This article will answer the questions of those who want to visit the UK by car.
Steps
Step 1. Remember the first obvious. Drive on the left side of the road. If you try to drive on the right you will probably get killed. Be very careful and remember this when you are tired or have a drink. (Historically everyone in Europe held the left until the conquest of Napoleon, who then imposed the drive on the right). While you probably won't forget it during your first few outings, it's very easy to make a mistake after about a week.
Step 2. Learn the language
Bonnet, boot, windscreen, tire, bumper, gearstick, mobile, car hire, roundabout, motorway, A-road, B-road, RTA… make sure you know these terms if you come from another country.
Step 3. Driving on the left means that the driver's seat will be on the RIGHT of the car, and the shift lever on the left
It is strongly recommended to hire a car.
Step 4. Prioritize right, not left
Step 5. If you are using a car coming from a country where you keep to the right, make the necessary adjustments to your headlights to adjust the beam to avoid blinding those coming from the opposite direction
There are also adhesive or static protections to apply on the headlights. Some cars have a simple mechanism under the hood that allows for adjustment.
Step 6. Drive sober
Although the BAC limit is 0.35 in the UK, it is strongly recommended that you avoid driving under the influence of any amount of alcohol and any type of drug, whether illegal or prescribed. According to the police and the court, alcohol makes you guilty in the event of an accident, even if the fault is obviously not yours. Refusing to take the balloon test results in immediate arrest.
Step 7. If you are stopped by the police, wait for instructions before doing anything to avoid aggravating the situation
Always do what you are told without opposition, if you are friendly and kind they will be more likely to "take it easy" with you. Always show your ID card when asked; not doing so (or providing false data) is a criminal offense that will result in an arrest. Unlike the United States and many other countries, the United Kingdom police do not need permits, reasons or warrants to stop you and check you, your belongings (bag, backpack or pockets) or your vehicle; do not try to stop them as you may be arrested or sent to jail.
Step 8. Be aware that overtaking on the left is not illegal, however it is not recommended
This is because in the UK the left lane is considered the slow lane, and some drivers may move there without being careful, leading to accidents.
Step 9. The UK roads are full of speed cameras with automatic license plate recognition
There are fixed and mobile cameras and even police cars with speed detectors.
Step 10. Ask a local car dealer or the police about any legal requirements for driving a car or truck, as regulations vary by vehicle
Always make sure you have the right insurance policy, otherwise the vehicle will be requisitioned and you risk arrest. Check that the vehicle complies with the standards that regulate circulation in the United Kingdom, otherwise you will not be entitled to any insurance and the vehicle will have to be requisitioned. If you drive a friend's car, always ask for permission and check your own insurance to make sure you can drive other vehicles.
Step 11. Don't rush
On the motorway the speed limit for vehicles over 3.5 tons is 96 km / h, and 112 km / h for buses, coaches and cars.
Step 12. Remember, however, that the UK is one of the safest countries in Europe to drive in
Step 13. Don't Smuggle - Her Majesty's Customs are extremely strict on this and your tank full of beer could end up getting you extradited, fined or even imprisoned
This does not apply to EU citizens who are allowed to carry any amount for personal use, although they may start asking you a few questions if you have more than 110 liters of beer!
Step 14. Keep in mind that the price of petrol in the UK is particularly high (three times that of the US) and that it also costs a lot to rent a car
Fortunately, the UK is a pretty compact territory and you won't need to go on a lot of long journeys..
Step 15. Another thing to know is that in some cities there are lanes reserved for buses (indicated by road signs, the word BUS LANE in large letters on the road, and sometimes by the red colored asphalt)
Only public buses, taxis, motorcycles, bicycles and emergency services vehicles are allowed to travel in this lane. Anyone else will be photographed by automatic cameras and fined around € 100.
Advice
- Be polite: forcing your entry into the flow of traffic on a road you are taking is contrary to morality!
- Wild pedestrian crossings are quite common in the UK so be careful. Not being polite and slalom between them is potentially dangerous, as you won't be able to pay proper attention to oncoming cars, and the drivers behind you may not expect a pedestrian crash from you.
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The Highway Code is the Italian equivalent of the Highway Code
https://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycode/DG_070236
- If, as you are about to make a turn, someone makes the headlights to let you pass, raise their hand as a gesture of thanks. It is a universal practice, it is not part of the Code but it is better to do it anyway. If you don't thank the person who lets you pass, they may get nervous and engage in aggressive behavior.
- Don't use the horn unless absolutely necessary, peaceful driving is essential in the UK, especially in built-up areas.
- It is understandable to have some difficulty getting used to driving on the left. After all ¾ of the world holds the right, so the UK represents the minority in this case.
