Transport
In this section:
Buses and coaches
Your local area will have bus routes designed to link villages with towns and cities. There is also a network of long-distance coaches that connect major destinations throughout the country.
Trains
The railway network carries people both long and short distances. England, Scotland and Wales are connected by fast trains between major cities. There are also local trains which carry people shorter distances. Many people use trains to commute to work in cities.
Before you travel
You usually need to buy a ticket before you travel, which can be a single or return fare journey. Many companies allow you to purchase tickets online, or you can buy tickets from machines or staff at the station when you start your journey. If you don’t have a ticket for your entire journey, you may be charged a penalty.
Some groups of people can get cheaper travel and there are discount cards available for people over 60 years old, young people and disabled people. It’s also often cheaper to travel ‘off peak’, at times when the services are generally less busy. If you’re making the same journey regularly then season tickets can save you money compared with paying daily.
Taxis
Taxis are available to hire for people who can’t or don’t want to use public transport. They’re often more expensive than public transport but may be essential if no public transport is available or if it’s difficult to use.
Official taxis have meters which calculate the charge you’ll have to pay. It can vary according to the distance, the time of day and the time the journey takes. They can be hailed on the street. Minicabs are also licensed for hire. They must be booked before the journey as they’re not allowed to pick up passengers on the street.
All taxis and minicabs must be licensed and display a licence plate to operate legally. If they don’t have a licence, they are not insured for fare-paying passengers and can’t be guaranteed to be safe. You shouldn’t use unlicensed minicabs as you don’t know the intentions of the driver.
Driving
Licences and tests
In the UK, we drive on the left. As a UK resident, you may be allowed to drive for 12 months if you have a driving licence from another country, but most people will then need to take a UK driving test.
You must be 17 years or older to drive a car or motorcycle, 18 to drive a medium-sized lorry and 21 to drive a large lorry or bus.
You should make sure you understand the rules of the road in the UK and what the road signs mean.
Learning to drive
While you’re learning to drive you must have a provisional licence. You also need to have someone over the age of 21, who’s had a full licence for at least three years, sitting beside you. Your car must have ‘L’ plates on the front and back to warn other drivers that you’re inexperienced.
The driving test
The driving test is made up of a theory test and a practical test.
The theory test is taken online, at centres across the country. You must pass this before you can take the practical test. The same applies if you ride a motorbike.
In Northern Ireland, you must display an ‘R’ plate – meaning restricted – for a year after your test.
Once you have your licence, you can drive until you are aged 70. When you reach that age, you’ll need to renew it. Thereafter you’ll need to renew your licence every three years.
There are many driving schools that will help you with both the theory and practical tests, as well as resources to buy.
You and your car
You must tax your car. The amount you will pay depends on the size of the car and its environmental efficiency. If you have a car that isn’t going to be driven on public roads then you don’t need to pay, but you do need to inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and get a document to prove that this is the case. You can tax your car online or at the post office. If your car isn’t taxed, it may be clamped or towed away and you’ll have to pay a fine.
You must insure your car. As a minimum you must have third-party insurance, but most people have comprehensive insurance. There are many companies offering car insurance. You must be careful to tell the truth when you apply for it because it will be void if you don’t, which means you won’t be insured.
It you drive without insurance, expect a heavy fine and up to six penalty points on your licence. This will make your insurance more expensive in future. It’s also an offence to let someone drive your car if they haven’t got insurance.
If your car is three years old or more, it must be tested for safety every 12 months. This is known as an MOT and can be carried out at any approved garage. If the car passes you will be given a certificate. It’s illegal to drive a car over three years old without an up-to-date MOT certificate. Without an MOT, your insurance will be invalid. You’ll also need the certificate when you tax your car.
If you plan to bring your car to the UK, you’ll need to follow the rules on importing a vehicle.
Driving your car
The UK’s road network is made up of four main classifications of roads: motorways, dual carriageways, and single-carriageway ‘A’ and ‘B’ roads. The rules and speed limits for each differ, so you’ll need to ensure you understand them before you start driving.
Wearing seat belts is compulsory for all passengers. Children under 12 who are below 135 cm in height must use a child seat or booster seat.
Driving when over the alcohol limit is illegal. If you drink alcohol and drive you can expect to pay a large fine and be disqualified from driving for a long period. You’ll have to do a retraining course and take your driving test again before getting your licence back.
Take care if you’re taking medicine, because this can affect your ability to drive. You should check with your GP or pharmacist. The packaging will also have information about side effects.
You must stop if you’re involved in an accident, it’s an offence not to do so. If the accident isn’t serious and no one is hurt, you just need to exchange details with the other driver. If people are hurt, dial 999 and call an ambulance. The police will also arrive and decide whether there has been a criminal offence.
Cycling and walking
Cycling is a great way to travel and keep fit at the same time. There are often dedicated lanes for cyclists marked on roads or cycle networks you can use.
It’s a good idea to wear a helmet and suitable clothing. Also make sure you’re aware of how the rules of the road apply to you.
Walkers can also use many of the cycle networks. If you’re going to be walking near roads, including crossing them, make sure you’re familiar with the rules of the road. You’ll need to anticipate what drivers and cyclists might be doing.