Top Tips For Driving In London is a collaborative post

Whether you travel by tube or by heading on the Thames Clipper, there’s no denying that relying on public transport in London can be incredibly frustrating. In fact, a 2024 study from the Standard found that Londoners are the UK’s unhappiest commuters! 

Photo by Francais a Londres on Unsplash

As such, if you’ve been considering buying a car and driving to work instead, you aren’t alone! With that in mind, here are some top tips or things to keep in mind when driving in the big smoke!

You need a reliable car

Whether you’re relying on your car to get to and from work or drop your kids off at school, it goes without saying that you need to buy a car that you can rely on. One way in which you can achieve this goal (without going over budget) is by shopping at a local used cars dealership, where all vehicles have been thoroughly tested and any necessary maintenance has been carried out on your behalf. 

Beware of congestion charges

When figuring out whether or not you can afford to drive in London or any big city, you should make sure that you take all potential expenses into account. For example, in addition to fuel and parking, you should also pay close attention to congestion charges, which can vary depending on which zone you’re travelling in or the time of day you’ll be behind the wheel. 

Use Citymapper to figure out your route

Tools such as City Mapper are great when travelling through London by car or public transport. This is because they help you to figure out the most convenient route between your home and your chosen destination, while also providing you with real-time updates on traffic and road conditions. This ensures that your time behind the wheel is as stress-free as possible. 

Keep your cool

The vast majority of drivers will experience road rage at some point in their lives. However, as this can be triggered by traffic (of which there is plenty in London), you should make sure that you are able to keep your cool behind the wheel. Otherwise, you’re far more prone to distractions that could put yourself (and other motorists) at risk. 

Purchase the right car insurance

It goes without saying that you should never get behind the wheel without having a car insurance policy in place. This will provide you with greater peace of mind during your journey, as you know that you will receive the appropriate support or help should you get involved in an accident or if your car breaks down. Use different price comparison websites before taking out an insurance policy to ensure that you’re getting the best price. 

Final Thoughts

There are pros and cons to driving in the big city. However, it does provide you with a lot of freedom and independence, while also ensuring that you no longer have to rely on costly public transport to get to work each day. Furthermore, following the steps outlined above will allow you to make the most of your time behind the wheel!