Planning to explore Orlando by car? Great choice! Driving gives you the freedom to visit theme parks, shopping outlets, and hidden gems at your own pace. But driving in the USâespecially when you’re used to UK roadsâcan take a little adjusting. Here’s what you need to know before hitting the road in sunny Florida:
Unlike in the UK, Americans drive on the right-hand side of the road, and the steering wheel is on the left. It feels strange at first, but most Brits adjust quicklyâespecially with automatic cars (which are the norm in the US).
đ Tip: The hardest part is often turning at junctions or roundabouts (which are rare). Take it slow and steady to start with.
Most rental cars in the US are automatics. No clutch, no gear stickâjust put it in “D” for drive and go! This actually makes driving a lot easier, especially when navigating unfamiliar roads.
Speed limits are posted in miles per hour, not kilometres.
âStopâ signs are seriousâalways come to a full stop, even if the road looks clear.
âYieldâ = give way.
Look out for school zones where limits drop dramatically and fines are higher.
đ¸ Many intersections have traffic camerasâso stick to the rules!
Unless thereâs a sign saying otherwise, you can turn right at a red light after coming to a complete stop. This is one of the biggest differences from UK driving.
Orlando has quite a few toll roads (like the 417 and 528). Your hire car company might offer a prepaid toll pass, which can save time and hassle.
đł Without a pass, youâll need change or a credit card at some toll booths. Ask your hire company about this when picking up the car.
Florida law gives pedestrians the right of way at crosswalks, and youâll see plenty of cyclists tooâespecially in resort areas and around Disney property. Be extra cautious in busy tourist zones.
Parking is easy compared to UK city centres, but:
Some hotels and parks charge daily fees.
Always check signage to avoid towing or fines.
Theme parks have massive car parksâsnap a photo of your row number to avoid a 45-minute game of “find the hire car” after a long park day!
Distances can be longer than expected, and Orlandoâs road network can be confusing. Most hire cars offer built-in GPS, or you can use Google Maps or Waze with a local SIM or Wi-Fi hotspot.
đ Pro tip: Plan routes in advance and allow extra time for traffic, especially during rush hour (7â9am and 4â6:30pm).
UK licence holders donât need an International Driving Permit for Florida, but make sure you:
Have your full UK driving licence (not just the paper counterpart)
Carry it with you when driving
Some car rental companies may ask for a credit card in the driverâs name too.
Driving in Orlando can feel like a big step, but once youâre out there, youâll enjoy the freedom to visit beaches, malls, and parks on your own terms. Take it easy for the first day or two and youâll be cruising with confidence before you know it!
