Buy, sell, lease or rent a car in the UK — plus bikes and driving lessons

In most cases, yes. Hire companies generally accept a valid foreign driving licence for an initial period after you arrive, though some ask for an International Driving Permit alongside a non-English licence, and a few apply a surcharge for licences issued outside a recognised list. Confirm the documents and any extra charge with the rental company before booking.

Most visitors and new residents can drive on a valid foreign car licence for up to 12 months from the date they become resident. After that, whether you can simply exchange your licence or must take a UK test depends on the country that issued it. The rules change from time to time, so check the current position on GOV.UK for your specific licence.

It depends on how long you expect to stay and how settled you are. Renting is quick and avoids commitment in the early weeks, which suits people without a permanent address or bank account yet. Buying tends to work out cheaper once a stay runs beyond a few months. Many people rent first and buy once their circumstances are clearer.

It is possible, but harder. Mainstream lenders rely heavily on a UK credit record, which takes time to build after arriving. Specialist finance services assess applicants who lack that history, though the cost of borrowing is often higher until you have established a local record. Paying outright, where you can, avoids the question entirely.

You will usually need a full valid driving licence, a credit or debit card in the main driver’s name for the deposit, and proof of identity such as a passport. UK licence holders may be asked for a licence “check code” from GOV.UK so the company can view their driving record. Requirements vary between companies, so check before you travel to collect the vehicle.

Most hire companies set a minimum age of 21, and many apply a young-driver surcharge to drivers under 25. Some vehicle categories, such as larger or prestige cars, carry a higher minimum age. There can also be an upper age limit with certain companies. The exact thresholds differ by provider, so confirm them when you book.

Rental prices normally include basic insurance, but usually with a significant excess — the amount you pay towards any claim. Hire companies offer excess-reduction products at the desk, and standalone excess insurance bought in advance is often cheaper. If you are buying your own car instead, you will need to arrange your own policy before driving it away.

Yes. Campervan and motorhome hire is widely available, and comparison platforms let you weigh up operators, vehicle sizes and pickup locations in one place. Availability and pricing rise sharply over summer and school holidays, so booking early for peak periods usually gives better choice and value.

Check the vehicle’s MOT history and tax status on GOV.UK using the registration, confirm the seller is the registered keeper, and consider a paid history check for outstanding finance or write-off records. A mechanical inspection is worth it for higher-value cars. Make sure you receive the V5C logbook and that the details match the vehicle.

Yes. A car must be both taxed and insured before it can be driven on a public road in the UK, and road tax does not transfer with the vehicle when it changes hands — the new keeper must tax it afresh. Arrange insurance first, then tax the car online using the new-keeper section of the V5C, before driving away.