Driving in the UK (2024)

FAQs

Can an American drive in the UK? ›

Driving in the UK

A United States citizen who normally resides in the United States and is visiting or temporarily residing in the United Kingdom may drive by virtue of his/her valid American license for a period of one year from the date of his/her last entry visa.

It's not the hardest adjustment to make and if you're focused then you're going to be just fine driving in the UK. However, some roads are harder than others and when faced with cyclists, pedestrians, and traffic, your instincts get a little twisted due to being on the left side of the road.

UK vs US Roads

British roads, you wouldn't think there would be much of a difference – wrong! I think the roads in the UK are more narrow than in the US. While the lanes can be tighter, there are fewer lanes. There are also many country roads that don't have any shoulder.

In most those with a driver's licence issued from the USA, Canada, Australia or New Zealand do not require an IDP to be able to rent a car in the UK. However, keep in mind that some car rental companies may require one if you are planning to drive across the channel, crossing by either Le Shuttle or a ferry.

If you're bringing your own car to the UK, your existing insurance policy should cover you for third party damage, but make sure you check. You may want to extend this cover to ensure your own vehicle would be protected if you were involved in an accident. Find out more about car insurance for temporary imports.

Whether you're in the UK as a visitor or have made the move here permanently, driving in the UK can be intimidating for Americans. Roads are small and here you are on the wrong side of the car and road! It can be tough to get started.

As mentioned previously, Leeds has the unfortunate accolade of having the worst drivers in the UK. With a population of 455,123, there were 0.64 fatal accidents per 10,000 people, while pass rates are as low as 41.2 per cent. There were also 52.10 serious and slight accidents per 10,000.

In the United States, there are more than 30,000 deaths due to motor vehicle collisions every single year. In Britain, on the other hand, fewer than 2,000 people lose their lives in motor vehicle crashes annually. This significant discrepancy in death rates can be explained, in part, by differences in population.

How difficult is it to drive in London? ›

Driving in London can be challenging because of traffic and narrow streets. Image courtesy of Shutterstock. In London, as in all of the UK, cars drive on the left. Public transport is often a faster way than driving to get around London.

UK ranks in the top 30 safest countries to drive in

The UK registers an average of 11 deaths per 1,000 miles, which, although notable, pales in comparison to countries like the United Arab Emirates, where the average stands at a staggering 473 deaths.

the 30mph speed limit on roads with street lighting (sometimes referred to as restricted roads) the national speed limit of 60mph on single carriageway roads. the national speed limit of 70mph on dual carriageways and motorways.

One fundamental rule of driving etiquette in London is to always keep to the left unless overtaking on a multi-lane road. This rule applies not only to highways but also to smaller roads within the city. Failure to abide by this rule can lead to confusion and frustration among other drivers.

If you hold a foreign driver's licence and are now a resident in the UK, you can drive for a period of 12-months with your current licence. Within this 12-month period you will need to take and pass both your theory and practical drivers' examination to continue driving in the UK.

Yes, you can import a car from the US, but there are some rules you should be aware of before starting the process. There are some exemptions to this rule, such as for some vehicles manufactured over 10 years ago. ¹ You can check the list of exemptions here, to see if any apply in your case.

Only UK residents can apply for a UK driving licence. So, you'll need to prove you've been living in the country for 185 days within the past 12 months when applying for your licence.

You must complete certain steps as soon as you bring a vehicle into the UK permanently. You can pay an importer or shipping company to do them for you. Tell HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) within 14 days that the vehicle has arrived in the UK. Pay VAT and duty if HMRC tells you to.