Wherever your country of origin, when hiring a car you will need to present either your driving licence or an international driving permit along with your passport. The lower age limit for hiring a car in the UK is 21 and younger drivers may have to pay a supplement to cover the higher insurance costs incurred by their age group. Payment will need to be made at pickup time in full using a credit card which must be in the name of the main driver. Take time to inspect your vehicle at this time and report any scratches or bumps that are not declared already on the paperwork, otherwise you will find yourself liable for their repair when you return the vehicle.

Staying longer

If you plan to stay in the UK for a longer period, a driving licence from an EU country will enable you to drive legally for the time the licence is valid. Most other visitors from outside the EU are allowed a year’s grace period - the DVLA can supply a list of designated countries included in the list. However, some other countries of origin are entitled to only 6 months legal driving in the UK with a foreign licence or international permit after which a test must be taken and a full UK licence acquired. It is important to adhere to these legal requirements as failing to do so will undoubtedly invalidate your insurance policy.