Britains drive on the left - one of the few countries in Europe to do so. Driving a Rental car can be daunting to visitors to Britain but with the help of a few basic tips you will sail through, I mean drive through, unscathed.

• Cars in Britain are predominantly manual, ie 'stick-change'. Don't complicate things for yourself - if you are familiar with Automatics choose an Automatic. Most reputable hire car companies offer you a choice.
• Your car is fully equipped for driving on the left. Take time to familiarise yourself with the controls and get used to the unusual positions before taking off.
• You are required to drive with dipped headlights from dusk to dawn. Ditto when the rain is heavy enough (which it is often) to create road spray. If in doubt, switch to dipped.
• If you are picking up your car when you land at the airport don't accept those free drinks on the plane. Drink/drive laws are rigorously applied when tested at the scene of an accident or any road incident.
• Always give way to traffic on the right at roundabouts.
• Speed restrictions are advised in M.P.H. and not K.P.H. Unless otherwise advised, motorway limits are 70 mph, Dual-Carraigeways 60 mph and built up areas 30 mph.
• Motorway lane etiquette - keep to the left hand lane unless overtaking. Hogging the center lane will incur the wrathe of other users. (Two fingers held up in the shape of a 'V' means victory unless the back of the hand is facing your adversary)
• Only overtake on the right, never on the left.
• Junction traffic lights have to be obeyed. Be prepared and always stop when lights turn from green through amber to red.
• Pedestrian crossings (zebras) are marked on the road with alternate white stripes. Pedestrians take precedence over vehicles at crossings. Wait for the green light before proceeding. Strictly it's okay to move when the amber light is flashing but take care - some pedestrians push the envelope and take delight in stepping across at the last moment.
• If you are walking, stay off the highway. If you have to cross away from a zebra crossing, be vigilant, look both ways and be swift. There is no tolerance for pedestrians and British drivers find it difficult to understand the attitude of some visitor pedestrians to road safety and discipline .
• Look out for lollypop persons at school approaches. School environs are usually marked with reduced speed limits and often a flashing roadside light will warn of school children movement in or out. Always stop when advised by a lollypop person.
• NEVER: use a mobile phone while driving. It is an offence. That goes for eating, reading maps, or any activity that distracts you at the wheel.
• ALWAYS: Wear your seat belt. It is an offence for driver and passengers to sit in a moving vehicle without wearing a seat belt, so long as one is fitted.
• Good planning will pay huge dividends in stress free driving. Great Britain, (England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland) will reveal untold gems of people and places that only having wheels will allow.

For more tips on Driving in the UK, move on to Driving in the United Kingdom - tips on parking in Britain.

Author: Brian Thomas, based in the U.K. is webmaster to BsureTravel.com - a hotel booking site who also writes travel articles and novels. See also his site Brians Writings, Novels and Greetings Cards.