driving in england - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

brick8 · #1 03-21-2006, 04:37 PM

I have a friend who will be visiting England next month. She is thinking of renting a car to drive around the countryside. Do any of you have any advice for her? She has never driven anywhere outside the U.S. before. Is special insurance needed? An international license?

1991300SEL · #2 03-21-2006, 04:42 PM

Hopefully she'll remember to drive on the left hand side of the road.

Mister Byrnzoil · #3 03-21-2006, 04:46 PM

watch national lampoons european vacation for all your euro driving needs... especially england

Rich300TDMBZ · #4 03-21-2006, 05:06 PM

People in England will tell you that they drive on the RIGHT side of the road, it is the bloody Americans that drive on the WRONG side. British drivers especially in the "contryside" are courteous, and that's why roundabouts work there and not in the USA! Driving there needs a little bit use to, but she will be fine. As you will find out cars there are usually smaller, and try to rent a diesel. It is amazing how many diesel cars are available in Europe, and they are quiet, and very fuel-efficient. This is a beautiful time to visit England.

Jim Anderson · #5 03-21-2006, 05:29 PM

I think a lot of local drivers would be perfect for driving in England, they drive slow in the left lane

450slcguy · #6 03-21-2006, 05:52 PM

I don't know about your friend, but I have thought about doing a driveing tour in England several times, but simply don't trust myself.

After driving on the "right side" of the road for 30 years I don't think I could change without screwing up at least one or more times

. And it only takes one easy mistake to ......

! Particularly after checking out a few pubs. I've used the trains(not cheap) but safe. Good luck to her.

mzsmbs · #7 03-21-2006, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Anderson

I think a lot of local drivers would be perfect for driving in England, they drive slow in the left lane

she may want to take a crash course on signage. some are a little bit different.

WVOtoGO · #8 03-22-2006, 05:44 PM

I found the easiest thing to do for UK driving was to marry an English gal and let her do all the driving when we visit “mum”. Works out great. I like being able to look at all the sights (that she’s already seen a zillion times). For the first few hours of driving, I found it hard to look out at all the country side, as I was concentrating on not killing us with something so new.

It’s really not that bad once you convince yourself you’re ok being on the left (or what I call “the wrong side !!”) side of the road. Until that point, I got a lot of: “…well if you can pilot a bloody helo, why can’t you drive the bloody auto ?!” Good thing I find that sweet little accent so sexy. Otherwise, I may have left her there with the one she refers to as “mi mum”.

Rich is right. Out in the country is rather easy. And - The other drivers are quite courteous.

Nope - no special license needed.
I always get their (rentals) "just walk away, full coverage" insurance package. Worth the extra $$ to not have to deal with ANYTHING, should ANYTHING happen.

Wes Bender · #9 03-23-2006, 09:49 AM

My only driving experience in England was in a military 6 x 6 in the '50s. Driving on the left isn't hard to get used to, but you have to really concentrate while going through those "roundabouts". There seems to be a natural tendency to come out of them in the wrong lane.

Road signs seemed pretty intuitive.

Don't know about the licensing or insurance. My stateside license was good back then, but I'm not sure now. She should check with her insurance company. They should know and can probably refer her to an insurance company that writes insurance in the UK.

Tell her to have a nice trip.

dkveuro · #10 03-23-2006, 10:22 AM

Driving is not the problem...remembering which way to exit and turn is.
Don't pass slower traffic on the left like you do in USA..
.
Yield to traffic from the right on roundabouts.
Follow other vehicles to get a grip on driving on the left side of the road.

Pull to the left and stop if you get frustrated.
Exception :# only overtake on the left if the vehicle in front is signalling to turn right, and there is room to do so
# stay in your lane if traffic is moving slowly in queues (Line.). If the queue (Line.) on your right is moving more slowly than you are, you may pass on the left

Slow and move left for emergency vehicles...we don't come to a stop for them.
There's no school buses to worry about.

You will not be able to rent a diesel powered car from any of the major rental (hire.) companies.

This is a must before you drive..

http://www.highwaycode.gov.uk/

You need a current American drivers licence...insurance is provided by the rental company....also get collision insurance being as you'll be at a disadvantage on the road.

BTW...The 'pavement' is the 'side walk'...never park on the sidewalk unless there is a reserved area to do so...they love to clamp cars and the wait and cost to release is high, about $150.00. (Denver boot.)

.Do it though....you'll love it.

P.S....Most tour/travel companies will arrange all your rental needs before you leave, including insurance.

.

.

crash9 · #11 03-23-2006, 10:22 AM

No special license needed. Just stay very focused and don't enjoy the sights.

Intersections always worry me as how I'd handle an emergency. I'm afraid I'd correct into a head-on. Beware – the tires they use on rentals are crap. Be sure and check for a good spare and jack.
I know I've heard the reason for why we drive on the side we do but can't think of it – anybody know?

tc20 · #12 03-23-2006, 11:49 AM

couple of things to watch..
most hire cars are manual, so specify automatic
traffic light sequence (from green) is: green, amber, red. while still on red,
the amber also shows (to prepare) then green.
lots and lots of speed cameras.
if going near London city centre, ditch the car and take the tube.
petrol IS expensive, roughly STG£4 a gallon.
if driving rurally, be aware of farm vehicles, high hedgerows limit visibility.
the link to the "highway code" in one of the previous replies is well worth
checking out, to familarise signage.

cheers,
tony

dkveuro · #13 03-23-2006, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crash9

No special license needed. Just stay very focused .............
I know I've heard the reason for why we drive on the side we do but can't think of it – anybody know?

http://users.pandora.be/worldstandards/driving%20on%20the%20left.htm

Did you know...Ireland is going to change from left to right? It's going to be over a week end.....and to stop any confusion...cars and bicycles will change on Saturday...buses and trucks on Sunday

.
.

Wes Bender · #14 03-23-2006, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dkveuro

http://users.pandora.be/worldstandards/driving%20on%20the%20left.htm

Did you know...Ireland is going to change from left to right? It's going to be over a week end.....and to stop any confusion...cars and bicycles will change on Saturday...buses and trucks on Sunday

.
.

Stand by for all the head-on wrecks.........

crash9 · #15 03-23-2006, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dkveuro

http://users.pandora.be/worldstandards/driving%20on%20the%20left.htm

Did you know...Ireland is going to change from left to right? It's going to be over a week end.....and to stop any confusion...cars and bicycles will change on Saturday...buses and trucks on Sunday

.
.

I've heard the knights of old deal, but something else for the switch over. Sounds good though.
Might work in Ire. They define chauvinism. Bicyclists and pedestrians seem oblivious to the fact a car would dare hit them. Most frustrated I've ever been was trying to explain to a Chinese Irishman (with a very strong Irish brogue) that my wife would be just having an appetizer for lunch, and to please serve me the main course. He couldn't do it - “We eat the appetizer then we eat the main course”.