FAQ — American Road Trip Questions Answered
Answers to the most common questions British travellers ask about driving in the United States, from licences and insurance to tipping and time zones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Licences and Documentation
Can I drive in the US with my UK licence?
Yes. Your UK photocard driving licence is accepted in all 50 states for visits up to 90 days. An International Driving Permit is recommended as backup but rarely requested.
Do I need an International Driving Permit?
It's not legally required in most states, but it's recommended. Some hire car companies technically require one. Get one from the Post Office for £5.50 before you travel — it's cheap insurance against bureaucratic issues.
Can I drive on a UK provisional licence?
No. You need a full UK driving licence to hire a car in the US.
Do I need an ESTA or visa?
UK citizens need an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) for visits up to 90 days. Apply at esta.cbp.dhs.gov (the only official site — avoid third-party sites that charge inflated fees). Cost: $21. Apply at least 72 hours before departure.
Car Hire
What side of the car is the steering wheel on?
The left side. You drive on the right side of the road.
Are American hire cars manual or automatic?
Almost all are automatic. You would have to specifically request (and pay extra for) a manual, and availability is extremely limited.
Can I hire a car at 21?
Most companies rent to drivers aged 21–24 with a "young driver surcharge" of $15–30 per day. Under 21 is very difficult — few companies will do it.
Do I need a credit card?
Yes, strongly recommended. It must be in the main driver's name. Debit cards are sometimes accepted but often require additional verification, a larger deposit, or proof of return travel.
What insurance do I need?
At minimum, CDW/LDW (Collision/Loss Damage Waiver) for the hire car, and seriously consider SLI (Supplemental Liability Insurance) for third-party damage. Check if your credit card or travel insurance covers CDW before paying for it at the counter. See our Car Hire Guide for details.
What happens if I get a speeding ticket in a hire car?
The hired car company will receive the penalty and charge your credit card — plus an admin fee ($30–50). The fine itself depends on the state and speed: typically $100–300.
Driving
Is it hard to drive on the right?
Easier than you expect in traffic (just follow the car ahead). Harder when turning onto empty roads — your instinct pulls you left. Stay extra alert for the first 24 hours and after overnight stops.
What's 'right on red'?
At a red traffic light, you may turn right after stopping — unless a sign says "No Turn on Red." It's enormously useful once you get used to it.
How fast can I drive?
Speed limits vary: 65–80 mph on rural interstates, 25–35 mph in towns. They're posted on signs and strictly enforced. Going 10+ mph over the limit is asking for a ticket.
What's a four-way stop?
An intersection where all four approaches have stop signs. Cars go in order of arrival. If two arrive together, the one on the right goes first. Come to a complete stop.
Do I need to stop for school buses?
Yes, absolutely. When a school bus extends its red stop sign, you must stop in both directions on undivided roads. Fines are serious.
Can I use my phone for navigation?
Yes, but it must be in a mount. Holding a phone while driving is illegal in most states. Use a dashboard mount.
Fuel
How much does petrol cost in America?
US fuel costs roughly one-third of UK prices. Average: $3.00–4.00 per US gallon (3.785 litres). California is most expensive ($5.00+).
What grade of fuel do I use?
Regular (87 octane in US rating). This is the cheapest option and what virtually all hire cars use. Check the fuel cap sticker.
Why can't I pump my own petrol in Oregon?
Oregon law prohibits self-service at most petrol stations. An attendant will fill your tank. No tipping expected.
What if my UK credit card doesn't work at the pump?
Many pumps ask for a US ZIP code. Go inside the station and tell the cashier how much you'd like on your pump number ("pump 4, $60 please"). Pay by card or cash inside.
Money and Tipping
Do I need US cash?
Cards are accepted almost everywhere, but carry $50–100 in small bills for tips, parking meters, food carts, and small-town businesses.
How much should I tip?
| Service | Standard Tip |
|---|---|
| Sit-down restaurant | 15–20% of pre-tax bill |
| Bar (per drink) | $1–2 |
| Taxi/Uber/Lyft | 15–20% |
| Hotel housekeeping | $2–5/night |
| Valet parking | $2–5 on car return |
| Tour guide | 15–20% |
| Barista (counter service) | $1 or nothing — not expected |
Tipping is not optional at sit-down restaurants. Servers earn a fraction of minimum wage and depend on tips. 15% is the floor for acceptable service.
Is tax included in prices?
No. All displayed prices exclude sales tax, which is added at the till. Tax rates vary by state (0% in Oregon, Montana, Delaware; up to 10%+ in some states/cities).
Accommodation
What's a motel?
A budget hotel where you park directly outside your room. Motel 6, Super 8, and La Quinta are major chains. They're basic but functional and typically $60–130/night. Perfectly safe at chain locations.
Should I book ahead?
In National Parks, popular tourist areas, and during peak season — absolutely. In small towns and off-peak — you can often find rooms same-day.
Do Americans really have ice machines in hotels?
Yes, on every floor. Fill the ice bucket in your room. It's one of the great joys of American travel.
Health and Safety
What if I need medical help?
Call 911 for emergencies. For non-emergencies, search for "urgent care" — these clinics handle minor illnesses and injuries without the wait or cost of an ER. US medical bills are astronomical. Comprehensive travel insurance is non-negotiable. A simple ER visit can cost $2,000–5,000+.
Is tap water safe?
Yes, safe to drink everywhere in the US. Refill bottles freely.
Are there dangerous animals?
In the wild, yes — bears (grizzly and black), mountain lions, rattlesnakes, and alligators (Florida/Gulf Coast) all exist. Follow park guidelines: don't approach wildlife, store food properly, and carry bear spray in bear country. In cities and on roads, the only "dangerous" animals are deer (collisions are common at dusk).
Time Zones
The continental US spans four time zones:
| Zone | Hours Behind UK (GMT) | States Include |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern (ET) | -5 hours | New York, Florida, Georgia, Michigan |
| Central (CT) | -6 hours | Chicago, Texas, Nashville, New Orleans |
| Mountain (MT) | -7 hours | Denver, Arizona*, Montana, New Mexico |
| Pacific (PT) | -8 hours | California, Oregon, Washington |
*Arizona does not observe Daylight Saving Time (except the Navajo Nation, which does). This can be confusing.
Your phone should adjust automatically.
Practical
What plug adapter do I need?
US uses Type A/B plugs (two flat prongs, sometimes with a round earth pin). You need a UK-to-US adapter. Buy one before you leave — they're cheaper in the UK.
Is wifi available?
Hotels and many restaurants offer free wifi. Motels usually do too, though quality varies. Mobile data (US SIM/eSIM) is more reliable for navigation.
Can I bring food into the US?
Some restrictions apply. No fresh fruit, meat, or dairy. Packaged/sealed snacks are generally fine. Declare everything at customs to be safe.
Do I need to declare my camera/laptop at customs?
No, personal electronics for your own use do not need to be declared.
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