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Top 5 driving tips if you’re visiting the UK
If you're based outside the UK, and you’re planning a trip to to explore our picturesque landscapes and charming towns, then may we be the first to say: you have excellent taste in holiday destinations. Secondly, that makes it a perfect opportunity for you to take advantage of our exceptional car hire, van hire or minibus hire services here at Intack Self Drive. Driving over here in the UK may differ from what you're accustomed to, so it's worth being prepared! If it’s your first time visiting the country, then we’ve got a few tips for you to keep in mind here at Intack Self Drive.
Familiarise yourself with road rules
Before hitting the UK’s roads, it’s a good idea to take some time to understand the road rules and traffic signs. The UK is one of only roughly 70 countries where traffic flows on the left-hand side of the road, and overtaking is done on the right. Pay close attention to road signs, especially those indicating speed limits and parking restrictions, to avoid any fines or penalties. The roads here in the UK are statistically some of the safest in the world and well maintained, and a basic understanding of the road rules over here, then that should put you in good stead to manage driving!
Obtain the correct documentation
If you're a visitor from abroad, it’s always worth making sure well ahead of time that you have the necessary documentation to legally drive in the UK. (As with most types of official documents, they can sometimes catch you off guard!) Generally, you will need a valid driving license from your home country. However, if your licence is not in English, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is highly recommended by the UK Government. If you need any further information on how to get hold of one if these, then you’ll need to visit the UK government's official websites for up-to-date information on driving requirements.
Get clued up on speed limits
Here in the UK, speed limits can vary depending on the type of road. In built-up areas, the speed limit is usually 30 mph (48 km/h), unless otherwise indicated. On single carriageways (roads without a central divider), the limit is typically 60 mph (97 km/h), and on dual carriageways and motorways, it's usually 70 mph (113 km/h). However, be vigilant for variations in speed limits, especially near schools or roadworks. As you’ll have probably noticed, the speed limits over here in the UK are measured in miles, rather than kilometres, so just be wary of that!
Take extra care when approaching roundabouts
Unlike countries like Canada and the USA, roundabouts are a common feature of UK roads, and it's crucial to understand how they work. As a general rule, always give way to traffic approaching from your right and signal your intentions clearly. If you miss your exit, make sure to continue around the roundabout until you can safely exit, rather than making a sudden manoeuvre. It’s tempting, and easy to do in a panic, but it can be very dangerous for both you and those other drivers around you. What’s more, in the UK, pedestrians have the right of way at designated crossings, so be prepared to stop if someone is waiting to cross the road. Cyclists are also prevalent, particularly in urban areas, so be sure to give them sufficient space when overtaking and avoid drifting into designated cycling lanes.
Choose the right vehicle Here at Intack Self Drive, we’re based in Blackburn, Lancashire and have accrued over 50 years of van, car and minibus hire experience, so there’s no one who knows car and van rental like us. Over all our decades in business, we’ve gained a solid reputation for providing quality vehicles at fantastic prices and our fleet now spans over 300 cars, vans and minibuses. Driving in the UK can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to explore the country at your own pace. And if you need a reliable set of wheels to help you do just that, you’re in the right place. All of our rental vehicles here at Intack Self Drive come with the option to rent through daily hire, or our outstanding Flexi hire service, so wherever your intended destination, we’ll have a vehicle that suits your requirements. We’ve got almost half a century of car hire, minibus hire, and van hire experience under our belts here at Intack, and we’re always here to help. Ready to get started? You can browse the best hire deals right here on our site, or give us a call on 0125457811!
Choose the right vehicle
Here at Intack Self Drive, we’re based in Blackburn, Lancashire and have accrued over 50 years of van, car and minibus hire experience, so there’s no one who knows car and van rental like us. Over all our decades in business, we’ve gained a solid reputation for providing quality vehicles at fantastic prices and our fleet now spans over 300 cars, vans and minibuses.
Driving in the UK can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to explore the country at your own pace. And if you need a reliable set of wheels to help you do just that, you’re in the right place. All of our rental vehicles here at Intack Self Drive come with the option to rent through daily hire, or our outstanding Flexi hire service, so wherever your intended destination, we’ll have a vehicle that suits your requirements. We’ve got almost half a century of car hire, minibus hire, and van hire experience under our belts here at Intack, and we’re always here to help. Ready to get started? You can browse the best hire deals right here on our site, or give us a call on 0125457811!