Questions about Driving in the UK

[figment_jii]

Hi All - I am going to be doing some driving during my upcoming visit to the UK and was wondering if there was somewhere online to find out general information about driving in the UK (like what are the different road signs, basic rules of the road, etc.).

I found a website called "Driving Standards Agency" but thought I would check to see if this is the right place or if there somewhere else that people use.

Thanks!

 

[les2425]

we drive on the left,
manual gear box but you can ask for a automatic.
The parking brake is a hand brake in between the driver and passenger.
You can not turn left on a red light unless the trafic lights tell you.
more rounderabouts (turning circle) than the u.s
Fixed Speed Camera Everywear.
price of gas(very expensive)
Smaller cars.

les

 

[Dimplenose]

Yes, DSA is the official government website. I think you will find the Highway Code section most useful.

Highway Code

(You will need to download a few .pdf files to see all of the traffic signs.)

 

[tennisfan]

The traffic signs shouldn't be different as they are all internationally recognised

 

[figment_jii]

You can not turn left on a red light unless the trafic lights tell you.

Good to know...thank you. That is different from the US where you can make a the easier (in our case, right) turn against the red unless it is posted that you cannot.

The traffic signs shouldn't be different as they are all internationally recognised

The major sign shapes (like stop) are similar to the ones in the US, but I noticed that some of the other signs are different color/shape/worded. It's interesting what signs are the same and which aren't!

Thanks to all...I looked through the Highway Code and that was very helpful. Seems that in general, most rules of the road are similar, but some of the details are different.

 

[Dollyrar]

As long as you drive whilst talking on your mobile phone at all times, don't bother to indicate when exiting any sort of junction or roundabout, and beep your horn/raise two fingers/swear aggressively at any person remotely respecting the speed/safety limits, then you'll fit in perfectly with the majority of drivers over here!!

 

[figment_jii]

As long as you drive whilst talking on your mobile phone at all times, don't bother to indicate when exiting any sort of junction or roundabout, and beep your horn/raise two fingers/swear aggressively at any person remotely respecting the speed/safety limits, then you'll fit in perfectly with the majority of drivers over here!!

Actually, that raising a good question: is it legal to talk on a mobile while driving a car? In CA (where I am from) it is illegal to talk on a mobile while driving unless using a hands free device.

 

[Dimplenose]

Definitely not legal to use a mobile phone. In fact you are rquired to have both hands free for driving at all times - there has been a rare occassion when someone has been stopped by the police because they are holding a chocolate bar and therefore were not in complete control of their vehicle.

 

[wickesy]

If you are driving on one of our motorways (freeways) remember that you can only overtake another car on the right hand side, not on the left.