Driving on the left: a guide for visitors

Keep left

Keep to the left-hand side of the road unless road signs or markings tell you otherwise (Highway Code, rule 160). When turning left, keep close to the left-hand kerb (rule 183).

A right-hand drive car

The driver sits on the right, so the centre of the road is on your right-hand side. In a car with a manual gearbox the gear lever is worked with the left hand; the pedals are in the usual order. If you are new to it, an automatic leaves your attention for the road — tell us when you book and we will suggest one.

Roundabouts

At a roundabout, give way to traffic approaching from your right (rule 185), and go round it clockwise.

Speed limits and other rules

• 30 mph in built-up areas, 60 mph on single carriageways, 70 mph on dual carriageways and motorways; many London streets are signed 20 mph.
• A seat belt must be worn wherever one is fitted; children travel in a child seat until they are 12 or 135 cm tall, whichever comes first.
• Holding a phone while driving is illegal, even at traffic lights: a £200 fine and 6 penalty points.