We’re sure you checked the local laws when you started driving in the UK. And if you recently had to take a driving test here, it’s probably still fresh in your memory.
But not everything’s in the Highway Code. Avoid disapproving head shakes and exasperated ‘tuts’ by learning these seven unwritten UK driving rules.
1. You must say thank you
If someone slows down or moves over for you, you’ll want to thank them. But how?
The recognised UK way of saying ‘thanks very much’ while driving is to raise one hand from the wheel. A nod to go with it is optional, but appreciated.
This understated move needs to be adapted if the driver you’re thanking is now behind you. Glance at your rear view mirror and briefly make eye contact as you execute the wave to your mirror. Remain facing forward at all times.
And never use your horn to say thanks. It’ll almost certainly be misinterpreted as an angry gesture and could startle other road users.
2. Use your horn sparingly
In fact, the horn should really only be used to warn other drivers who haven’t seen you. Any more than that is considered the height of bad manners.
But the horn also conveys different meanings with how it’s used.
A long, drawn-out ‘hoonnnnkkk!’ shows that a driver is infuriated and angry. It really shouldn’t be used after the danger has passed, but often is.
A brief tut-tut!, on the other hand, is friendlier and more helpful. It’s more of an ‘oops! Don’t worry, it could happen to anyone!’ warning.
But to use your horn correctly and inoffensively, it’s probably best to stick to a classic short, sharp beep! And only to warn another road user of immediate danger.
3. Flashing is controversial
The Highway Code says you should only flash your lights to let someone know you’re there. But some motorists do try to convey other messages.
One example is drivers flashing a silent warning to others that there’s a speed camera ahead. You absolutely should not join in – it’s actually illegal.
There’s also a well-known scam in the UK called ‘flash for cash’. It’s where a fraudster flashes at you to tell you to pull out at a junction, but then they don’t stop, you crash into them and they make an insurance claim. Yikes.
The best advice we can give you is to stick to the law and don’t flash anyone unless it’s to warn them you’re there. And it’s perfectly fine to be suspicious and wave someone onwards instead of pulling out if they flash you at a junction.
4. The middle lane is for overtaking
You’ll hear people call motorway lanes ‘the fast lane’ or ‘the slow lane’, but that’s incorrect. Motorways in the UK have an inside lane, then one or two overtaking lanes.
And that’s what you should use them for – overtaking slower traffic, before moving back into the innermost lane available.
Don’t join the Middle Lane Owners’ Club. Hogging the middle lane is really frustrating for others and could be dangerous.
5. You have to respect the pecking order
There are unspoken laws about giving priority to certain road users.
In towns and cities, buses are treated with due respect. If a bus is indicating that it’s ready to leave a stop, you should slow to let it. It’s because buses carry so many people – you’re making a small sacrifice for the greater good.
Out in the countryside you might encounter the undisputed king of the road: a horse and rider.
You’ll probably want to overtake, but beware! If you don’t slow down to the gentlest crawl and pull over to the opposite grass verge as you pass, you’ll face furious disapproval from everyone around you.
Just remember, wide and slow. It’s for your safety, as well as the rider’s.
6. We merge like a ‘zip’
When two lanes merge into one, the recognised way to do it is for cars from each lane to alternately enter the merged lane, one at a time. A bit like a zip being done up.
Attempting to push in before your time, hesitating and letting in more than one car ahead of you, straddling the middle of the merging lanes or any other deviation from the rules will be met with anything from puzzled looks to beeping. Which we’ve already explained is a pretty serious reaction here in the UK.
7. Parking is a waiting game
We love a queue in the UK, but doing it in a car park adds pressure.
You’re allowed to stop and let someone leave their space so that you can take it, even if there are others waiting behind you. But be careful – there’s a time limit.
If you wait too long while they put their belt on, adjust their seat and tune the radio, the drivers behind you will grow impatient. Especially if you’re blocking those who want to leave, not park. It might be best to gracefully move on and let someone further back have the space.
On the other hand, if the person behind you is pressuring you to keep moving, then grabs the space that they didn’t want you to wait for, that's a very poor show indeed. You’re well within your rights to practice some very British tutting and quiet disapproval.
