Vehicles travel on the left-hand side of the road and overtake on the right. It is mandatory for drivers and their passengers to wear seat belts where fitted. There are laws which are strictly enforced against drinking and driving, and it is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving. The minimum driving age is 17.

To take a British driving test you must normally be resident in the UK. The test includes both written and practical components, and you must hold a provisional licence before taking the tests.

European Union citizens can drive in the UK on their own licences, or exchange them for a British one. Citizens of non-EU countries can drive for up to 12 months on the licence issued by their own country. Within this time they must apply for a provisional British licence and take a British driving test if they wish to continue driving in the UK.

All car owners must pay road tax to licence their vehicles, by purchasing a tax disc at a Post Office. This must be displayed in the left side of the windscreen. You may require an MOT before applying for the disc. This is a test which has to be carried out at least annually on all vehicles which are more than three years old, to ensure that they comply with legally defined road safety standards.