Manual tranmission in the UK

Throw in a little jet lag leaving an airport and facing your first round-about! Usually, you can specify an automatic transmission, however, prepare to be hosed on the rate. Check expedia.co.uk for the rates or autoeurope.

The positions of the accelerator, brake, and clutch are the same as on US cars so your feet will be right at home. You will need to shift with your left hand, but you'll pick up the pattern very quickly if you're used to driving a car with a manual transmission.

I agree with Tim; the pedals for your feet are located in the same postion, it's just shifting with your left hand. It is more of a question of how comfortable you are with a manual transmission. If you regularly drive a manual transmission, then one in England it will come quite naturally. If you aren't comfortable with a manual here, then you should definitely request one for the UK.

I've rented a very small automatic twice in London from an Enterprise office that's almost right on Abbey Road and had no problems. The last time was 2 years ago and they were readily available. It cost a little bit more but was well worth it.

I agree with the "no problem" posters. I drive a manual at home. Drove a manual in England immediately after a no-sleep transatlantic flight with a toddler, transfer in Heathrow to Leeds, another no-sleep flight, and a car full of husband, toddler and two work colleagues moaning about the narrow lanes, ditches and hedges. Not an issue, your left hand will automatically find the right shift pattern. (Just watch those hedges and lanes!)

Pedal placement and shift pattern in the UK are the same as here. But you do have to shift with your left hand. When driving, just remember that the driver is always to the center of the road.

I'm pretty good with a manual transmission here at home. I prefer it, in fact. And we have rented a car in the UK twice - once with a stick and once with an automatic.

In the UK, I greatly prefer the automatic. At home you shift without it being a conscious action - it requires no thought. There, in your left hand, every shift requires a moment of conscious thought. You don't need that distraction. You are already dealing with trying to remember staying on the left, sitting in the wrong side of the car, strange signage, twisty, narrow roads, and round-abouts(!) everywhere (you haven't lived until you have negotiated a triple round-about with a semi truck on your tail).

It isn't a question of CAN you do it. Of course you can. It's a question of SHOULD you do it. And I say no. You just don't need that extra level of stress. Automatics are not that hard to find. Reserve the car now. I think driving there with a stick is the safety equivalent of driving with one eye closed or constantly on a cell phone conversation. It's just an unnecessary, and completely avoidable distraction.

The extra cost will be the best $5/day you ever spent.

Hi John, I rent an automatic small car everytime we go to the UK. It cost a little more (not much) but it's worth it. If you decide you want an automatic you won't have trouble getting one.

I had no problem getting used to the gear shift on the left side however I strongly recommend not renting the car in London as getting used to driving on the "wrong side" of the street is confusing enough with out the added stress of London traffic. Depending on your itinerary use public transportation in London and rent the car on the outskirts when you leave London.