The UK has one of the highest rates of car ownership in the EU and we're a small island – which maybe explains why we have such strict car laws!

If you're considering bringing your car, buying one here or even just driving from time to time, please read this section carefully.

And above all remember: in the UK we drive on the LEFT side of the road.

Driving licences

You must have a driving licence to drive in the UK.

For the first 12 months you can drive on a full licence from your own country or on an international driving licence. After this time, you must take the UK driving test. Remember, your twelve month period starts when you arrive in the UK and not when you start driving.

After 12 months you must pass the test or apply for a provisional licence.

A provisional licence means you must show learner (or 'L') plates and drive only with a qualified driver who has 3 or more years' experience, in the passenger seat.

See Driving in the United Kingdom: a guide for international students for more details.

Your car

You can bring your own vehicle to the UK for an initial period of six months. After this you must gain approval, by writing to Wimbledon VRO, Connect House, 133-137 Alexander Road, Wimbledon, SW19 7JY.

From the start your car must be registered, insured and taxed (see “costs” below). If it's over three years old, it must also pass a Ministry of Transport (MOT) road worthiness test every year.

If you're buying a car over 3 years old in the UK, ask to see the MOT certificate. This will give you some basic indication that the car is roadworthy, although it's well worth paying a mechanic to inspect it.

We also recommend you read advice on buying new and second hand cars.

Driving laws

We strongly recommend you buy and read a copy of the UK driving laws. It's called The Highway Code and is available from bookshops or post offices.

Here meanwhile are the basics:-

• Just to remind you again, drive on the left!
• The driver and all passengers must wear seat belts at all times.
• There are strict laws against drinking alcohol and driving. Convicted drivers are banned, heavily fined and can be imprisoned.
• The maximum speed limit is 70MPH. Many built up areas have 30MPH or 20MPH speed limits.
• Double yellow lines mean 'no parking at any time' and in other parts of the UK, there are double red lines, which mean 'no stopping and no parking at any time'.
• You must stop if the police tell you to and produce your licence, insurance, MOT certificate and ownership papers.
• On roundabouts you must give way to traffic coming from the right.

Motoring costs

Motoring in the UK can be expensive. Typical costs include:-

• Repair bills: Garage services and parts are quite expensive here and vary according to make and model of car.
• Parking: This can be expensive and hard to find, especially in Manchester city centre.
• Insurance: It's mandatory to insure your car in the UK. Costs depend on where you live. Cities can be expensive.
• Road tax: You must buy a road fund licence and display the tax disc provided. This costs approximately £185 per year for a 1.6L car.
• Fuel: Fuel prices in the UK are quite expensive at about £1.15 per litre.