Driving
If you would like to drive during your time in the UK you must have a valid driving licence. It is an illegal offence to drive without one. Whether you have this or not depends upon the country of issue. To find out if you can drive in the UK, and for how long, you can use the interactive tool on the UK Government website.
In the UK the Highway Code documents legal requirements when driving, and if you disobey these rules you are committing a criminal offence. It is advisable to familiarise yourself with the code as driving rules may be very different to the country where your license was issued. For example:
- all passengers in a car must wear a seatbelt when travelling in the front of a car, and in the rear of a car where one is provided.
- there are strict laws about drinking alcohol and taking drugs whilst driving.
- the use of a handheld mobile phone whilst the engine is running is prohibited.