| NOTICE BOARD |
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
Driving in UK
"WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TO DRIVE IN THE UK AS AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT…" Although there is a comprehensive road and rail system across the country and planes link important towns and cities, driving is popular in the UK. With a good road and motorway network, you can discover the real Britain by driving tours. Roads are numbered and you can see signposts for destinations.
Cars are the most popular means of getting around in the UK. Most families own at least one car and in some parts of the UK the average number of cars per house is three!
You can buy a car from a new car dealership, a second hand car yard or privately from another individual. New cars are expensive and hence it is advised to buy a second-hand car. There are many second hand car yards and independent traders. Generally buying through these middlemen are more expensive than buying direct from the owner. Private sales are most commonly made through advertisements in the local newspapers (usually classifieds section) or websites. It is always worth bargaining a little over car prices, especially used cars - it could save you a few hundred pounds.
REGISTRATION, TAX AND INSURANCE:
It is legally important in the UK that all motor vehicles must be registered, taxed and insured. If you buy a car from a new car dealer, the dealer will arrange for registration. If you buy a used car from a second hand car yard or from an individual, then you must complete the name transfer registration. The registration documents are available from the local post office.
It is also mandatory that all vehicles should be insured. There are a number of insurance companies that offer special discounts to students. There are different kinds of insurance - accident, theft, fire - you may choose one or a combination or all. Cost of insurance depends on various factors such as year of manufacture, make and model.
You should also ensure to pay the road tax before you drive. The tax disc can be obtained from your local post office after submitting completed application form, evidence of paying insurance and paying appropriate fee. This disc must be displayed in your car (usually at the bottom left-hand side) at all times. You will also need to take your car to undertake Ministry of Transport (MOT) test and your car should pass the minimum environmental and road safety standards. This test is valid for one year and you should renew your MOT test certificate before it expires. However, if you are buying a new car, you will not need to have a MOT test performed for three years.
HIRING A CAR:
There are many hire car (rental car) companies across the UK. You can use your student identity card or a letter from the institution that you are a bonafide student or your passport or your driving license (should be presented in English) to hire a car. Also you should be at least 21 years of age. Some companies specialise in hiring older cars and vans to budget travellers. Hiring a vehicle is expensive but the cost can be more economical when divided amongst a group of friends over a few weeks. You will be charged by day, weekend or week and not all hire cars have unlimited kilometres, so be sure to check details before you leave. You will also need to take insurance cover for your rental car for the period of hiring. You will also need to pay a daily surcharge, if travelling to Europe.
DRIVING LICENSE :
-
If you are coming to the UK to study for one year or less, you can drive for 12 months from the date of your arrival provided you have a valid home country driving license (should be presented in English) or an international driving license.
-
If you are coming to the UK to study for more than one year, you can drive for 12 months from the date of your arrival provided you have a valid home country driving license (should be presented in English) or an international driving license. To continue driving after 12 months, you should apply for a provisional Great Britain driving license for which you should apply and pass the driving test.
DRIVING LAWS:
-
You should drive on the left side and overtake on the right
-
Give way to the right at roundabouts. Traffic coming from the right has the right-of-way and must be given priority
-
You must be at least 17 years of age
-
All passengers must wear a seatbelt
-
You must wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle or moped
-
You must obey signposts and road markings. A white line painted across the road means stop and give priority to the major road ahead.
-
You must not drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs
-
You must carry your driving license
-
You should display a valid tax disc
-
You can be fined for speeding and speed cameras are used in many cities
SPEED LIMITS:
30 m/h around schools
30 m/h in towns/cities/villages
60 m/h on normal open roads
70 m/h on highways/motorways/dual carriage ways
|
|
