Driving in the UK on a German Licence — Left-Side, mph, and a Hard 70 Cap
Germany
United Kingdom
Yes: GOV.UK lets a visitor drive on a full, valid EU licence for 12 months from entering Great Britain, no IDP. You switch to the left, limits are in mph and motorways stop at 70 mph.
Two habits change for a German driving in Britain. The first is universal: you cross to the left-hand side of the road. Roundabouts run clockwise, the driver sits on the right and your instinct at junctions has to be retrained. The second is particular to German drivers: the Autobahn reflex.
The paperwork
GOV.UK’s licence checker says a visitor holding a full and valid EU or EEA licence can drive in Great Britain for up to 12 months from entering. No international driving permit is needed. If you bring your own German-insured car, carry the green card or another proof of insurance issued by your insurer. The Driving Permit Checker covers the rest of a trip.
No open motorway
For cars, the limit is 70 mph (112 km/h) on motorways and dual carriageways, 60 mph on single carriageways and 30 mph in built-up areas, or 20 mph in Wales, unless signs say otherwise. Every sign is in mph, and there are no derestricted stretches. The minimum penalty for speeding is a GBP 100 fine and 3 points; the Speeding Fine Calculator shows how it grows, and if you are in a hire car, the guide on who pays fines abroad explains how the charge reaches you.
Keeping left
The switch is most dangerous in slow moments, such as leaving a fuel station or turning onto a quiet lane, where no traffic flow corrects you. Give it the first half hour on calm roads. Rural lanes can be narrow and hedged, so ease off well below the limit.
Alcohol
The limit in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 80 mg per 100 ml of blood, looser than Germany’s 0.5 per mille. Scotland uses 50 mg, the same as at home, so if you drive north, keep to the German figure, or better, drink nothing. Emergencies are 999. The full UK driving guide covers the detail.
Sources
- GOV.UK, driving in Great Britain on a non-GB licence, visitor with an EU or EEA licence (12 months from entry; green card or other proof of insurance): gov.uk
- GOV.UK, speed limits (30 mph built-up, 20 mph in Wales; 60 single carriageway; 70 dual carriageway and motorway): gov.uk
- GOV.UK, speeding penalties (minimum GBP 100 and 3 points): gov.uk
- GOV.UK, the drink-drive limit (80 mg; Scotland 50 mg): gov.uk
- Gesetze im Internet, StVG § 24a (Germany, 0.5 per mille): gesetze-im-internet.de
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. GOV.UK's licence checker says a visitor with a full and valid EU or EEA licence can drive in Great Britain for up to 12 months from entering. No international driving permit is needed. If you bring your own car, carry a green card or other proof of insurance.
The left. Coming from Germany this is the biggest change, affecting roundabouts, junctions and overtaking. Take your first half hour somewhere quiet.
70 mph (112 km/h) for cars, with no unrestricted stretches. Dual carriageways are also 70 mph, single carriageways 60 mph, and built-up areas 30 mph, or 20 mph in Wales. The minimum speeding penalty is a GBP 100 fine and 3 points.