Tips any driver

Tips any driver should know about getting around UK

Most international tourists find it confusing when British drivers drive on “the wrong side” of the road, or in the left lane, with the driver seated on the right side of the vehicle.   The key is to not let your guard down after two or three days because this is when most incidents involving foreign drivers occur. 

It takes some time to “reprogram” the mind to think in the other sense at intersections, on roundabouts, and on motorways. 

Here are some tips any driver should know about getting around UK.

Legal Requirements

In every country, law plays an important role. You must confirm that you are completely compliant with the law and are authorized to operate a vehicle on British roads before you get behind the wheel in the UK. 

This all means you must have insurance. In the UK, the driver and the vehicle both are insured. Before driving make sure you have all legal documents with you in the car.

  • ID
  • Driving License

Vehicle Hiring in UK

In the UK, there are many companies that offer low rates, but when you arrive at the counter there are many hidden fees. There are some things that you have to keep in mind while hiring a car.

  • What kind of car?
  • Where do you need to pick the car from?
  • Want some extra booking with the car
  • How far are you planning to go?

A do a free car check to confirm the vehicle has MOT and road tax.

Road Basic Rules In UK

Each country has some basic rules of driving.

  • Driving should be done on the left side of the road.
  • Drive according to all posted speed limits and traffic signs.
  • If your blood alcohol level is higher than the permitted limit, don’t drive.
  • STOP signs and red traffic lights must be obeyed at all times.
  • Everyone in the car needs to buckle a seat belt.
  • Adhere to all police officials’ instructions.
  • All emergency vehicles with sirens and/or flashing lights should be given the right of way.

Roundabouts

In the UK, roundabouts are pretty simple. You give way to the traffic to the right and keep moving to the roundabout clockwise until you get your exit. Always use indicators so that folks know about your next move. 

Multiple lanes and even traffic signals are common in larger roundabouts. The basic guideline for roundabouts with numerous exits and lanes is to choose the leftmost lane when leaving the roundabout through the first exit. 

Take the centre lane if you are exiting at the second exit. Take the rightmost lane and always circle the roundabout clockwise if you are exiting on the third exit or turning more than 180 degrees.

Road Etiquettes

Britishers are known for their good manners and this rule also applies to road life. There are some etiquettes of road driving in the UK

  • Horns should only be used in extreme cases of extremely risky driving. Hailing someone to move along quickly is unacceptable.
  • Only the right side of the road is used for overtaking. Even while there isn’t a legislation that expressly forbids “undertaking,” doing so on British highways is against the norm, annoying other motorists, and dangerous.
  • If it won’t cause you to be delayed, always try to let other cars pass through a crossroads. It’s the kind thing to do.
  • You can flash your lights or blink your danger lights to thank someone for a kind deed. It is the driver’s way of saying “thank you.”
  • Always stop (to the left) if a police car, fire truck, or ambulance is passing and has its sirens on. Always more hurried than you are, they.
  • Never ‘tailgate’ to try to move the car in front closer to the side; always allow plenty of space between you and it.

Conclusion

In the UK, law plays an important role in driving, and it is essential to ensure compliance with basic rules and insurance. The driver and vehicle must be insured, and all legal documents must be present. 

When hiring a car, it is crucial to consider factors such as the type of car, location, and travel plans. A reg check report should also be checked to avoid disturbances.

In the UK, road rules include driving on the left side of the road, following speed limits and traffic signs, obeying stop signs and red traffic lights, bucking a seat belt, obeying police instructions, and giving emergency vehicles with sirens and flashing lights the right of way. Roundabouts in the UK are simple, with indicators and multiple lanes. 

Road etiquettes are also important, with horns only used in extreme cases and overtaking only on the right side of the road. It is important to let other cars pass through crossroads, flash lights or blink them to express gratitude, and always stop if a police car, fire truck, or ambulance passes.

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