The RAC has compilled a load of advice and information to help you get back behind the wheel after the coronavirus pandemic.

Here are the firm's top tips and helpful hints.

Is the official advice on driving and using a car the same across the UK?

Not at present. Drivers should follow the specific advice given by each government depending on whether they are in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

What trips am I allowed to make by car?

The UK Government advice for England is now 'stay alert - control the virus - save lives'. But everyone is still encouraged to stay at home as much as possible, except for the following reasons:

  • Going to shops that are allowed to open (social distancing still applies)
  • For any medical need, including donating blood, visiting a pharmacy and to provide care or to help a vulnerable person
  • Travelling for work purposes, where the work cannot be done from home
  • To exercise or spend time outdoors

There are now no restrictions on how far you can travel with your household group to outdoor space in England for exercise or recreation, and in some parts of the UK you are now permitted to meet with friends or family members in small groups (the exact size of the group varies according to where you live in the UK). But any round trip should be completed within a day, and you must practice social distancing when outside.

As Wales and Scotland currently have different rules around travel, you must not travel from England to either of these nations for exercise or outdoor recreation.

Echo:

Can I drive somewhere for recreation, exercise, to walk my dog, or for a day trip? How far can I go?

Yes, but you must practice social distancing wherever you go. Think carefully about where you decide to travel to, and when, to lessen the chances of coming into contact with many other people. Tourist boards are encouraging drivers not to flock to well-known tourist destinations.

Remember that many hospitality businesses such as cafes and pubs remain closed, as do public toilets.

You are not currently permitted to travel from England into either Wales or Scotland for these sorts of trips. 

Remember that every unnecessary trip by car increases the chances of an avoidable road traffic collision or breakdown.

Echo: Success at charity's dog walk

Can I use my car to go and see family and friends to check they’re okay?

From 1 June in England, groups of up to six people from different households can meet outdoors at any one time, while following the social distancing rules. 'Support bubbles' can also be set up for single adult households. The rules are different elsewhere in the UK.

The only exception is if you're providing care or helping a vulnerable person, so long as you don’t have any coronavirus symptoms.

You should make as much use of phone or internet to keep in contact with friends and family.

Can I drive to go on holiday in the UK? Can I book a holiday in the UK?

Overnight stays outside the home aren’t currently permitted.

Is the experience of driving likely to be very different to normal?

If you haven’t driven for a while during the lockdown, check our guide to car care. If you don't feel confident, you may want to familiarise yourself with driving again on quieter roads that you know well before attempting a longer trip.

Be aware of other road users as you normally would, but note that the number of people cycling and walking will have increased substantially in some areas. Some modifications to road layout can also be expected, especially in cities (for example, larger pavements to allow for social distancing or more pop-up cycle lanes).

Should I share my car with other people?

Solo journeys are strongly advised at the moment. If you do need to share a car, you should only do so with members of your household.

You should not share a vehicle with someone from another household.

Should I use a car if I'm self-isolating?

If you have any symptoms of the coronavirus, the Government says you and everyone in your household must self-isolate at home. They advise against going out even to buy food or other essentials – you should call on family and friends from other households to help, and make use of home delivery services if possible.

Is it safer to use my car than public transport or taxis?

If you have access to a car, you may prefer to use this at the moment. The UK Government recommends people walk, cycle or drive to work rather than use public transport at this time.

Social distancing is fundamentally difficult in taxis, so again you should use your own car where possible. Where this isn’t possible in a taxi, you should face away from other people and keep the time you spend near others as short as possible. Be aware of the interior and exterior surfaces you and other people may touch, and wash your hands as soon as possible after the journey.

Echo: Taxi rank at York Station

Should I wear a face mask or covering when I’m in a vehicle or out and about?

Face coverings (not surgical/medical face masks) are recommended in enclosed spaces in England and Scotland where social distancing can be difficult, such as in shops. They are also essential for any journeys made by public transport. If you need to take a taxi, you should also consider wearing one. GOV.UK carries a guide on how to use face coverings properly.

If I don’t comply with the Government advice, am I breaking the law?

The requirements everyone has to follow are set out in law, with the police acting with discretion and common sense in applying it. However, individuals can be fined up to £3,200 for repeat offences.