APART FROM THE FACT that it happens on the other sideof the road, driving in the UK is generally not too bad, althoughthe larger cities suffer the typical traffic problems of any big city.I find that in most instances, British drivers let me cut into thetraffic lanes (as long as I'm "indicating" and smiling politely),and are neither overly aggressive nor seriously dangerous. Happily,there are far fewer octogenarians driving around at 15mph.I would strongly advise acquainting yourself with British roadrules and signs before getting behind the wheel, as ignorance ofeven the basics could cost a life. Grab a copy of the HighwayCode, which you'll find online, as well as in soft cover throughoutthe UK.

• You must obtain a British driving license within one year of arriving in the UK. Getting a license requires a written and actual driving test, which, I hate to say, is on a par with a root canal. (Apparently there's a big PR campaign under way to soften the image of the whole ordeal.) There have been major changes in recent years so make sure that any kindly Brit who's guiding you through the process actually has a clue. The test is divided into three parts: Thirty-five multiple-choice questions, followed by a "hazard perception skills" test— not as scary as it sounds. You have to pass these two tests at the same sitting, and then take the actual driving test, which will probably require some lessons from a qualified instructor. According to my American friends who have lived through this ordeal, the experienced U.S. driver can expect to need about three or four lessons; the newer driver may require up to ten. These lessons are expensive but necessary, as even slight variations from driving protocol can fail you. For example, most driving instructors will tell you to angle your rearview mirror so that you actually have to move your head slightly to see behind you. This will allow the examiner to see that you are using this mirror at regular intervals. You are also expected to use the parking brake(handbrake) almost every time you stop for more than a few seconds. You can find out all you need to know (including an instructor) through the government's Web site (below), and even book your test there. Your driving test will take about 40 minutes and there is a fee. Driving examiners are not regarded for their sense of humor while testing drivers, so the whole experience is usually quite stressful. Many people fail the first time and this carries no stigma at all. While learning to drive, any vehicle driven by the learner must display red "L" plates. When the learner is not driving the car, those "L" plates are supposed to be removed. Before getting behind the wheel or taking any part of the test, learners must first obtain a "provisional driving license"; they cannot drive unaccompanied, and must be accompanied by a driver who has been qualified for at least three years and is over the age of twenty-one. This means that your teenager, who is learning to drive, can't be accompanied by the friend who passed the test last week. Learner drivers are not allowed on freeways (motorways) so many newly qualified drivers take "motorway driving" lessons after their test. There are now green "L" plates for those who have just passed their test, but these are not mandatory. High schools typically do not offer "driver's ed." The minimum age for driving or learning to drive is seventeen. Far fewer cars in the UK are automatic. If you pass your test driving an automatic, you are not authorized to drive a stick shift (or "manual") car in the UK. Most students use their instructor's car for the test, thus ensuring that it is up to scratch (and I think because the examiners must prefer the comfort of having a foot brake on their side also).

• If you plan to drive a motorcycle or a moped you will also be required to obtain a provisional license, pass a drivingtest, and then apply for a full license. You must be sixteento ride a moped and seventeen for a motorcycle.

• Your car must have a tax disk (displayed at all times) for a period of six or twelve months. This can be purchased at your local Post Office, with proof of ownership, MOT certification if required (see p. 60), and driving license. Tax disks are not transferable from one car to another, and failure to display one results in a hefty fine.

Check to see whether your American auto insurance covers you overseas. In many cases it won't, and you should probably buy coverage once you arrive in the UK. Because Brits drive on the left, I would not recommend getting off a transatlantic flight and straight into the driver's seat when visiting the UK, especially if you've never done it before. Give yourself at least 2 4 hours to acclimate (which is called "acclimatize" by the way) to the flow of traffic and it'll seem much less daunting. Fortunately, the foot pedals are in the same position, and as the steering wheel is now on the right, you still have to be situated in the middle of the road when driving. The most difficult times for me are usually when there is no other traffic on the road to keep me straight! I have had fleeting moments of panic in which I think I'm driving on the wrong side, or perhaps driving down a one-way street the wrong way. Less dangerous, and more entertaining, will be your attempts to get into the car (walking toward the wrong door) and fasten your seatbelt (sticking your hand into your passenger's face). Some friends have resorted to wearing a glove on one hand only, to remind them of the correct side of the road. Speed limits. The speed limit on freeways (motorways) is 70 mph; it is not advisable to go much faster as enforcement differs widely throughout the UK, and in recent years, speed cameras have been introduced. Now, speeding motorists are caught in the act on camera, and then sent a fine and demand for payment. Rumor has it that only about 20 percent of these cameras are operating at any one time, but since you never know which ones, it's better to slow down when you see the warning road sign. In the last year or so there has been an undercurrent of revolt by the British driving public as there seem to be so many speed cameras around. In 2004, a small brewing company in the Northeast produced a new beer, which they named "Highway Robbery," in protest. Every batch sold out immediately. Speeding offenses rack up points on your license, which not only increase your insurance premiums but also eventually lead to the license being suspended. I know of a handful of close friends and family who have already been nailed by speed cameras. New drivers who rack up six points or more in the first two years lose their license and have to resit the driving test! If caught speeding, going through a red light, driving carelessly, driving without insurance, or failing to stop after an accident, you will receive between three and ten points. Your license will be suspended when you reach twelve points, and be warned, this total can be achieved surprisingly quickly.

• Similarly, UK drivers do not tend to break road and drivinglaws such as going through red or orange (amber) lights, parking where it is illegal, etc., as the fines are usually high.There is also the dreaded "clamp" (similar to the boot orDenver Boot), which is a pain in the neck to get unlocked,and extremely expensive. When in doubt, stick to 70mphon freeways and 30mph in built-up areas, obey all roadsigns, and don't park illegally.

• When driving on any multi-lane road, you can only overtake on the right side (the outside lane). Never attempt to disobey this rule as no one will be expecting you to come up on the wrong side, and the higher road speeds in the UK almost guarantee fatal injury.

• You may not turn on a red light under any circumstancewhatsoever, other than a green filter arrow. Nor should yougo through an orange (amber) light. If you are trying toturn against the traffic at traffic lights, you must not enterthe junction and sit there. You are supposed to stay at thelight and wait until you can make the turn. (There is nograce period in which to turn after a light has changed toorange or red.) Such restricted areas are usually markedwith a yellow grid or rectangle on the road surface.

• If you encounter malfunctioning lights at an intersection, never, ever attempt the four-way stop procedure. It does not exist in the UK and you are likely to get yourself killed. General chaos will ensue until a traffic warden from the next block or village is wheeled in to help.

• Although parking in England—and particularly inLondon—is usually tight, it is not acceptable to bump othercars when attempting to squeeze into a space. Basically, ifyou can't get the car in without hitting another car—itdoesn't fit! Plus you run the risk of setting off someone's caralarm, which has happened to me a few times. When parking,the Brits leave the car in neutral with the parking brake(handbrake) on. If you borrow someone's car, for heaven'ssake don't leave it in gear when you return it, or the ownerwill kangaroo straight through the garden wall next time theengine's turned on.

• A word about the parking meters—you are not supposed to refill your meter when the money runs out. You should drive off and come back, as if you've never been there. "Yeah, right," I hear you say. This is particularly vexing in heavily trafficked areas when you know the spot won't be there when you return. Unfortunately, if you're caught "feeding the meter," there's usually a fine to pay. The street parking in England will cause you a moment's panic now and then. On most two-way streets, cars can park facing either direction. From time to time, I've found myself driving down a street in which all the parked cars were facing me. As long as you pay attention to any signs before you enter a street, you should be okay.

• British police quite often have less to do than in the UnitedStates, so if you're followed by a police car, drive as well asyou can and expect to be pulled over for something. Policecan and do stop and search cars, especially late at night.Make sure you always have roadworthy tires (spelled"tyres") in your vehicle, including a spare. Tires shouldhave a tread depth of at least 1 mm, across three quarters ofthe breadth of the tire and all around the circumference.(See your Highway Code for details.) Similarly, never drivewith a faulty light or anything hanging off your car, asyou'll almost definitely be pulled over.

• Police do not generally write parking tickets; for that you'll have to look out for the ever present traffic warden. He or she wears a uniform and a peaked hat with a yellow band. Pleading ignorance as a foreigner will probably not work, but it may be worth a try. Just don't pick a fight or you'll end up in more trouble; their reputation is only slightly less frightening than that of driving examiners, and as far as I know, they are making no effort to soften their image.

• Drink/driving regulations are much more stringently adheredto and enforced. It is worth remembering that as inthe United States, drinking and driving in the UK is generallynot considered clever or funny by anyone. The culturehas become quite intolerant of such behavior, andpeople either use public transport or don't drink when theyhave to drive their car. You will not simply be cautioned iffound over the limit; you will receive a minimum one-yearban and possibly a large fine, even for your first offense.Your insurance premiums will also increase significantly.The legal limit is 0.08 mg, which is more stringent than insome U.S. states. The abbreviations DUI and DWI meannothing in the UK. The phrases used are "drink/driving"and "over the limit"; the legal charge is "drunk in chargeof . . . " and you can also be caught drunk in charge of a bicycle!

• It is an offense to drive while using a handheld phone or similar device; this law also applies to drivers waiting at lights or sitting in stationary traffic.

• Be prepared for some very high gas (petrol) prices in theUK. Obviously the dollar-to-pound exchange rate hassome impact, but in recent years, gas prices in the UK havebeen at least double those in the States. Car prices are alsoa lot higher than most U.S. equivalents, but you can negotiatewith the dealer over the price.

• In addition to the driver and front passenger, it is now an offense in the UK for rear passengers to travel without using seatbelts. Again, this tends to be strictly adhered to and you may be stopped for ignoring this rule. The person fined will be the person not wearing the seatbelt, rather than the driver.

• If you're a motorcycle rider, be warned, nowhere in theUK is it permitted to forget your crash helmet.

• Bicycles also have their own rules & regulations. If you ride a bicycle at night, it must have a working front white light, a back red light, and a red reflector. Always lock or chain up your bike as bike theft is very common.

• If you own a car that is more than three years old, it mustbe tested according to the Ministry of Transport (MOT)standards. This test can be done at any repair shop (calleda "garage") which is MOT-authorized; without it, you willnot be able to purchase the mandatory car tax sticker or insureyour car. Failure to display an up-to-date tax disk willresult in a fine; this includes stationary vehicles parked onthe street outside your house.

• Be aware of "Zebra crossings." You'll recognize them because of the huge black and white stripes painted across the road. (Think Beatles—Abbey Road.) They are usually flanked by two pillars with a yellow ball at the top, called Belisha Beacons. As soon as pedestrians set foot on the road, they have the right of way on these crossings and will assume that all cars will stop. The other type of pedestrian crossing (often called a Pelican crossing) looks more like regular traffic lights in the middle of the road. There is no clearly marked crossing, but the road on either side usually has jagged markings at the curbside. When a pedestrian wishes to cross, he or she presses the button. The lights will change and a loud beeping sound occurs (for the deaf ) to let them cross. You may not go through these lights when red, even if no one is around. When the lights flash, drivers may proceed if no pedestrians are waiting to cross. Although there are no laws against jay-walking in the UK (indeed, the term is not used), pedestrians walking out into the road other than on a crossing could be hit by the first vehicle that comes along. Drivers often drive at higher speeds than in the United States and will not be expecting anyone to step out into the road or walk between the cars.

• Roundabouts (traffic circles) are everywhere in the UK,and it's basically survival of the most daring! You mustgive way (yield) to vehicles coming from the right at allroundabouts. Mercifully, at the busiest roundabouts, trafficlights have been installed to give drivers a snowflake'schance of actually making it round. After remembering todrive around in clockwise fashion, the main rule is that ifyou're taking the first or second exit off the roundabout,you should stay in the outside lane. If you need to drive allthe way round, you should immediately make for the insidelane and move to the outside as you approach yourexit. You will also encounter "mini" roundabouts. Theylook like small white mounds in the road, but shouldbe treated the same as regular roundabouts, i.e., don'tdrive over them! Another great reason not to get straightbehind the wheel when landing at Heathrow Airport isthe number of confusing roundabouts you'll encounteralmost immediately.

• An "M" road—as in the Ml, M4, M5—means that it's afreeway (motorway); an "A" road is a divided highway(dual carriageway); and a "B" road can be anything from acountry lane to a fairly decent road. If you can get to yourdestination using motorways and/or A roads, do so unlessyou want the scenic advantages of B roads. Yes, the B roadsare usually more picturesque, but hours spent trundlingalong behind an ancient piece of farm equipment willprobably change your strategy before too long.Incidentally, if you're planning to cover two thirds ofthe country in less than 24 hours (as many Americans seemto do), don't gauge your travel itinerary by drawingstraight lines on a map. Many times you won't be able todrive as the crow flies, so careful planning is essential.Should you need to take a B road, or go through any majorcity, I would advise you to add at least an hour or twoto your travel time. It is worth talking to someone whoknows the roads before completing your itinerary, as thereare many "black spots" to be avoided, such as the M25,which encircles the greater London area and is jammed almost
24/7.

• If you decide to take a British car over to the Continent for an excursion, exercise extreme caution. Yes, they all drive on the "correct" side of the road, as in the States, but don't forget you're sitting on the other side of the car. It will be very difficult to pass a car, as you won't be able to see round it. Any junctions should be approached with care, as you'll be turning on the outside rather than the inside of the road. Personally, I would rent a car after arriving on the mainland.

• There are and always have been different names for similarcars in the UK and the United States. The "Bug" is generallyknown as the "Beetle" over there, and a "Rabbit" is a"Golf." A Mercedes is often called a Merc, rather than aBenz, and a BMW is not always known as a Beamer. Insteadof referring to something as the "Cadillac" of whatever,the Brits will use the term "Rolls-Royce." Samedifference.

• By the way, the Brits pronounce the Jaguar as "Jag-you-ar" and a Peugot as "Pur-jo"—except as an American, you'd roll the "r" sound, which they don't do. "Fiat" has a flatter "a", as in "flat".

BRITISH WORDS THAT MIGHT REQUIRE
TRANSLATION
AA—Automobile Association (equivalent of the AAA)
Aerial n—antenna
Amber light n—orange light
Articulated lorry n—trailer truck
"B" road n—more rural road, usually single-lane
Banger n—old car (also a sausage)
Belisha Beacon n—pole with orange ball on top, flanking a
"Zebra crossing"
Bollard n—sturdy metal post used to stop cars driving onto
pedestrianized areas
Bonnet n—hood
Boot n—trunk
Bump start v—to start a manual car by popping the clutch
Bumper n—fender
Car park n—parking lot
Caravan n—trailer; RV
Caravan site n—trailer park (permanent residence at one of
these is not common)
Cats' eyes n—road reflectors
Central reservation n—median
Clamp n—boot, Denver Boot
Crash n—wreck
Double yellow-lined area—a no parking area
Dual carriageway ("A" road) n—divided highway
Estate car n—station wagon
Flyover n—overpass
Four-wheel drive n—SUV
Garage n—garage, gas station, body shop
Gear/manual car—car with stick shift
Gear box n—transmission
Give way—yield
Handbrake n—parking brake
Indicators n—turn signals
Juggernaut n—18-wheeler
Kerb n—curb
Lollipop man/lady n—school crossing guard
Lorry n—truck
"M" road; motorway n—freeway
Multi-storey (car park) n—multi-level parking lot
Number plate n—license plate
Overtake v—to pass
Pavement n—sidewalk
Pedestrian crossing n—crosswalk
Petrol n—gas
Petrol station/garage n—gas station
Prang v—to have a minor collision with something
RAC—Royal Automobile Company (equivalent of the AAA)
Registration number n—license number
Reverse lights n—backup lights
Saloon n—sedan
Silencer n—muffler
Sleeping policeman n—speed bump
Ticking over v—idling
Traffic warden n—traffic cop who writes tickets and directs
traffic
Van n—small truck
Windscreen n—windshield
Write-off n—totaled car
Zebra crossing—a crosswalk with huge black and white
stripes on the road. Cars must stop for pedestrians waiting
to cross
AMERICAN WORDS THAT THE BRITS
DON'T SHARE
Backup lights—reverse lights
Boot (Denver)—clamp
Curb—kerb
Divided highway—dual carriageway
Fender—bumper
Fender bender—the term is not used
Freeway—motorway
Hood—bonnet
Gaper delay—the term is not used
Gas—petrol
Gas/filling station—garage, service station, petrol station
Grease monkey—mechanic
License number—Registration number
License plate—number plate
Muffler—silencer
Orange light—amber light
Parking brake—handbrake
Parking lot—car park
Pavement—road
Rubber necking—the term is not used
RV—caravan
Sedan—saloon
Sidewalk—pavement
Speed bump—sleeping policeman
Station wagon—estate car
Stick shift—gear or manual (car)
Traffic cop—traffic warden
Trailer—caravan
Trailer park—caravan site
Turn signals—indicators
Truck—lorry, van
Trunk—boot
Windscreen—windshield
www.dvla.gov.uk