There’s no better way to experience the charm of the United Kingdom than by hitting the open road. The UK is known for its centuries-old castles, vibrant cities steeped in culture and serene countryside. Renting a car in the UK offers you the freedom to create your own adventure.
Whether you’re a US citizen eager to explore new landscapes, a European traveler or a local ready for a road trip, knowing how to rent a car in the UK is the ultimate ticket to freedom.
IN THIS GUIDE ON CAR HIRE IN THE UK WE’LL COVER:
- Requirements to Rent a Car in the UK
- Understanding UK Driving Rules and Regulations
- Renting a Car in the UK as an American Citizen
- Renting a Car in The UK and Driving to Europe
Requirements to Rent a Car in the UK
Before hiring a vehicle, it’s important to understand the requirements for renting a car in the UK. Rental companies have specific rules around age, licensing and documentation.
Minimum Age to Rent a Car in the UK
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old and have held their licence for a minimum of two years. However, some require you to be 23-25 years old and over. The minimum age may also depend on the type of vehicle you want to rent.
Driver’s License Requirements
To rent a car in the UK, you must have a valid driving license. If you hold a UK license, it should be valid and up to date. Non-UK residents may need additional documents:
- EU License Holders – Can drive in the UK without extra paperwork.
- Non-EU License Holders (e.g., USA, Canada, Australia) – Can use their national license for up to 12 months.
- International Driving Permit (IDP) – This is required for some non-EU licenses, depending on the rental company’s policy.
Documents Required
As a standard requirement, when you hire a car in the UK, you’ll need:
- A valid passport
- A credit or debit card for payment
- Photo ID – A government-issued ID to confirm your identity
- A valid driver’s license – Ensure it’s current and in the same name as your reservation
- Proof of address (for UK residents renting locally)
Driver Requirements at Fairview Vehicle Hire
Understanding UK Driving Rules and Regulations
Next, it’s important to understand UK driving rules, especially if you’re visiting from a country where driving is on the right. Yes, that’s correct, the UK is one of the few locations where vehicles are driven on the left side of the road. In this section, we’ll cover driving on the left, speed limits and road signs, traffic laws and parking rules.
Driving on the Left Side of The Road
In the UK, it’s the normal fashion for all vehicles to drive on the left side of the road. This means you’ll find the steering wheel on the left side when hiring a car in the UK. The pedals are in the same locations, so there will be some familiarity if you’re an American or International.
Speed Limits
Speed limits in the UK are in miles per hour (mph) not kilometres per hour (kph). The most common speed limits you need to be aware of are listed below:
- Built up Areas With Street Lighting: 30 mph (48 kph)
- Single Carriageways and most Country Roads: 60 mph (96 kph)
- Dual Carriageways and Motorways: 70 mph (112 kph)
Speed cameras are common throughout the UK, so it’s important to stick to the speed limit to avoid costly fines and ensure safety.
Road signs
Road signs in the UK can differ from those in other countries, so it’s important to recognise them and know their meanings:
Circular signs indicate mandatory actions. For example, a red circle could show a no entry zone.
Triangular signs warn of potential hazards or dangerous conditions, such as a slippery road, sharp bend or pedestrian crossing.
Rectangular or square signs are typically information signs, offering directions or important details about the road ahead.
Parking Rules
Parking in the UK is generally straightforward. Most areas offer designated car parks where you can pay using a machine or a mobile app. Free parking can also be found in various locations. However, there are some important rules to remember:
- Single yellow lines mean parking is not allowed during specific hours.
- Double yellow lines indicate no parking at any time.
Always check the signs to avoid fines or penalties.
Traffic Laws
In the UK, wearing a seat belt is mandatory for all passengers. Using a mobile phone while driving is illegal unless using a hands-free device. Violating these rules can result in fines and penalty points.
The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.08%, but it’s safest to avoid alcohol entirely when driving. Drink driving can lead to heavy fines, license suspension or even imprisonment.
Renting a Car in the UK as an American Citizen
Now you know you’ll be driving on the left side of the road, you should know this can make driving and manoeuvring a little tricker. To overcome this, watch some videos prior to collecting your rental vehicle.
Once you’re in your vehicle, take time to get to know it and become familiar with the differences. You’ll be able to drive it around the car hire place before fully committing to the roads.
Most rental cars in the UK have manual (stick shift) transmissions. Automatics are less common and more expensive. If you’re not comfortable driving a manual, be sure to request an automatic when booking.
Renting a Car in The UK and Driving to Europe
At Fairview Vehicle Hire, our vehicles can be driven outside mainland Great Britain into the EU with prior approval. To arrange this, simply reach out to us via phone or email with details of your trip, including destinations, dates and your preferred vehicle.
We’ll consult our insurers to determine the cost of EU cover and provide you with a quote. Once approved, you’ll be able to take your hire car to France, Germany or anywhere within the EU. Our diverse fleet includes everything from spacious family cars to luxury options for those wanting to travel in style.
For more details on taking your Fairview rental car abroad, check out our latest blog, where we cover everything you need to know.
Ready to Hit the Road? Book Your Rental Car Today!
Renting a car in the UK gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, whether you’re visiting iconic cities or scenic countryside. With several branches across London including Heathrow Airport, Kensington and Barking City Airport, picking up your rental with Fairview has never been easier.
Contact us to book your car today or ask a question.
