Renting a car in the United Kingdom as a Canadian: licence, insurance and roads

Your licence

You can drive with a valid Canadian licence for up to 12 months from the date you enter. Some rental companies may ask for an International Driving Permit, so check with your rental agency before you go.

At Avis UK, the minimum rental age is 23 and you must have held a full licence for at least one year. Drivers under 25 pay a young-driver surcharge of about £40 per day (capped at 10 days), and some car groups are not available to them.

Only CAA issues International Driving Permits in Canada. It costs $32 including tax, lasts one year, and is only valid with your Canadian licence.

Insurance: what to check

Card rental coverage protects the rental car only. It does not include third-party liability, so confirm what liability cover comes with your UK rental.

Roads, tolls and parking

• Driving into central London means paying a daily Congestion Charge. The zone is marked by a large 'C' on roads and signs.
• The London Congestion Charge is £18 a day since January 2, 2026. In a rental car, paying it is up to you.
• The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) covers all London boroughs. Vehicles that don't meet its emission standards must pay a daily charge.
• The ULEZ charge for non-compliant cars is £12.50 per day. It applies midnight to midnight, every day except Christmas Day, and must be paid by midnight on the third day after the journey.
• In a hire car, the driver is responsible for paying the Congestion Charge. If you forget, the rental company (for example, SIXT) pays the penalty and bills you for it plus an administration fee.

Staying safe on the road

• Roads are generally excellent but often narrow and congested in cities. Take care at roundabouts and slow down before bends on narrow rural roads.
• Rural roads can become hazardous in severe weather or freezing temperatures.
• Canadians need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling to the UK.