Driving in the UK

[Aad Doix]

Dear Community,

Next week I will go to the UK for a well earned holiday. I arranged renting a car so the steering wheel will be at the right side of the car for driving in the UK, but I am a mainlander or how are the people from the mainland called? And as you know at the mainland one drives at the other side of the road. Normally I could hide behind yellow plates but I have an English plated car so I have no optical excuse being clumsy in traffic.

Do you have any advice for driving in the UK, especially roundabouts, so that I am not the annoying, clumsy, a**hole when entering traffic? The rental car has automatich transmission so I do not need to think about changing gears when driving, but after 40 years of driving at the other side of the road I think I need all my attention to keep the car left, especially on empty roads or in sudden situations.

Thanks in advance for your reactions and kind regards,

Aad

 

[ZaphodB]

Do you have any advice for driving in the UK

Yes , keep to the left at all times !

, especially roundabouts, so that I am not the annoying, clumsy, a**hole when entering traffic? The rental car has automatich transmission so I do not need to think about changing gears when driving, but after 40 years of driving at the other side of the road I think I need all my attention to keep the car left, especially on empty roads or in sudden situations.

Just a case of getting used to it

I'd avoid peak traffic times to start with , and keep an eye on the directional arrows (on the road surface) and signs when approaching dual lane entry roundabouts, they usually give you plenty of notice.

 

[portland_bill]

Dear Community,

Next week I will go to the UK for a well earned holiday. I arranged renting a car so the steering wheel will be at the right side of the car for driving in the UK, but I am a mainlander or how are the people from the mainland called? And as you know at the mainland one drives at the other side of the road. Normally I could hide behind yellow plates but I have an English plated car so I have no optical excuse being clumsy in traffic.

Do you have any advice for driving in the UK, especially roundabouts, so that I am not the annoying, clumsy, a**hole when entering traffic? The rental car has automatich transmission so I do not need to think about changing gears when driving, but after 40 years of driving at the other side of the road I think I need all my attention to keep the car left, especially on empty roads or in sudden situations.

Thanks in advance for your reactions and kind regards,

Aad

With a right hand drive car, keeping left will be easier, as your seating position will remind you. As you say, it is quiet times that may catch you out, but there is likely to be traffic most places you travel, and whilst standards are often poor, they do at least mostly stick to the left.
Normal junctions work the same way as at home, just look right first, as they're nearest.
Roundabouts need concentration, as they are not just a mirror image of yours. You need to give way to anyone already in the roundabout, and they'll be coming from your right. Then you'll exit to the left, when you find your correct route.
Many roundabouts will have multiple lanes, with markings on the road to help choose the route. There's a theory that we can only take in 4 pieces of information when glancing at a sign, so often extra destinations will be on the road. The link will be the road number. Your satnav will hopefully be showing you the way to go.
On approach, do your best to select the correct lane. Then stay in that lane, and it should take you to your exit.
If you find yourself in the wrong lane, change lanes only if it is safe, with little traffic, or all moving slowly. Otherwise, just follow the lane, go where it takes you. Let the satnav redirect you.

Remember the speed limits are in miles per hour. Otherwise you'll be travelling slowly, with an angry queue behind you.

Enjoy the UK.

 

[Sylvester22]

The most important thing to remember when turning/changing lanes etc. is the passanger door must stay near the side walk, so you stay in the proper lane and not wondering into the incoming side.
Also UK has multiple-lane roundabout, most countries don't have them, apart from France. Study the rules, like you gotta indicate when using right lane to take 3-4th exit. Also check arrows in the lanes as basic roundabout rules can change, like 1 left only good for left turns, not 1st and 2nd exit like usually. See where other cars exit to get an idea.
Also the fast lane is the right one, not left one.
If you take the wrong exit, don't worry as there's a lot of roundabouts in cities.

An important addition is, that there's a lot of merging lanes, 2 becomes 1, and there's no law about it, you supposed to work it out with the other drivers, so in case of accident it's 50-50, so keep an eye for the merging signs as well. Have a good trip.

 

[Aad Doix]

Thanks a lot for the replies. I already checked some clips on YouTube. I have been in the UK before, but that was 21 years ago and in my own car with the steering wheel at the wrong side .... I was there with a few other people and a few cars .... we had some situations, especially on empty roads or when first thing in the morning (being on autopilot) and fortunately all went well, but now I want to be prepared the right way

 

[Twotone2]

The most important thing to remember when turning/changing lanes etc. is the passanger door must stay near the side walk, so you stay in the proper lane and not wondering into the incoming side.
Also UK has multiple-lane roundabout, most countries don't have them, apart from France. Study the rules, like you gotta indicate when using right lane to take 3-4th exit. Also check arrows in the lanes as basic roundabout rules can change, like 1 left only good for left turns, not 1st and 2nd exit like usually. See where other cars exit to get an idea.
Also the fast lane is the right one, not left one.
If you take the wrong exit, don't worry as there's a lot of roundabouts in cities.

An important addition is, that there's a lot of merging lanes, 2 becomes 1, and there's no law about it, you supposed to work it out with the other drivers, so in case of accident it's 50-50, so keep an eye for the merging signs as well. Have a good trip.

The vast majority of drivers here in Glasgow have no clue how to use roundabouts so someone used to driving on the continent will be fine just do what all of the other arseholes are doing and you'll fit right in

 

[Aad Doix]

Dear Forum,

Got another question. Off course when visiting the UK we have to visit London, the little lady wants to shop. I am no hero regarding driving a car in big cities, especially when not used to driving on the left side of the road. Also London does have a marvelous tube system.
I downloaded the map and almost immediately I got an impulse overload looking at it, in total 23 lines (overground included) and over a 100 stations ..... so maybe you can advice me what to do. I have to admit, I still get lost in my bathroom, so I think I need a little help...

We will come from Cotswold, I think over the M4, do not know what day yet, midweek or weekend (any advice on that?).
Where at what tube station or nearby can I park the car, safe, legal and not that expensive? And at what tube station(s) I need to get out to do some shopping but also to see the Big Ben, the Towerbridge and other typical London / English sights?

Thanks in advance for your reaction and kind regards,

Aad

 

[RalphM]

You can get a P plate like a L plate but green in color, this signifies a new driver and hopefully
tells other drivers to give you a bit more room.

 

[The Panda Nut]

When looking around
Look right look left look right again.

Always give way to traffic approaching from the right.

Dont park or wait on yellow lines along the road edge

Look out for speed cameras and camera vans.

Check the internet and search congestion charging zones for the cities you visit.

Dartford bridge (M25 motorway) is a toll bridge pay online or risk a fine

Motorways are mostly free to use but M6 toll section is worth paying for near any rush hour traffic.

New rules reinforce the need to give way to pedestrans, cyclists and horse riders. This just means give plenty of room and use common sense.

When parking check signs carefully. Bad companies operateand can clamp unauthorised parked cars.

Watch for bus lanes and bus gateways these often are nor clearly signed and often have cameras dishing fixed penalty fines.

Town speed limit 30mph but many areas are now 20mph especially in wales

In rural areas avoid verges as there aremany deep frainage trenches hidden in long grass

Many main roads are Clearways and you shoul not stop or U turn. Signs are round red edged and dark blue background with a red x mark.

 

[Greasytrucker]

Dear Community,

Next week I will go to the UK for a well earned holiday. I arranged renting a car so the steering wheel will be at the right side of the car for driving in the UK, but I am a mainlander or how are the people from the mainland called? And as you know at the mainland one drives at the other side of the road. Normally I could hide behind yellow plates but I have an English plated car so I have no optical excuse being clumsy in traffic.

Do you have any advice for driving in the UK, especially roundabouts, so that I am not the annoying, clumsy, a**hole when entering traffic? The rental car has automatich transmission so I do not need to think about changing gears when driving, but after 40 years of driving at the other side of the road I think I need all my attention to keep the car left, especially on empty roads or in sudden situations.

Thanks in advance for your reactions and kind regards,

Aad

Driving standards in the Uk have gone to sh*t over the last few years as far as I’m concerned, i’m sure if you’re observant and considerate of other road users you’ll be head and shoulders above some of the clowns i have to deal with on the roads on a daily basis. Enjoy your trip

 

[rmjbn1]

do not know what day yet, midweek or weekend (any advice on that?).
Where at what tube station or nearby can I park

How long are you staying in London? Just a day visit?

If you can make it a Sunday that would be my preference, everything is open and plenty of free street parking.

In this case I would follow M4 which becomes A4 to South Kensington, park on the street (Queen's Gate) near Natural History Museum. (This is before you reach the congestion zone)

Museums here are world class (and even better, free!) V&A cafe is a 'hidden gem'.

From here it's walking distance to Knightsbridge (Harrod's) Hyde Park, Green Park, Buckingham Palace, St James's Park & Westminster.

If you want to go to Tower Bridge from there I would go by boat, but tube is a (far less pleasant) option (Westminster to Tower Hill).

If it's any other day or you're staying for longer, an easy & cheap option avoiding city driving is Hillingdon tube station, which is right next to the A40, car parking is £6-8 per day

Good resource is www.parkopedia.co.uk

 

[ZaphodB]

When looking around
Look right look left look right again.

Always give way to traffic approaching from the right.

Is this when on the underground?

I downloaded the map and almost immediately I got an impulse overload looking at it, in total 23 lines (overground included) and over a 100 stations ..... so maybe you can advice me what to do. I have to admit, I still get lost in my bathroom, so I think I need a little help...

https://www.visitlondon.com/traveller-information/getting-around-london/london-tube

Download one fo the apps:
The TfL Go and Citymapper London apps are the most widely used and efficient mobile applications to travel on the London Underground network.

Travel etiquette on the London Underground​

Here are some useful travel etiquette tips when using the Tube:

• Stand on the right when using escalators.
• Wait for passengers to leave the train before boarding.
• Move down inside the Tube carriages while travelling so you don't block the doorway for other passengers.
• Stand behind the yellow line while waiting on the platform.
• Offer your seat to anyone who is unwell, elderly, pregnant or travelling with small children.
• Don't talk to ANYONE
• Don't even look at anyone
• Watch out for pickpockets

Useful tips for travelling on the London Underground​

Here are some useful tips for travelling on the Tube to make your journey more enjoyable and efficient.

• Avoid travelling during morning and evening rush hours (weekdays from 7am to 8.45am and 4.30pm to 6.45pm).
• Trains run frequently so there’s no need to rush for the train, just wait for the next available service.
• Check the front of the train for the destination.
• If you’re carrying luggage, board at the raised platform areas for level access on to the train.
• Hold onto the rails if you are standing during your journey.
• Mind the gap!
• Download the TfL Go app for live train times and to plan your journey, or visit one of the TfL Visitor Centres.

 

[348azeus]

Just remember when you drive you should be close to the middle of the road not close to the kerbside. London is a pain now mainly 29mph too many SUV’s. Leave it outside and get a tube or train.

 

[The Panda Nut]

Dear Forum,

Got another question. Off course when visiting the UK we have to visit London, the little lady wants to shop. I am no hero regarding driving a car in big cities, especially when not used to driving on the left side of the road. Also London does have a marvelous tube system.
I downloaded the map and almost immediately I got an impulse overload looking at it, in total 23 lines (overground included) and over a 100 stations ..... so maybe you can advice me what to do. I have to admit, I still get lost in my bathroom, so I think I need a little help...

We will come from Cotswold, I think over the M4, do not know what day yet, midweek or weekend (any advice on that?).
Where at what tube station or nearby can I park the car, safe, legal and not that expensive? And at what tube station(s) I need to get out to do some shopping but also to see the Big Ben, the Towerbridge and other typical London / English sights?

Thanks in advance for your reaction and kind regards,

Aad

Get an A-Z Map. Its sometines (quite often) easier and quicker to walk. The underground map doesnt help identify where places are. Use it and the A - Z and you will find it better to understand.

 

[Twotone2]

How long are you staying in London? Just a day visit?

If you can make it a Sunday that would be my preference, everything is open and plenty of free street parking.

In this case I would follow M4 which becomes A4 to South Kensington, park on the street (Queen's Gate) near Natural History Museum. (This is before you reach the congestion zone)

Museums here are world class (and even better, free!) V&A cafe is a 'hidden gem'.

From here it's walking distance to Knightsbridge (Harrod's) Hyde Park, Green Park, Buckingham Palace, St James's Park & Westminster.

If you want to go to Tower Bridge from there I would go by boat, but tube is a (far less pleasant) option (Westminster to Tower Hill).

If it's any other day or you're staying for longer, an easy & cheap option avoiding city driving is Hillingdon tube station, which is right next to the A40, car parking is £6-8 per day

Good resource is www.parkopedia.co.uk

I believe they have Sunday opening dann in that Laandan so places close on a Sunday, my daughter was down there last week, she struggled to get a meal at about nine pm.

 

[Twotone2]

Just remember when you drive you should be close to the middle of the road not close to the kerbside. London is a pain now mainly 29mph too many SUV’s. Leave it outside and get a tube or train.

Yep I wouldn't drive in London the last time I did was July 2012, a ten minute journey anywhere else in the uK takes at least two hours down there.

 

[Twotone2]

Get an A-Z Map. Its sometines (quite often) easier and quicker to walk. The underground map doesnt help identify where places are. Use it and the A - Z and you will find it better to understand.

An A-Z map, seriously? This is 2025 incase you're a wee bit confused

 

[Greasytrucker]

An A-Z map, seriously? This is 2025 incase you're a we bit confused

@The Panda Nut has only just stopped using his compass, an A-Z is very hi tec for him you know

 

[Aad Doix]

Thanks a lot for all reactions, I will dive into all suggestions and get me that app. We plan to visit London one day and hopefully my bank account will survive that shopping spree my daughter is planning

 

[Aad Doix]

Driving standards in the Uk have gone to sh*t over the last few years as far as I’m concerned, i’m sure if you’re observant and considerate of other road users you’ll be head and shoulders above some of the clowns i have to deal with on the roads on a daily basis. Enjoy your trip

Overhere the same, too many people on the road and only thinking about themselves and driving like the traffic rules don't apply to them, only others ....