Driving in south UK or not?

You'll get differing opinions on this, but I find it easy after an hour or so. If you don't rent a car until you are out of the cities you should do fine. There is much less traffic out in the country so it's not as scary (though the streets of small villages, with cars parked on either side, can be a little daunting at times).

I agree that driving in the countryside is much easier than in the developed areas. Stay out of the towns.

I have driven in Australia, New Zealand, UK and Ireland. It takes a couple of days to adjust to it.

Some people cannot handle it; it depends on your ability to adjust to different driving conditions. Shift with our left hand; and you must keep telling yourself to keep left.

My husband does most of our UK driving, but twice I have been in the UK on my own. No problem driving at all. And the small villages and pubs of the countryside are very worthwhile.

Do you drive a stick shift? It can be hard (though not impossible) to find automatic cars at car hire places in the UK.

Thank you everyone. NO, I don't drive a stick shift. I would need an automatic but I was on the Wincester and BAsingstoke enterprise car site and it didn't look hard to get an automatic and presumably if I reserve a few months in advance it should be fine? thoughts?

The problem in renting an automatic drive is that some travelers have reported that when they arrive at the agency they did not have the car.

That is because they don't buy many automatics and some won't guarantee to have one when you arrive.

I understand that.

I have always rented one and always obtained one even if I have to wait an hour for it as I did at Sixt in Stuttgart.

Here's 3 prior discussions of this subject with many useful comments for first timers driving a rental car in the UK:http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/index.cfm?topic=12264http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/index.cfm?topic=4759http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/index.cfm?topic=7299

My mom and I did 2 weeks in the English countryside a few summers ago. I drove. I also don't drive a standard. I have always requested automatic when driving in UK or Ireland. The cars tend to be "mostly" automatic. No clutch but you still have to shift when you are in drive. It wasn't that bad. Have a great time and good luck! You will get the hang of it!

Polly,

I've driven in the U.K. a number of times on the "correct" side of the road and so far no problems. Some suggestions to consider:

• I've always arranged the car rental through my Travel Agent, and they've provided some really good deals.

• When you rent the Car, it would be a good idea to specify that you CAN'T drive manual transmission vehicles. Make that abundantly clear! Be prepared to pay more for an auto transmission model.

• Check the web for tips on driving in countries like the U.K. I've seen some good information listed. Be sure to be clear on the protocols for "Roundabouts". I believe these were originally intended to eliminate traffic lights, but I encountered a few recently where lights were installed at the roundabouts.

• When you first sit in the car, take a few minutes to get used to sitting on the right side, and review the layout and function of the controls. If you have any questions, ask the rental staff.

• Be VERY careful of your speed! Nothing worse than getting "nicked" with a speeding ticket!

• Be prepared for the fact that the roads are old and often NARROW! This can be especially unnerving when you're approaching a large Lorry and space is limited. If possible just pull to the left and stop, allowing the larger vehicle to pass.

• I'd suggest both a good Map (Michelin) and a GPS unit. I've been using GPS lately and will never travel without one again (however they're NOT infallible).

• Try to minimize driving in larger towns as parking can be expensive. If you overpark, your car could be fitted with "The Boot" or towed and that gets EXPENSIVE!

• Consider paying extra for the full CDW (I have been lately). Be sure to inspect the car carefully at the time you rent, noting any minor damage. Some renters take photos of the car so they have some way to prove whether damage existed at the time of rental.

• Finally, be prepared for the cost of Petrol!

Happy travels!

If you don't drive usually drive standard then by all means follow the advice here and be adamant that you need an automatic. But, if you're like me and drive stick at home, then don't be afraid to drive it in the UK. The pedals are the same and it isn't hard to learn how to shift with your left hand. I found it a reinforcement for driving on the left. The first time I rented a car in the UK i picked it up in York. I had to navigate a bit through York, but afterwards it was all countryside until the end of the trip when I got to Glasgow. I survived it all. I loved the small roads or the wee roads as they are called in Scotland. It was a two week trip and when I returned home and got into my own car, I turned on the ignition and immediately slammed my left hand into the door trying to shift into reverse! So, that shows you how quickly habits can develop. ; )

With regard to Pamela's advice (above) you can be as adamant as you want but if when you arrive at the car rental location there are no automatic cars available, there is nothing to be done. I drive a manual shift but my sister does not, and once, having ordered an automatic so that we could both drive, we were obliged to accept a manual or do without a car. Another time, we had to wait several hours for the return of an automatic, or take a manual. All this to say it may or may not be what you ordered.