Navigating the UK Roads: Important Guide For Nigerian Driver

Navigating the UK Roads: Before you set up your gears and start navigating the UK roads, there are significant driving rules you need to know. As a Nigerian, understanding these rules ensures a safe and enjoyable driving experience in the UK. From driving test requirements to insurance, we have provided you with the essential information and tips to navigate the UK transport system. Without further delay, let’s dive in!

Navigating the UK Roads: Essential things to know

Just like in other nations, navigating the UK road is a great experience, however, in some cases, it gets complicated. Here is an overview of the aspect of understanding the driving system in the UK:

1. Driving on the left-hand side:

One notable difference in the UK is the left-hand side driving rule. Thus, when coming to the UK, you must understand this adjustment to drive safely within the country. However, as a Nigerian moving to the UK, this shouldn’t be a challenge. The left-hand driving rule is also adopted by the Nigerian system of driving. Thus, navigating the UK roads will not be challenging in terms of driving positioning.

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2. Speed Limits

The speed limit is another crucial thing to know as a foreigner. In the UK, speed limits are expressed in miles per hour (mph), and there is a robust network designed to monitor and enforce them. From surveillance cameras to enforcement agents, speed limits aim to ensure safety on all roads for individuals, including drivers and citizens. Speed limits vary, however, here is a typical breakdown:

• 30 mph in built-up areas
• 60 mph on single carriageways
• 70 mph on dual carriageways and motorways

3. Roundabout

Roundabouts are a common type of junction in the UK. It is designed to keep traffic flowing smoothly around the junction at all times. Part of it rule which needs to be adhered to is that when approaching the junction, use your traffic indicators to signal your next turn.

4. Road signs and markings

There are different types of road signs and markings in the UK:

• Warning signs: Warning signs are triangular with a red border. It alerts drivers of potential hazards ahead, such as junctions, pedestrian crossings, etc. 
• Prohibitory Signs: These signs are circular with a red border and indicate prohibited actions, such as no entry, no U-turns, or speed limits.
• Mandatory Signs: Circular signs with a blue background indicate mandatory actions that drivers must follow, such as turning left, keeping right, or minimum speed limits.
• Information Signs: Rectangular signs provide useful information and directions. Green signs are used on primary routes, blue on motorways, and white on local routes.

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5. Visa and Permit

Before you can drive and possibly navigate the UK roads, some requirements need to be met. Among these are the visa and permit requirements. You’ll need to provide a legal and officially issued permit to drive around freely in the UK. However, good news awaits Nigerians!

Nigerian drivers in the UK can drive around freely with their Nigerian driving license. However, it is limited to 12 months, which begins on the day of entry into the UK. This is best for individuals who won’t be staying for a long time. However, if you plan on staying longer than 12 months (1 year), then it’s compulsory to get a UK driving license. In the later part of this article, we will look at how to get a UK driving license as a Nigerian. Stay glued!

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6. Age requirements

Legally, you must be at least 17 years of age before you can drive a car on the roads. Also, there isn’t an age limit. That is, provided you are healthy and fit to drive, your old age doesn’t restrict you from driving, even if you are 70 or older. However, it is important to know that age doesn’t automatically grant you a UK driving license, there are other requirements needed to process your permit, such as completing and passing a test drive.

7. Test drive requirements

Before you can be granted a UK driving license, you must have passed the driving test. This involves driving on the road under supervision. Before you can test drive, here are the requirements to be met:

• Be at least 16 years of age
• Be able to read plate numbers 20 metres away
• You must have lived in the UK for at least 185 days
• A passport
• Biometric
• Address, etc

8. Insurance

It is illegal to drive a car on the roads of the United Kingdom without proper insurance. Thus, everyone who drives in the UK needs to make sure that their vehicle is insured by a third-party insurance company. There are many insurance companies in the UK. These companies differ in features and services. Thus, navigating through the tones of companies online, and selecting the right one is crucial.

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9. Tax

It’s also important that you know the tax associated with owning a car as a driver. In the UK, car owners pay a certain tax to the government called the road tax. This type of tax is paid yearly, about £1,000 or more or less depending on your vehicle. The road tax permits drivers to drive and navigate the UK roads. That said, if your vehicle is parked in your garage, and it’s not in use, then the road tax doesn’t apply to you.

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Navigating The UK Roads: Common Driving Rules In The UK

Here are the common driving rules for navigating the UK roads seamlessly:

• Ensure everyone inside the car is on seat belt.
• Utilize your indicator when approaching roundabouts.
• Slow down when approaching a zebra crossing and stop for passengers to cross
• Overtake on the right.
• Always have your documents, such as your diving license, insurance certificate, etc, with you.
• Maintain the speed limits.
• Don’t drive too close to other vehicles.
• Don’t drive when you are drunk, and don’t drink while driving.
• Obey the road signs and markings.
• Park your vehicle in the designated place.
• If you get involved in an accident, or you hit someone, don’t run. Better yet, reach a peaceful agreement with the opposition, or contact the police if the issue gets complicated.

Navigating The UK Roads: How To Get A UK Driver’s License As a Nigerian

Here is how you can seamlessly get a UK driving license as a Nigerian:

• First and foremost, be of the required age to acquire a driver’s license
• Now, head to the UK government website and apply for a provisional driving license. When applying, you’ll be required to present some details and documents; ensure you have them intact.
  • Biometric details
  • Valid passport
  • Valid residential address
• After applying, then you’ll have to prepare, take and pass the driving test. The test is based on:
  • Highway code
  • Driving skills, and 
  • How well do you know the traffic signs and rules
• Once, you’ve completed the test, if successful, your UK driving license will be issued within one to four weeks, depending on how you applied.

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Conclusion

As a Nigerian in the UK, understanding the road rules is crucial, especially for individuals who will be driving and exploring the UK cities. The UK road rules and system differ from the Nigerian road rules and system, although there are similarities too. However, this article has simplified everything, providing insight into the UK road system for Nigerian drivers. Therefore, if you want to adapt to the British driving system, utilise this article and rest assured you’ll have a pleasant road journey.

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