Although it is possible to travel around England via public transportation, you can’t achieve the same freedom as you would with driving a car. Being the U.K.’s largest country, many of England’s villages and historic sites can’t easily be reached by “tube” or bus.
Luckily, with modern technology, it couldn’t be easier to compare prices and rent a car for yourself. Read on, and we’ll walk you through the most important things you need to know about car rental or “car hire” as they call it in the U.K..
1. Left Side Driving
One of the first things you will probably notice when you step foot in England is that people drive on the left side of the road. This can be especially disorienting if you are coming from an area where everybody drives on the right side.
A major point to note is the design of the cars themselves. The driver’s seat is located on the car’s right-hand side. You will have to shift with your left hand instead of your right hand. That being said, your brake, clutch, and gas pedals are all in the same positions as you are used to.
As with all rental cars, get yourself familiar with where everything is inside the car before you start driving.
2. Age Requirements
For many car hire companies, you typically must be between the ages of 25 to 70 to rent. Some companies will let your rent as young as 17 years old. But more often than not, anyone under the age of 25 will have to pay a hefty fee.
Maximum age limits aren’t always present, but some companies will charge extra for people over 70. This is often for insurance purposes. Before arranging for a car, check with the rental company to make sure that you are of age if you are a younger or older driver.
3. Road Rules
On many roads in right-side driving countries like the United States, you are legally allowed to turn right on red. This is not the case in England. It is illegal to turn left when the traffic light is red.
Also, in England, traffic lights turn amber when switching from red to green and green to red. This signals that drivers should be ready to move or stop. However, you can’t actually move until the light has turned green.
When you’re in the driver’s seat, it’s illegal for you to be on a mobile phone unless you are parked. Even if you are waiting at a red light, it is still against the law to be on your phone.
Also, remember that wearing your seat belt is mandatory.
4. Transmission Type
Typically, most vehicles in the U.K. at car rentals are a manual transmission. You can still rent an automatic transmission car, but you will most likely have to pay much more to rent one.
Still, if you are used to driving automatic and are not comfortable with a manual, it is probably worth paying the extra cost.
5. Filling Up
In the U.K., rental cars may be fueled by either diesel or petrol (“gasoline” as North Americans call it). When you pick up your vehicle, confirm which fuel your car takes. Filling up with the wrong kind of fuel can damage the car, and you may end up being found liable.
Pretty much all petrol Stations in the U.K. are self-serve, so be cautious when fueling. Diesel and petrol are sold by the liter, which is a similar measurement to the gallon.
There are a few different ways to get around England, but if you want to be in charge of your own route, renting a car is the way to go. Although driving in a foreign country may seem daunting at first, with a little preparation, you can end up having a safe and enjoyable adventure.
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