If you have a full licence from your own country, or an International Driving Licence, you can drive for your first twelve months here. After that you will have to take a British driving test. All cars in the UK must be registered, insured and taxed. In addition any car over three years old must pass a Ministry of Transport (MOT) test certificate of roadworthiness every year.

Students can bring their own vehicle into the country for a period of up to six months. After that time you will need to write to HM Customs and Excise to extend the period.

To bring a car to Britain you will need:
A valid driving licence or a current international driving permit
vehicle registration document
Insurance cover
A nationality sticker displayed on the car

Should you decide to purchase a car in the UK, Endsleigh Insurance Services offer very competitive rates for car insurance. They will also offer up to a 60 per cent discount if you can provide a letter from your home country, from your current insurers stating that you have had a number of years claim free driving.

Most international students in Britain cannot afford to own a car. Petrol is expensive as is car insurance and road tax. There are also additional costs of repairs. Motorcycle drivers and passengers must wear crash helmets. A driving licence is required even for mopeds under 50cc. The minimum age for driving a moped is 16, for motorcycle, scooters and cars it is 17.

Hiring a car

There are many rental car companies across the UK. You can use your student identity card or a letter from the institution that you are a bonafide student or your passport or your driving license to hire a car. Also you should be at least 21 years of age. Hiring a vehicle is expensive but the cost can be more economical when divided amongst a group of friends over a few weeks. You will be charged by day, weekend or week.

You can rent car at most airports and railway stations (through British rail scheme) - you can make a reservation just before starting your journey and your car will be waiting on your arrival. In some times, you may need to book 24hrs in advance.

Whether you bring your own vehicle or hire one, you should buy a copy of the Highway Code, which gives detailed information on the rules of the road. It is available at bookshops in Britain.

Drivers and front passengers are required by law to fasten their seat belts. Offenders are penalised by heavy fines. Dipped (low beam) headlights should be used whenever daytime visibility is reduced by rain or fog.

Road Regulations

Remember that traffic keeps to the left, overtaking only on the right. Think twice every time you set off and pay special attention at junctions and roundabouts (traffic circles).

Speed Limits

Unless otherwise indicated, 30mph (48kph) in towns and built up areas, 70mph (112kph) on motorways and dual carriageways and 60mph (96kph) on other roads.

Alcohol

If you plan to drink more than half a pint of beer or a small whisky, you should not drive. Penalties for drunk driving are severe, loss of driving licence, heavy fines and even imprisonment in some cases.

Driving Tuition

Some international students find it useful to familiarise themselves with driving in the UK by booking a lesson with an instructor. Information on driving instructors can be found in the Website or Yellow Pages telephone directory.