Driving in the UK as an international visitor or new resident can feel daunting. The left-hand traffic, unfamiliar road signs, and different driving culture require adjustment, but thousands of international drivers successfully hire and drive vehicles across the UK every week.
At North London Van & Truck Hire, we’ve helped international drivers from over 50 countries across our 30 years in business. Whether you’re relocating to Enfield, running a European delivery route, or visiting family in Hertford, this guide covers everything you need to drive legally and safely in the UK.
1. Driving on the Left: Practical Adjustment Tips
The UK drives on the left side of the road with the driver sitting on the right side of the vehicle. This is the single biggest adjustment for most international drivers, particularly those from continental Europe, North America, or countries that drive on the right.
Why This Matters for Van Drivers
When you’re hiring a van in the UK, the steering wheel will be on the right-hand side of the vehicle. This affects everything from your spatial awareness to which way you turn at junctions.
Your First Few Hours: What to Expect
Roundabouts
The UK has thousands of roundabouts, and they all work clockwise (opposite to countries that drive on the right). You enter from the left, give way to traffic from your right, and exit where needed. Multi-lane roundabouts can be particularly challenging initially.
Turning at Junctions
Your instinct may be to turn into the wrong lane. Remember: turn left into the left lane (nearest lane), turn right into the right lane (furthest lane). At traffic lights, stay in your lane position throughout the turn.
Overtaking
In the UK, you overtake on the right side and return to the left lane afterwards. Motorways have slower traffic in the left lanes, faster traffic in the right lanes.
Visibility Challenges
With the steering wheel on the right, your sight lines are different. When turning right at junctions, you may need to edge forward slightly to see oncoming traffic clearly. When reversing into spaces on the left, you’ll need to rely more on mirrors.
Practical Tips for Your First Drive
Choose Quiet Times
If possible, collect your van on a Sunday morning or weekday afternoon rather than Friday rush hour. Our 24-hour drop-off facility at our Enfield branch means you can collect when traffic is lighter.
Plan Simple Routes First
Start with straightforward journeys on roads you’ve researched. Avoid complex junctions, busy roundabouts, and Central London until you’re confident.
Give Yourself Extra Time
Don’t schedule tight delivery windows or appointments for your first few days of UK driving. Allow double the journey time you’d normally expect.
Use a GPS with Voice Navigation
Verbal turn-by-turn directions help you focus on the road rather than constantly checking a map. Most modern smartphones provide this for free.
Practice Parking
Find a quiet car park and practise reversing, parking, and manoeuvring before you need to do it in busy areas. The spatial awareness adjustment takes time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Turning into oncoming traffic when leaving car parks or driveways
- Hugging the left kerb too closely (you’re sitting on the right, so you’re further from the left edge than you think)
- Positioning too far right when waiting at traffic lights
- Forgetting which side of the van has the most clearance when navigating narrow streets
Most international drivers adjust within 2-3 hours of driving. The key is concentration and not rushing.
2. Driving Licence Requirements and Legality
Understanding whether your licence is valid in the UK and for how long is crucial to avoid driving illegally.
Visitors and Tourists (Staying Under 12 Months)
EU/EEA Licence Holders:
You can drive in the UK with your EU/EEA licence indefinitely while visiting. No additional documentation required beyond your physical licence card.
Non-EU Licence Holders:
You can drive in the UK for up to 12 months with:
- A valid licence from your home country
- An International Driving Permit (IDP) if your licence is not in English
Which IDP Do You Need?
The UK requires a 1949 IDP if your licence is from outside the EU/EEA. You must obtain this in your home country before travelling – you cannot get one in the UK.
New UK Residents (Staying Over 12 Months)
If you become a UK resident, the rules change:
EU/EEA Licence Holders:
You can drive for 12 months after becoming resident. After this, you must exchange your licence for a UK licence (no test required for most EU countries).
Non-EU Licence Holders:
You can drive for 12 months after becoming resident. After this, you’ll need to take a UK driving test to obtain a UK licence. Some countries have exchange agreements that allow licence swapping without a test – check the UK government’s country-specific guidance.
What You Need When Hiring a Van
To hire a van from us, you’ll need:
- Valid driving licence (EU/EEA or non-EU with IDP if applicable)
- Licence held for at least 12 months
- Age 21+ (some vehicles require 25+)
- Passport or national ID card for identification
- UK address or accommodation address for the hire agreement
- Credit or debit card for the £100 pre-authorised deposit
Important: We may need additional documentation for non-EU licence holders. Call us on 02088050011 before booking to confirm exactly what you’ll need for your specific situation.
Insurance Considerations for International Drivers
All our hires include comprehensive insurance, but there are considerations for international drivers:
Age-Related Excess:
Drivers under 25 may face higher excess amounts. Our standard £1,200 excess (reducible to £200 for £15 per day) may have different terms for younger drivers.
Licence Validity:
Your insurance is only valid if your driving licence is legal in the UK. Driving with an expired IDP or beyond the 12-month visitor period invalidates insurance.
Named Driver Only:
Only the person named on the hire agreement can drive. If you’re travelling with others who want to share driving, they must be added to the agreement and provide their licence details.
3. UK Road Rules and Driving Etiquette
British driving culture has specific rules and unwritten etiquette that differs from other countries.
Speed Limits (in Miles Per Hour, Not Kilometres)
Built-Up Areas: 30mph (48km/h) – look for street lights
Single Carriageways: 60mph (97km/h) unless signposted otherwise
Dual Carriageways: 70mph (113km/h)
Motorways: 70mph (113km/h)
Critical: Speed limits are strictly enforced with cameras and police patrols. Points on your licence or fines apply even to international visitors. Fines start at £100 with 3 penalty points.
Traffic Light Sequences
UK traffic lights work differently from many countries:
Red → Red + Amber → Green: Prepare to move
Green → Amber → Red: Stop if safe to do so
The red + amber phase warns you that green is coming, but you must not move until the light is green. Amber means stop unless you’ve already crossed the stop line or stopping would cause an accident.
Priority Rules
Roundabouts: Give way to traffic from your right
Unmarked Junctions: Give way to traffic on the right
Yellow Box Junctions: Don’t enter unless your exit is clear
Pedestrian Crossings: You must stop if pedestrians are waiting to cross (zebra crossings) or if lights are red (pelican crossings)
Motorway Driving
UK motorways are generally well-maintained and straightforward, but have specific rules:
Lane Discipline:
Keep left unless overtaking. The right lane is for overtaking only, not continuous driving. After overtaking, return to the left lane when safe.
Hard Shoulder:
Never drive on the hard shoulder (left-most edge) except in emergencies or when overhead signs indicate it’s open as a running lane (smart motorways).
Minimum Speed:
Motorways have no minimum speed, but driving unnecessarily slowly can result in penalties. Most traffic flows at 60-70mph.
Services and Rest Stops:
Motorway services appear every 20-30 miles. Use these for breaks, fuel, and food rather than stopping on the hard shoulder.
Parking Rules
Single Yellow Line: No parking during restrictions (times shown on nearby signs)
Double Yellow Lines: No parking at any time
Red Route: No stopping at any time (London and major routes)
White Bay Markings: Designated parking spaces
Parking Enforcement:
Parking fines start at £60-£130 depending on location. London boroughs use automatic number plate recognition cameras to catch illegal parking.
UK Driving Etiquette
Flashing Headlights:
In the UK, this usually means “after you” – giving way to let another driver go first. It’s a courtesy signal, not a warning or aggressive gesture.
“Thank You” Wave:
British drivers typically wave to thank others who let them through or give way. A small hand raise or wave is standard courtesy.
Indicating:
Signal clearly and early. Failing to indicate is considered poor driving and can result in points on your licence if it causes an accident.
Motorway Middle Lane Hogging:
Staying in the middle lane when the left lane is clear irritates British drivers. Keep left unless actively overtaking.
4. Congestion Charge and ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone)
London has two charging zones that international drivers often aren’t aware of until they receive penalty notices.
Congestion Charge Zone (Central London)
Where: Central London, roughly from King’s Cross to Elephant & Castle
When: Monday-Friday 7am-6pm, Saturday-Sunday 12pm-6pm
Cost: £15 per day if paid in advance or same day, £17.50 if paid next day
How to Pay:
Register online at tfl.gov.uk/congestion-charge or call 0343 222 2222. You need your vehicle registration number. Payment must be made by midnight the next charging day.
ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone)
Where: All of Greater London inside the M25
When: 24 hours a day, every day (including weekends and public holidays)
Cost: £12.50 per day for non-compliant vehicles
Is Your Vehicle Compliant?
Petrol vehicles registered after 2005 are usually compliant. Diesel vehicles must meet Euro 6 standards (generally registered after September 2015).
Good news for NLVTH customers: Our entire vehicle fleet is 100% ULEZ compliant, so you won’t face any ULEZ charges when hiring from us.
How to Check and Pay
Before driving in London:
- Check the ULEZ map on tfl.gov.uk to see if your route enters the zone
- If hiring from us, you’re already compliant (no charge)
- If using your own vehicle, check compliance at tfl.gov.uk/ulez
- Register for auto-pay to avoid forgetting daily payments
Penalties:
Failing to pay results in a Penalty Charge Notice of £180 (reduced to £90 if paid within 14 days). International drivers receive these penalties at their home address or hire company address.
Dartford Crossing (M25 Thames Crossing)
The Dartford Crossing (Queen Elizabeth II Bridge northbound, tunnels southbound) on the M25 has a separate charge:
Cost: £2.50 for cars/vans
Payment: Online only at gov.uk/dart-charge or automatic via pre-registered account
Deadline: Midnight the day after crossing
There are no payment booths – you must pay online or risk a £70 penalty charge.
5. Navigating North London: Specific Local Challenges
Our Enfield and Hertford locations give us deep knowledge of North London’s driving challenges for international visitors.
A10 and M25 Access
Our Enfield branch at Mollison Avenue provides direct access to the A10, which runs north to Hertfordshire and Cambridge or south into Central London. The M25 is 10 minutes away at Junction 25.
Traffic Patterns:
- Morning rush hour (7:30-9:30am): A10 southbound is heavily congested
- Evening rush hour (5-7pm): A10 northbound is heavily congested
- M25 clockwise around North London often stops due to accidents or volume
- Weekends are significantly quieter except Saturday afternoon retail traffic
Residential Street Parking
Much of North London has parking restrictions:
CPZ (Controlled Parking Zones):
Many residential areas require permits Monday-Friday during daytime hours. Look for signs showing restriction times.
Loading Restrictions:
Even if you’re just loading furniture into a van, you must comply with parking restrictions unless you’re in a designated loading bay.
Van-Specific Restrictions:
Some streets prohibit vehicles over a certain size or weight. Look for signs showing vehicle restrictions, particularly near parks and residential areas.
Height Restrictions and Low Bridges
North London has several low bridges that catch out van drivers:
Railway Bridges: Many bridges under railway lines are 2-2.3m high
Multi-Storey Car Parks: Most have 2m height restrictions
Supermarket Car Parks: Height barriers often set at 2m to prevent commercial vehicles
Our vans are typically 1.9-2.3m high depending on model. Always check your specific vehicle height before driving under bridges or into car parks.
GPS Navigation Warnings
UK GPS systems may use postcodes or road names. A postcode gets you to the general area, but not always the specific building. Note full addresses including building numbers.
Many GPS systems warn about upcoming speed cameras, low bridges, and restricted roads. Trust these warnings – they’re usually accurate and can save you penalties or damage.
6. Practical Tips for Van Driving as an International Driver
Driving a van presents additional challenges beyond simply being in the UK.
Van-Specific Driving Differences
No Rear-View Mirror:
Most vans have no rear window, so you rely entirely on wing mirrors. Adjust both mirrors before driving and check them constantly.
Width Awareness:
Vans are significantly wider than cars. Allow extra space on narrow streets and when passing parked vehicles.
Height Restrictions:
Know your van’s height (we’ll tell you this during collection). Watch for:
- Low bridges with warning signs
- Height barriers at car parks
- Overhanging trees on residential streets
- Multi-storey car park entrances
Longer Braking Distance:
Vans, especially when loaded, take longer to stop. Increase your following distance and brake earlier than you would in a car.
Reversing:
Without rear visibility, reversing requires careful use of mirrors. If possible, reverse into parking spaces rather than driving in (easier to drive out forwards).
Loading and Weight Distribution
Payload Limits:
UK vans have strict maximum payload limits (usually 1,000-1,200kg). Overloading is illegal and dangerous, affecting braking and handling.
Load Distribution:
Place heavy items at the front of the load space, against the bulkhead. Distribute weight evenly left-to-right. Secure everything with straps to prevent shifting during braking or cornering.
Insurance Implications:
If you have an accident and the van is overloaded or cargo isn’t secured, insurance may not cover damages.
Fuel and Refuelling
Fuel Types:
UK fuel pumps are colour-coded:
- Green: Unleaded petrol
- Black: Diesel
- Yellow/Green: Super unleaded petrol
Most hire vans run on diesel. Check your hire paperwork or ask during collection.
Fuel Return Policy:
Return the van with the same fuel level as collection. We photograph the fuel gauge during handover. If you return with less fuel, we’ll charge the difference plus an admin fee.
Fuel Costs:
UK fuel is sold in litres (not gallons) and costs approximately £1.40-£1.60 per litre depending on area and fuel type.
Emergency Procedures
If You Have an Accident:
- Stop immediately and check for injuries
- Exchange details with other drivers (name, address, insurance details)
- Call 999 if anyone is injured or the road is blocked
- Call us on 02088050011 to report the incident
- Don’t admit fault – just exchange factual information
If the Van Breaks Down:
- Move to a safe location if possible (hard shoulder on motorways)
- Call the AA breakdown number (provided in your hire documents)
- Call us to inform us of the breakdown
- Do not attempt repairs yourself
All our hires include AA breakdown cover, so you’re never stranded. The AA will recover the vehicle or provide a replacement if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions for International Drivers
Can I drive a UK hire van back to my home country in Europe?
Our insurance covers UK use only. Some companies offer European cover at additional cost – call 02088050011 to discuss cross-border requirements if needed.
Do I need winter tyres in the UK?
No, winter tyres aren’t legally required in the UK. Our vehicles have all-season tyres suitable for typical UK weather conditions.
Can I use my mobile phone’s GPS while driving?
Yes, but only if the phone is in a proper holder and you don’t touch it while driving. Holding a phone while driving results in a £200 fine and 6 penalty points.
What if I get a parking fine?
Parking fines (Penalty Charge Notices) are issued to the vehicle’s registered keeper. If you’re hiring from us, we’ll forward the notice to you. You’re responsible for paying it. Most fines are reduced by 50% if paid within 14 days.
Do I need to carry my passport while driving?
Legally, no – your driving licence is sufficient. However, carrying ID is sensible in case of accidents or if police stop you.
Can I add additional drivers to my hire?
Yes, additional drivers must provide their licence details and meet our hire criteria (age, licence duration). They must be present during collection to sign the hire agreement.
What happens if I damage the van?
Our £1,200 standard excess (reducible to £200 for £15/day) applies. You’re liable for damage up to this amount. Our pre-hire inspection and photographs protect you from charges for pre-existing damage.
Are UK roads safe compared to other countries?
The UK has some of the safest roads in Europe with relatively low accident rates. Roads are generally well-maintained, signage is clear, and other drivers follow rules closely.
Your Checklist Before Driving in the UK
Before collecting your vehicle:
✓ Confirm your driving licence is valid for UK use (EU/EEA or non-EU with IDP)
✓ Check your licence expiry date – expired licences invalidate insurance
✓ Bring passport or ID for the hire agreement
✓ Have a UK address ready (hotel, accommodation, or friend’s address)
✓ Credit/debit card for the £100 pre-authorised deposit
✓ GPS or navigation app set up with UK maps
✓ Emergency contact numbers saved (AA breakdown, hire company)
During vehicle collection:
✓ Walk around the van and note any existing damage
✓ Check the fuel type (diesel or petrol)
✓ Ask about vehicle height for bridges and car parks
✓ Confirm insurance excess and reduction options
✓ Get contact numbers for breakdowns or questions
✓ Test mirrors and controls before leaving the car park
Welcome to UK Driving
Driving in the UK as an international visitor requires preparation and adjustment, but thousands of drivers from overseas successfully hire and drive vehicles across the country every week. The key is allowing time to adapt, understanding the rules, and asking questions when you’re unsure.
At North London Van & Truck Hire, we’ve worked with international drivers from over 50 countries across our 30+ years in business. We understand the specific challenges you face and provide clear guidance to ensure your hire experience is safe and straightforward.
Our vehicle fleet is 100% ULEZ compliant, fully insured with AA breakdown cover, and suitable for international licence holders who meet our age and experience requirements.
Call us: 02088050011
Email: info@nlvth.com
Visit: 1320 Mollison Avenue, Brimsdown, Enfield EN3 7NJ (behind McDonald’s)
Our team can answer specific questions about your licence, insurance requirements, and any concerns about driving in the UK. We’re here to help make your hire experience as smooth as possible.
Planning a longer stay or group travel? Check our minibus hire options for larger groups or read more practical driving advice on our blog.