It's a little bit harder than you would think. First of all the lanes in the UK generally are much narrower; you need to concentrate more just to stay in your lane and not hit the kerb (curb), you will tend to drive too close to the left as you try to keep the car central between the kerb and the lane markings.

For 2026 visitors, driving in the UK can be challenging due to driving on the left and navigating extremely narrow, winding rural lanes that were built for horses rather than cars. Urban driving is complicated by "Ultra Low Emission Zones" (ULEZ) and "Congestion Charges" in cities like London, where cameras automatically fine non-compliant or unpaid vehicles. However, the UK's motorway system is well-signed and efficient. New 2026 rules have introduced stricter enforcement on "number plate" visibility and lower speed limits in residential areas (often 20 mph). While the "left-hand" shift takes about 30 minutes of concentration to master, the real difficulty often lies in roundabouts, which can have five or six exits and require quick lane decisions. If you are comfortable with a manual transmission and navigating tight spaces, it is manageable, but many 2026 tourists find renting an automatic and using a modern GPS essential for a stress-free trip.