Car Rental in England - Driving Guide & Best Rates

Renting a car in England offers excellent flexibility for exploring the countryside, visiting historic sites, and taking scenic road trips through regions like the Cotswolds, Lake District, or Cornwall. It's particularly valuable when traveling between smaller towns and villages where public transport is limited or infrequent. However, car rental is generally not recommended for stays in London or other major cities, where congestion charges, limited parking, and excellent public transport make driving impractical and expensive. England drives on the left side of the road, which requires adjustment for visitors from right-hand driving countries. Roads are generally well-maintained, though rural lanes can be narrow with limited passing space. Motorways and A-roads are typically in good condition. Roundabouts are common and may feel unfamiliar initially. Consider your itinerary carefully: if you're focusing on cities with strong rail connections, skip the car. If you're planning countryside exploration or multi-stop road trips with luggage, a rental provides significant advantages. Most international licenses are accepted, though familiarizing yourself with UK road signs, speed limits (in miles per hour), and parking regulations before arrival is essential for a smooth experience.

Driving License

Visitors can typically drive in England with a valid license from their home country for up to 12 months. EU/EEA licenses are generally accepted without additional documentation.

International Driving Permit

An IDP may be required or recommended depending on your country of origin, particularly for non-EU licenses. Check current UK government requirements for your specific country before travel.

Minimum Age

Rental companies typically require drivers to be at least 21-25 years old, with young driver surcharges often applying to those under 25. Maximum age limits may also apply with some agencies.

Insurance Coverage

Basic insurance is typically included in rental rates, but coverage levels vary. Consider additional collision damage waiver (CDW) or comprehensive coverage - check what your credit card or travel insurance provides.

Credit Card

A valid credit card in the driver's name is generally required for the security deposit. Debit cards are often not accepted. Verify deposit amounts and accepted card types with your rental agency.

Driving on the Left

England drives on the left side of the road with right-hand drive vehicles. International visitors should familiarize themselves with this requirement and local traffic rules before driving.

Rent from major international agencies at airports for convenience, but compare prices with city locations as they often offer better rates without airport surcharges - book in advance for the best availability.

Before driving off, thoroughly inspect the vehicle for existing damage and ensure it's documented with photos, verify you have the correct insurance coverage, and familiarize yourself with driving on the left side of the road with right-hand drive controls.

Use a reliable GPS or smartphone navigation app with offline maps capability, and remember that many rental cars come with built-in sat-nav systems - download maps beforehand as mobile signal can be patchy in rural areas.

Understand fuel policies (full-to-full is most common), note that petrol stations may be sparse in countryside areas, and research parking options in advance as city center parking can be expensive and restricted - look for Park and Ride facilities on city outskirts.

Allow extra time when returning the car for the final inspection, ensure you return it with the agreed fuel level to avoid charges, and keep all receipts and documentation until any deposit holds are released from your account.

England drives on the left side of the road, which can be disorienting for visitors from right-hand drive countries - take extra care at roundabouts and when turning at junctions.

Motorways and major routes experience heavy congestion during rush hours (typically 7-9 AM and 4-7 PM on weekdays), particularly around major cities like London, Manchester, and Birmingham.

Speed cameras and average speed check zones are widespread throughout England - strictly observe posted speed limits as enforcement is automated and fines are issued to vehicle owners.

Weather conditions can change rapidly, with frequent rain, fog, and occasional ice in winter months making roads slippery - reduce speed in wet conditions and use headlights for visibility.