Renting a car in England, Scotland or Ireland: what you need to know

Should we rent a car Want to explore England, Scotland, or Ireland? For most routes outside major cities, the answer is yes. However, you need to know what to expect at the check-in counter: documents, insurance coverage, driving on the left, tolls, and border crossings.

We organize dozens of self-drive tours in these three destinations every year. Here's everything you need to check before renting a car, and then before hitting the road.

Driving in the UK with a foreign driving licence: the official rules

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Do you really need to rent a car?

It all depends on your itinerary. For a short stay in London, Edinburgh, or Dublin, a car is unnecessary. It even becomes a hindrance: parking is scarce and expensive, traffic is heavy, and public transport is good.

However, as soon as you plan to visit the Highlands, Connemara, or Cornwall, renting a car becomes almost essential. The most beautiful sites are located far from train stations, and buses rarely run there.

The most comfortable approach is often to combine the two. Spend a few days in the city without a vehicle, then pick up the rental car when you head out to the countryside.

What documents are needed to rent a car?

The driver's license. A valid French driving licence card is sufficient in the UK and Ireland. However, some rental companies are reluctant to accept the old pink cardboard licence. In this case, an international driving licence provides added security.

A credit card in the name of the main driver. This is the most common sticking point. Most rental companies hold a deposit on the card and refuse debit or prepaid cards.

An identity document. To enter the United Kingdom, you need a passport and an electronic travel authorization. We detail these procedures in our guides. formalities for the United Kingdom and Entry requirements for Ireland.

Minimum age and additional drivers

The minimum age for renting a car is generally between 21 and 23, depending on the agency. A "young driver" surcharge then applies until the age of 25. Conversely, some rental companies set a maximum age or require proof of age for drivers over 70 or 75.

Furthermore, every person who will be driving must be registered on the contract. Insurance does not cover an unregistered driver, even for just a few kilometers.

Manual or automatic transmission?

The manual transmission remains the standard and the cheapest option. However, we almost always recommend a automatic transmission to our travelers.

Driving on the left already requires a lot of attention. Shifting gears with the left hand adds an unnecessary difficulty, especially in roundabouts and on narrow roads.

However, there are fewer automatic vehicles in fleets: in summer, book them several months in advance.

Insurance: Understanding the deductible before renting a car

The displayed price generally includes basic insurance. However, it is accompanied by... franchise often exceeding one thousand pounds or one thousand euros. In case of a scratch, a torn-off rearview mirror, or a damaged rim, the rental company will charge this amount to your card.

Two solutions can reduce this risk. First, the rental company offers a deductible waiver at the counter, which is convenient but expensive. Second, some premium credit cards cover this risk, provided the rental is paid for with them.

However, be careful in Ireland Travel agencies there are often more demanding. They may refuse to cover a bank card or require written confirmation from your bank. Therefore, check before you leave rather than at the counter.

Driving on the left: the rules that change everything

You can get used to driving on the left in half a day, provided you take it easy at first. However, it's best to know a few rules before setting off.

Roundabouts They are taken in a clockwise direction. Priority is given to vehicles coming from the right.

Speed limits Speed limits are displayed in miles per hour in the United Kingdom, including Northern Ireland. Remember 30 km/h in built-up areas, 60 km/h on roads, and 70 km/h on expressways or motorways. In the Republic of Ireland, however, limits are in kilometers per hour, with 120 km/h on motorways. Authorities have also lowered several speed limits on minor rural roads, so pay attention to the signs.

Single-track roads crossbreeding areas remain frequent in the Highlands as well as in western Ireland. overtaking lanes, They allow for parking. The nearest vehicle stops there, and no one ever parks there. We return to them in our North Coast 500 guide.

Drinking and driving Finally, the limits vary. The limit is 0.5 g/l in Scotland and the Republic of Ireland, compared to 0.8 g/l elsewhere in the United Kingdom. The simplest solution, of course, is to not drink at all before driving.

Tolls, low-emission zones and parking

The vast majority of British motorways remain free. However, there are a few pitfalls.

In London, A daily congestion charge applies in the city center. A very low emission zone also covers the whole of Greater London. This is yet another reason to only use your car when leaving the capital.

In Scotland, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and Dundee have low-emission zones. Newer rental vehicles generally meet the standards, but checking is free.

Around Dublin, The M50 motorway toll plaza operates without barriers: cameras read license plates. Payment must be made online before 8 pm the following day, unless your rental company handles it for you. Ask them about this when you pick up your vehicle.

For parking, Finally, "pay and display" parking lots dominate. You buy a ticket from the meter and then leave it visible behind your windshield. Checks are frequent, and the rental company passes on the fine along with an administrative fee.

Border and ferry: check before renting a car

Between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, There are no checkpoints marking the border. Rental companies generally allow passage, but you must inform them. Additional fees or insurance may then apply.

To the Scottish islands, The situation varies. A bridge connects the Isle of Skye to the mainland. However, Mull, Islay, and the Outer Hebrides are reached by ferry. Check that your contract allows the crossing, and book your ferry well in advance during the summer.

Between Great Britain and Ireland, Many rental companies prohibit taking a car from one island to another. Others allow it with prior agreement and a significant fee. For a trip combining Scotland and Ireland, two separate rentals are therefore almost always simpler.

The same logic applies to the one-way rentals Returning the car in another city incurs abandonment fees, sometimes high.

At the counter and at the time of return

Before leaving, walk around the vehicle. Photograph every scratch, no matter how small, as well as the odometer and fuel gauge. Also, point out any defects to the agent so they can note them on the contract.

Next, check the fuel policy. The "full to full" option remains the most advantageous; the others almost always end up being more expensive.

At the pump, pay particular attention: the gasoline is called unleaded or petrol, and diesel diesel. Putting the wrong fuel in your car is one of the most frequent and costly mistakes. No standard insurance policy covers this type of incident.

Finally, on your return, allow yourself some extra time and take more photos of the parked vehicle.

Our tips for renting a car at the right price

To avoid unpleasant surprises when renting a car, book early, especially for July and August. Prices rise quickly, and automatic cars are the first to be rented.

Next, compare the deductible amount, not just the advertised price. A cheap offer with a €2,000 deductible often ends up costing more. A slightly higher price but with better coverage is therefore more cost-effective.

Also, choose a modest size. Rural roads remain narrow, village car parks cramped, and a large SUV quickly becomes a constraint.

Finally, adapt the pick-up location to your itinerary. For a road trip in Scotland, picking up the car on your way out of Edinburgh avoids several unnecessary days of rental. Our road trip in Scotland of 7, 10 or 15 days shows how to organize these steps. Same principle in our road trip from London to Cornwall.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum age to rent a car in the UK and Ireland?

Generally between 21 and 23 years old, depending on the agency, with a "young driver" surcharge up to 25 years old. Some rental companies also limit rentals to drivers over 70 or 75 years old.

What are the speed limits in the United Kingdom?

Speed limits are in miles per hour: 30 in built-up areas, 60 on roads, and 70 on expressways or motorways. In the Republic of Ireland, the limits are in kilometers per hour, with 120 km/h on motorways.

What is the legal blood alcohol limit for driving?

It reaches 0.5 g/l in Scotland and the Republic of Ireland, compared to 0.8 g/l in the rest of the United Kingdom. The safest option is not to drink at all.

How does the M50 toll work in Dublin?

There is no barrier: cameras read the license plates. Payment for passage is made online before 8 p.m. the following day, unless your rental company arranges it.

Manual or automatic transmission?

Manual cars are the most common and cost less. If you're not comfortable driving on the left, book an automatic well in advance.

Renting a car without the hassle: the tailor-made self-drive tour

At Brightside Travel, car rental is an integral part of our self-drive tours in England, Scotland, and Ireland. We reserve a vehicle suitable for your group, with automatic transmission and insurance. We also coordinate pick-up and drop-off locations with your itinerary.

Our local team also knows the roads, ferry crossings, and which stops warrant an extra night. So all you have to do is drive.

Discover our tailor-made itineraries

To prepare for the rest of your stay, also consult our travel planning guides. in England, in Scotland or in Ireland.

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