Driving in United Kingdom
International Driving Permit rules and car hire for Australians.
No — your Australian licence is enough in United Kingdom.
Your Australian licence is valid in the UK for up to 12 months. No International Driving Permit is needed.
Drives on the leftSame as Australia
Minimum age 21For most hire companies
$55 – $110Typical daily hire
No IDP neededAustralian licence accepted
What Australian drivers need to know
- Roundabouts are everywhere and traffic moves fast — same direction as Australia, just more of them.
- London's ULEZ and Congestion Charge apply to hire cars and are billed to you afterwards. Most visitors are better off without a car in London.
- Motorway service stations are expensive; fill up in towns.
- Speed cameras are heavily used and fines are forwarded to hire companies.
Insurance warning. Australian travel insurance policies exclude claims from driving or riding without a valid licence for that vehicle in that country. A car licence does not cover a scooter — hiring one in United Kingdom without a motorcycle class on your Australian licence means an accident is entirely uninsured.
More United Kingdom essentials
Entry requirements
Passport, visa, arrival cards and customs rules for Australian passport holders.
Connectivity
Instant data, no physical SIM required.
Travel insurance
Medical, cancellation and luggage cover from Australian insurers.
Money & payments
Cards, cash and FX fees for Australian travellers.
Airport transfer
Trains, buses, private transfers and taxis compared.
Travel essentials
Adapters, plugs, tap water, tipping and health basics.
Things to do
Attractions, tours and passes worth booking ahead.
Trip checklist
Tick off every essential before you fly.
United Kingdom driving FAQs
Can I drive in the UK on my Australian licence?
Yes, for up to 12 months. No International Driving Permit is required, and the UK drives on the left like Australia.
Watching United Kingdom?
We'll email you when entry rules or prices change for Australians travelling to United Kingdom.