side of the road” and I am happy driving a manual car elsewhere, I still dislike driving a manual car in the UK. It is just one too many things to think about. The other thing I would suggest it to get a smaller car if you plan to navigate country roads, such as in Cornwall.
Very informative article! I think driving abroad is always stressful but these conditions can make it particularly hard for visitors so thanks for all the useful inputs!