Quick Summary:
- UK code 78 licences are typically accepted for automatic cars in Florida.
- Bring your photocard, a DVLA check code, and matching ID.
- Ask staff to note “automatic only” if paperwork shows manual entitlement.
- Do not sign until licence category and driver details are corrected.
Travelling to Florida and planning car hire with a UK driving licence that has code 78 can feel uncertain, especially if you have heard mixed advice online. The good news is that an automatic-only UK licence is commonly accepted for renting and driving an automatic car in Florida. The key point is that your licence limits what you can drive, not whether you can rent at all. As long as you choose an automatic vehicle and your documents meet the rental company’s requirements, pick-up is usually straightforward.
This article explains how a UK automatic-only entitlement is typically viewed at the counter, what rental staff may check when you collect the vehicle, and what to do if the rental agreement or system shows the wrong category. It is written for UK licence holders who want practical steps that reduce delays at pick-up.
What “code 78” means on a UK licence
On a UK photocard licence, code 78 means you are restricted to vehicles with automatic transmission only. In the UK, that restriction applies to the category you passed in, most commonly category B for cars. If you drive a manual car with a code 78 restriction, you would be driving otherwise than in accordance with your licence.
In Florida, the rental desk is not deciding what you are legally allowed to drive in the UK, but they do need to confirm you are licensed to drive the class of vehicle you are renting. For standard car hire, that typically means a valid full licence for passenger cars. If your licence is automatic-only, it aligns well with renting an automatic, which is the default transmission type for most vehicles in the United States.
Is a UK automatic-only licence accepted for Florida car hire?
In most real-world pick-ups, yes. A UK licence with code 78 is still a full licence for cars, with a transmission restriction. Florida rental fleets are heavily automatic, so the restriction rarely creates a practical conflict. Rental staff are generally focused on whether the licence is valid, unexpired, and matches the driver, and whether the payment card and any required security checks pass.
Where issues can arise is not the existence of code 78 itself, but misunderstandings at the counter, incomplete documentation, or mismatches between what is booked and what is available. For example, if a location offers a manual vehicle type (uncommon, but possible for speciality or imported models) you must decline it. The safest approach is to ensure your reservation is for an automatic category, and to confirm at pick-up that the assigned vehicle is automatic before you accept the keys.
If you are arranging pick-up around South Florida, the practical process is similar whether you collect at an airport or a neighbourhood branch. For location context, you can see how pick-ups commonly work at Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) or in tourist areas such as Miami Beach, where automatic cars are the norm.
What rental staff may check at pick-up
For Florida car hire, counter staff may check more than just “do you have a licence”. Being prepared reduces the chance of delays.
1) The photocard driving licence
Your UK photocard should be in date and in good condition. Staff will compare your name, date of birth, and photo to you in person. They may also check the issuing country, issue date, and expiry date.
2) Name matching across documents
Your driving licence name should match the name on your passport and the payment card used for the rental. If you have a double surname, a middle name used on one document but not another, or a recent name change, bring supporting evidence if you have it. Many counter issues are simple name mismatches.
3) Proof of licence validity
Some suppliers ask UK drivers for a DVLA check code so they can view your driving record. This is not always requested, but having it ready is sensible because it can save time if the supplier policy requires it at that location. A check code is time-limited, so generate it close to travel.
4) Address details
Rental agreements often require an address, and some systems prompt staff to verify it. Your UK photocard shows an address, but travellers sometimes have an outdated address on their licence. That does not always prevent rental, but it can trigger extra questions. If your licence address is not current, bring a recent proof of address (for example, a bank statement). The key is consistency and credibility, not perfection.
5) Age and driving history
Florida suppliers may have minimum age rules, and underage drivers can face surcharges. Staff can also check how long you have held your licence. Code 78 does not imply you are a new driver, but the licence issue date can sometimes be misread, so be ready to explain if asked.
6) The vehicle type you are collecting
This is where code 78 matters in practice. Confirm the vehicle is automatic before leaving the lot. If a staff member offers alternatives due to availability, keep repeating the same simple requirement, you are licensed for automatic transmission only.
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Florida?
Many UK visitors drive in Florida with just a UK photocard licence, and rental companies frequently accept it. Requirements can vary by supplier policy and individual circumstances, and some travellers choose to carry an International Driving Permit for extra reassurance.
However, an International Driving Permit does not replace your UK licence, and it does not remove the code 78 restriction. If you carry one, treat it as an additional supporting document, not a substitute. The most important thing for car hire remains that the primary licence is valid and that you only drive vehicles you are entitled to drive.
How to reduce pick-up problems with a code 78 licence
Most problems are avoidable with a few checks before you travel.
Choose an automatic category and keep records
When you confirm your rental, keep a copy of the confirmation that indicates the transmission type or vehicle category. In the US, categories are often described by class, but many confirmations also state “automatic” because it is assumed. If the confirmation is not explicit and you are concerned, keep a screenshot of the listing or terms that indicate the fleet is automatic.
Bring your DVLA check code and know where it is
If the counter asks for it and you have it ready, you avoid a stressful scramble on airport Wi-Fi. Store it in a secure place you can access offline.
Be clear at the counter, early
When staff ask for your licence, mention that it is automatic-only. This is not a confession, it is simply helping the agent assign the right vehicle without last-minute changes.
Check the keys and vehicle details before you leave
If you are directed to a space number, confirm the car is the right one. If you are handed keys at the desk, ask which bay it is in and whether it is automatic. In Florida it nearly always will be, but it is worth confirming.
These tips are relevant whether you are collecting near theme parks, for example around Disney area Orlando (MCO), or heading to downtown locations where fleets can be smaller and substitutions more common.
What to do if the contract lists the wrong licence category
Occasionally, the rental agreement or the agent’s screen may show a generic note such as “manual/automatic” or may not reflect your restriction at all. Less commonly, you might see wording that suggests you have manual entitlement, or a checkbox that implies “full” without transmission limits. This is usually a system limitation rather than a deliberate error, but it is still worth addressing.
1) Raise it before you sign
Politely point out that your UK licence has code 78 and you can drive automatic vehicles only. Ask the agent to add a note to the contract or booking comments that the driver is automatic-only and that an automatic vehicle has been assigned.
2) Ask for the vehicle to be reallocated if needed
If the vehicle that has been assigned is not clearly automatic, or if you are being offered an alternative due to availability, ask for an automatic substitution. With Florida fleets this is usually easy, but during peak dates it can require a short wait or a different model.
3) Check the printed agreement details
Look for the section that lists the driver, licence details, and vehicle description. If the agreement includes a “remarks” area, ask for “automatic only” to be included. If the supplier cannot add it, at least ensure the vehicle is an automatic and the agreement correctly identifies you as the authorised driver.
4) Do not accept a manual car
This is the non-negotiable part. If a manual is presented, decline it and request a suitable alternative. Driving a manual on a code 78 licence is not worth the risk, especially if an incident occurs and your insurance position is questioned.
5) If a mistake is discovered after leaving
If you notice a mismatch once you are at the car park exit, return immediately to the counter or booth before you leave the premises. It is easier for staff to correct a contract while the vehicle is still on site. Keep calm, explain that you are automatic-only, and ask them to update the paperwork or reassign the vehicle.
Common scenarios at Florida car hire desks
Scenario: The agent looks unfamiliar with code 78
Not every agent will recognise UK restriction codes. Simply explain, “This UK licence is automatic-only.” Show the code on the back if needed. Keep the explanation short and practical.
Scenario: The booking confirmation does not mention transmission
In Florida, automatic is often assumed. If you are worried, ask the agent to confirm the car is automatic and note it on the agreement. You can also choose suppliers and locations with larger fleets, which makes automatic assignment simpler, such as airport branches.
Scenario: You are upgrading or changing vehicle class
Upgrades can be tempting, but keep your licence restriction in mind. If you are offered a speciality car, confirm it is automatic. For larger vehicles, confirm you are still within the licence category, and pay attention to any additional rental terms. If your trip requires people-carrier space, Florida locations do carry larger automatics, and you can compare options such as minivan hire in Brickell or van rental in Florida (MIA area), depending on where you are staying.
Insurance, liability, and why the transmission restriction matters
For car hire, the practical legal risk is not about being a UK driver in Florida, it is about driving a vehicle you are not entitled to drive. If you were to drive a manual car on an automatic-only licence and have an accident, you could create complications with insurance, liability, and rental terms. Even if a manual assignment is rare in Florida, it is still important to treat the code 78 restriction seriously.
Sticking to automatic vehicles keeps things clean and simple. It also helps if you ever need to discuss the situation with the rental company, an insurer, or the police after a roadside incident.
Checklist for UK automatic-only drivers before travelling to Florida
Use this quick checklist to avoid last-minute surprises at the desk.
Confirm your licence is valid and in date
Check the photocard expiry date. If it is close, renew before travel.
Bring supporting documents
Have your passport, a credit card in the driver’s name if required, and a DVLA check code available.
Plan for automatic-only driving
Be consistent. Choose an automatic vehicle category and decline any manual substitution.
Review the agreement carefully
Ensure the correct driver is listed, and the vehicle is described correctly. Ask for notes or corrections before signing.
FAQ
Is a UK driving licence with code 78 accepted for car hire in Florida? In most cases, yes, as long as you rent and drive an automatic car. Code 78 is an automatic-only restriction, not a ban on renting.
Will the rental desk understand what code 78 means? Some agents will, others may not. If asked, explain simply that your UK licence allows automatic transmission only, and confirm the assigned car is automatic.
What documents should I bring to pick up a hire car in Florida? Bring your UK photocard licence, passport, and the payment card used for the rental. It is also sensible to bring a DVLA check code in case it is requested.
What if my rental contract does not mention that I am automatic-only? Tell the agent before signing and ask them to add a note or confirm in writing that an automatic vehicle is assigned. The essential point is that you must not accept a manual car.
What should I do if I realise the paperwork is wrong after I leave the counter? Return to the desk or exit booth immediately while you are still on site. Ask them to correct the contract details or reassign the vehicle if there is any transmission mismatch.
