Driving in London
Your complete guide to driving and renting scooters in London, United Kingdom. Learn about IDP requirements, traffic rules, safety tips, and everything you need to know before hitting the road.
International Driving Permit (IDP) in London
IDP Not Required
EU, US, Australian, and Canadian licenses are accepted for 12 months. Non-English language licenses should carry an IDP as a translation.
Fine without IDP: £100-1,000
Where to Get IDP: Apply in your home country before traveling if needed.
Accepted Licenses
Traffic Rules in London
Local Traffic Rules
- 1Drive on the LEFT - different from continental Europe
- 2Congestion Charge Zone applies on weekdays
- 3ULEZ covers all of Greater London 24/7
- 4Bus lanes have camera enforcement
- 5Roundabouts - give way to traffic from the right
Common Tourist Mistakes
- Forgetting to pay Congestion Charge online (pay by midnight next day)
- Driving a non-ULEZ compliant rental car
- Using bus lanes during restricted hours
- Not understanding mini-roundabout rules
- Driving when public transport would be faster
Horn Culture
Horn use is considered aggressive and rude except in emergencies. Londoners rarely honk.
Traffic Fines & Penalties
Speeding
£100-2,500
No Helmet
£500
No IDP
£1,000
Red Light
£100
Drink Driving
Up to £2,500 + driving ban
Safety Tips
Essential Safety Tips
- London drivers are law-abiding but can be impatient
- Cyclists are everywhere - check mirrors constantly
- Many streets are one-way with complex layouts
- Black cabs have special privileges at certain locations
- Speed cameras are common throughout London
Best Time to Drive
Early morning (before 7 AM) or late evening (after 8 PM). Rush hours are 7-9 AM and 5-7 PM.
Rainy Season Warning
Rain is frequent year-round. Roads can be slippery. Winter ice is possible but rare.
Areas to Avoid (for beginners)
- Central London during the day (Congestion Charge + heavy traffic)
- Oxford Street and surrounding area (buses and pedestrians)
- Areas near major train stations during rush hour
Parking
Average Cost
£4-8/hour in central LondonScooter Parking
Free motorcycle parking bays throughout central London. Much easier than finding car parking.
Parking Tips
- Central London parking is extremely expensive (£4-8/hour)
- Use Pay & Display or apps like RingGo and PayByPhone
- Red routes mean no stopping at any time
- Single yellow lines - check signs for restricted times
- NCP car parks are reliable but expensive
FAQ: Driving in London
Do I need a car in London?
No. London has excellent public transport (Tube, buses, trains). The Congestion Charge, ULEZ, parking costs, and traffic make driving impractical for tourists.
What is the Congestion Charge in London?
The Congestion Charge is £15/day to drive in central London on weekdays 7am-6pm and weekends 12pm-6pm. Pay online by midnight the next day to avoid penalties.
What is ULEZ in London?
The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) covers all of Greater London 24/7. Non-compliant vehicles pay £12.50/day. Most rental cars are ULEZ compliant.
Can I use my foreign driving license in the UK?
Yes, most foreign licenses are valid for 12 months. EU, US, Canadian, and Australian licenses are accepted. Non-English licenses should carry an IDP.
What side of the road do they drive in London?
The UK drives on the LEFT. This can be challenging for visitors from right-driving countries. Be especially careful at roundabouts and junctions.
Emergency Contacts
Police
999 (emergency) or 101 (non-emergency)
Ambulance
999
Roadside Assistance
AA: 0800 88 77 66, RAC: 0333 2000 999
Partner link – opens GetYourGuide.com
Practice for Your United Kingdom Driving Test
Prepare for the official driving theory test with practice questions, road signs, and study materials.