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Driving in the UK

As one of the quartet of trillion-dollar economies of Western Europe, the road network in the UK is a mass of motorways, expressways and smaller roads. A total of 392,931 km of roads assist the population to get around with relative ease, although congestion does occur at peak times in the morning and evening in particular.

Around the many tourist hotspots the roads get jammed easily so if you are planning to drive, allow extra time and check out the travel reports. Live traffic updates are available 24 hours a day by calling 08700 660 115. The local radio and TV stations also carry travel bulletins throughout the day.

Driving Licences

If you already hold a driving licence you may be able to use it for up to 12 months before you will be required to take a UK driving test. Alternatively you may be able to swap your existing licence for a British licence or apply for a provisional licence and then take a test.

The DVLA is the UK agency that manages all driving licence related enquiries. Their website is www.dvla.gov.uk.

Car Hire

When arranging car hire, you are advised to book and pay before you leave. Prices for hiring a car vary from company to company and depend not only on the size and model of the car but the hire location as well (hiring a car at an airport is likely to be more expensive).

Rules of the Road

• Drive on the left-hand side of the road.
• Give priority to traffic coming from the right.
• Pass on the outside (right) lane.
• Do not pass on the inside (left) lane.
• Do not block the middle lane if the inside lane is clear.
• When approaching a roundabout, give priority to traffic approaching from the right, unless otherwise indicated.
• At a junction there is no general priority rule, as priority is marked at most junctions. On a minor road you will see either a triangular 'GIVE W\Y' or red 'STOP' sign. Many junctions will have only ' GIVE WAY ' markings on the carriageway (dotted white lines and a white triangle on the carriageway). These signs must be obeyed.
• All vehicles must give way to emergency services vehicles.
• The use of a car horn is not permitted in built-up areas from 23:30 to 07:00 hours.

Speed Limits

• Built-up areas: all vehicles, 30 mph (48 kph).
• Single carriageway: 60 mph (96 kph) for cars, 50 mph (81 kph) for cars towing caravans or trailers, buses and coaches.

Note: the maximum speed limits in Jersey and Guernsey are 40 mph (65 kph) and 35 mph (56 kph) respectively.