Tips for Driving in England

There's More to Remember Than to Stay to the Left!

Whether making a permanent move to England or headed there on vacation, it's important to consider these differences before getting behind the steering wheel in England. There's more to driving in England than remembering to stay to the left.

Roundabouts
This popular intersection design is one of the biggest differences between British and American roadways. It will be impossible to drive in England without encountering the dreaded roundabout. Thankfully, roundabouts get a bad rap and are not as difficult to maneuver as American drivers expect. Pay attention to lane markings, which are almost always present on the ground or signs leading up to the roundabout. Remember that drivers aren't trying to keep cars from entering, but rather, to get out themselves. Stay in the correct lane and use your blinker. This common driving courtesy is one that British drivers demonstrate at a seemingly higher rate than their American counterparts.

Red Lights
There are two important things that drivers should know about red light intersections. The first is there is no such thing as right on red (or a left on red) in the UK. It's illegal--don't do it. The second thing is that there is a different light pattern on British stoplights. A red still means stop, yellow means prepare to stop (or stop, as I was taught in driver's education), and green means go. However, there's a red & yellow combination before a green light that means drivers should prepare to go.

Mobile Phones
Driving while using a hand held mobile phone is illegal in all of the United Kingdom. In addition, even hands-free mobile phone sets can get you a ticket if you are seen driving in a reckless manner while using one (Source). Be safe and keep your mobile phone off while you are driving, or allow a passenger to be in charge of any and all necessary phone calls.