Driving in Scotland? Here are 13 HELPFUL Tips
If you have a trip to the UK planned, and are a bit nervous about driving in Scotland, we totally get it. You might be worried about having to drive on the ‘wrong’ side of the road, with the steering wheel on the right, or maybe pressing the foot down on a narrow road in the highlands has you concerned.
These hesitations are all valid, especially if you are driving in Scotland as an American. Though keep in mind that all signs are in English, and all the speeds are probably about what you’re used to. While the UK has one of the densest rail networks anywhere in the world, we think there’s no better way to explore Scotland than renting a car and getting on the road. This is especially true if you plan on heading to the more remote parts of Scotland – including its many island groups and the North Coast 500 route – that the railways simply don’t reach.
And while organized tours certainly have their place, we love the freedom and opportunities that self-driving in Scotland offers.
Read on to discover all the inside info you need to know! No – you don’t need prior driving experience in Scotland to tackle an epic Scottish road trip!
Psst - Discover Car Hire is my preferred car rental company for driving in Scotland. Click to compare rates!
Tips for Driving in Scotland
What do you Need to drive in Scotland?
Good news! Visitors to Scotland can drive for up to one calendar year with a standard US driving license. If you can drive a car in the US, you can also drive the same type of car in Scotland!
The only thing you need to drive in Scotland is insurance, which is a legal requirement. If using the car of a friend or family member, they will need third-party insurance (allowing anyone to drive their vehicle), while rental cars will come with their own insurance policies. It’s best to have a passport on you when renting a car in Scotland.
It’s also a legal requirement in Scotland to wear a seat belt/safety belt at all times, irrespective of whether you are the driver or a passenger. The police are authorized to fine anyone who isn’t wearing a seat belt, and if you don’t pay the ticket, a warrant can be issued for your arrest.
There is no statute of limitation on this warrant, so any return visit to the UK (or presently any EU nation) could land you with a visit from the police – and an even heftier fine. Moral of the story? Just wear a seatbelt.
Where Do You Rent a Car in Scotland?
Search online for the best car rental deals before you arrive in Scotland. I generally like to check comparison sites so I can get the best prices. My favorites to look at are:
- Discover Car Hire: My preferred car rental company for driving in Scotland.
- RentalCars.com: Provides comparisons for car rentals in Scotland.
- AutoEurope: I can often find deals here for car rentals in Europe.
Cell Phones and Driving in Scotland
Fines are also given out to those who use their cell phones when driving. It is only permitted to receive calls if you are using a hands-free kit that doesn’t require you to take your hands from the wheel.
Even so, we’d strongly recommend avoiding using your cell at all when driving, since you’ll be traveling along roads that are new to you. If you plan to use your cell phone as a navigation aid, you will need to find a way of placing it securely on the windscreen or have someone look after it for you. We recommend a good car dash holder.
You Drive on the Left in Scotland
If you plan on driving in Scotland as an American, or from any other country where you typically drive on the right, note that Scotland is different.
When you go on a Scotland drive, you’ll see that you must drive on the left. All four countries that comprise the UK (Scotland, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland) drive on the left-hand side of the road – unlike the US and most of continental Europe.
We found it surprisingly easy to adapt to the change, perhaps because everything inside the vehicle is ‘reversed’ too. But watch out on quiet roads or when approaching roundabouts or other junctions; it’s easy to relapse into what you’re used to doing at home!
You’ll find the steering wheel on the vehicle’s right-hand side and the gear shift in manual transmission cars on the driver’s left, alongside the parking brake. However, the order of the pedals remains the same as in North America and most of the EU: namely clutch (for manual vehicles), foot brake, and gas pedal, from left to right. (The gas pedal is usually known as the accelerator pedal, and the trunk is known as the boot.)
At roundabouts, give way to traffic on your right-hand side. If there is no traffic on your right, it is your right of way, and you can proceed with caution. Don’t forget to initially turn left around the roundabout!
Know Your Vehicle
Make sure you’re satisfied with your vehicle before you embark on any journey. You’ll already be slightly more nervous than normal about driving on the other side of the road, and you don’t want to make things more stressful by not being able to find what you need later on.
Most vehicles in Scotland are manual transmission, meaning you’ll need to shift gears yourself. Automatics are available if you’re renting a car in Scotland and not confident using a manual. Make sure you note that you want an automatic car clear at the time of booking – they often cost extra.
As a mental checklist, ask if you know how to operate the headlights, indicator lights, and hazard lights. Also make sure you know how to engage reverse gear, which can require pushing down a button or similar, which isn’t always immediately apparent.
While it’s also worth knowing where the vehicle’s horn is, drivers in Scotland use their horn only sparingly when it is absolutely necessary to avoid an accident or draw attention to something urgently.
Distances and Speeds to Know
Distances and speeds are measured in miles, just like in the US. The speed limit is usually signposted on each new stretch of road or change in speed. Look out for round white signs with a red edge and a number in the center.
If in doubt about the speed of a particular stretch of road, you can use the following basic rules: motorways – the Scottish equivalent of highways – are denoted by an M. For instance, the M8 runs between Edinburgh and Glasgow. All motorways have a maximum speed limit of 70 mph (60mph for those towing caravans or trailers), although over-road signage may reduce this given traffic or weather conditions. They are colored blue on maps and road signs.
The same speed limit is in force for dual carriageways (mini two-lane highways). Outside of built-up areas, the speed limit is generally 50 mph, while in more urban areas (anywhere with street lighting), the maximum speed is typically 30 mph – although around schools it can be as low as 20 mph.
Speed limits are limits, not targets; only drive as fast as feels safe. Try not to worry if locals who know the roads better than you pass you at a safe place on the road.
Narrow Roads in Scotland
You may have heard that some roads in Scotland are pretty dang narrow. Some rural roads may be single lane (and roads tend to be quite small compared to those in the US). There will generally be passing places that allow cars to pull aside to allow vehicles coming in the opposite direction to pass. (Speaking of which, don’t park in passing places – only ever use dedicated parking spaces.)
If you’re going slower than the cars behind you, it’s polite to get over and let them pass you (as long as everyone is within the speed limits of course).
On narrow single-track roads, where there’s insufficient room for a head-on pass, it’s crucial to be mindful, especially when visibility is limited. Exercise caution by reducing speed well before approaching hills and concealed turns, allowing ample time for thoughtful anticipation and observation of oncoming traffic.
Getting Fuel in Scotland
Cars in Scotland can use either gas (known as petrol) or diesel. Definitely don’t get these confused! Rental cars will often have a sticker beside the filler cap of the fuel tank to remind you, but not always, so never assume.
Although gas stations are called petrol stations, they sell both gas and diesel. Unlike in the US, if you see a gas station, you can be sure they sell diesel too. All gas is unleaded with green pump handles, while diesel pumps are colored black.
Gas stations are pretty easy to find and look much the same as those throughout the rest of the world. Many in town and city centers, such as in Edinburgh or Glasgow, are open 24 hours a day. Elsewhere, they will be open from early morning until late at night. In more rural areas, gas stations are less numerous, so it’s wise to fill up when you see one.
Those in the countryside also tend to be locally-run rather than operated by large gas companies, but this does not affect the quality of the fuel. You’ll pay the highest prices on highways.
Fuel is significantly more expensive than in the US – try not to look shocked when you first fill up. Unlike in the US, fuel is sold by the liter. You can fill up your tank entirely or fill up to a certain price or volume by eye. Gas pumps are mostly self-service: drive up, fill your tank, and then pay. Most times you’ll need to go inside to pay; just tell the cashier the pump number or point through the window.
Parking and Other Costs of Driving in Scotland
Finding a parking space in a busy city center at peak times can be a bit of a trial for everyone. Parking areas on the road itself can be identified by bays marked out on the road surface with white paint. You’ll need to make sure all four wheels of your vehicle are inside the bay, and it’s considered polite to avoid using a bay which is too small for your car, even if all four wheels are squeezed in. Towns and cities will often have signposted car parks and multi-story car parks.
Whether parking spaces are free to use or require a ticket is down to individual councils. Privately operated public car parks (the largest operator of which is NCP) are sadly never free.
Having parked up in a bay, you will need to buy a ticket from a meter/machine. Some will make you pay for a certain length of time, while others will provide you with a barcoded/time-stamped ticket with the cost calculated when you plan to leave the space. Parking in hotels (if you’re a guest) and at tourist sights can sometimes be free, but in the city centers you’ll probably have to pay for a car park even at your hotel.
An average cost is £20/night. Outside of the major towns and cities, where credit cards might be accepted, expect to have to pay for parking with coins in British pounds sterling.
Since the Scottish Government did away with tolls in 2008, there are no toll roads or toll bridges in Scotland. Even Scotland’s highways (motorways) are free to use.
Driving in Scotland in the Winter
The joke goes that driving in winter refers to driving in Scotland at any time of year – except for one week in August. This joke highlights the fact that weather conditions can change quickly at any time of year. After driving around Scotland in early October I can definitely say this is true.
Scotland is not immune to snowfall; it snows for about 15 to 20 days during the winter months of December to February. That said, snowfall is normally nowhere near what you might be used to in Austria, or elsewhere in Europe and rarely affects road travel for long.
Long winter nights (when the sun can set as early as 3 pm) and foggy days are much more of a hazard. The best advice is to drive extra carefully at these times, and if you are scared or hesitant, avoid long road trips.
Drinking and Driving in Scotland
It is a Scottish fact, that Scotland has some of the most stringent drink-drive laws in the world. They are even tighter than those south of the border in England – a point worth noting if you will be driving between the two countries.
The legal limit in Scotland is 22 micrograms of alcohol per 100 milliliters of breath (or 50 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood). This is equivalent to less than one pint of beer, and less than one glass of wine. It’s taken quite a hit on restaurants and bars as most people who would usually enjoy a glass of wine or two at dinner are now sticking to water. The good news is it has drastically reduced the amount of drunk driving accidents.
Police carry portable breathalyzer kits and can request to test any driver they suspect of being over the limit. Refusing a roadside breathalyzer test is a serious offense in Scotland and will result in your arrest. If necessary, you can be forced by the courts to give a blood sample.
Timing Tips for Driving in Scotland
Roads are at their busiest during the peak hours of 7:30 – 9:30 in the morning and 4:00 – 6:30 in the evening especially in the cities when most people are commuting to or from work. Even during quieter periods of the day, there will probably be more traffic than you are used to at home, since Scotland is quite a densely populated country for its size. It’s best to keep up with Traffic Scotland to get live traffic information.
However when you are in the countryside, it’s quite easy to get off the beaten path and away from other vehicles.
Are you Planning on Crossing into England?
Should you be planning to cross into England at any point, you can do this without issue; there are no customs or immigration checks between the two countries. If you miss the road sign welcoming you to either country, you won’t even realize you’ve crossed a national border!
Don’t Drive in the Bus Lanes
Do not drive in dedicated bus lanes that can be found in towns and cities, and avoid coming to a stop in yellow cross-hatch areas, which demark areas of congestion that should be kept clear at all times.
Watch Out for the Highland Cows!
Plenty of sheep, cows, and even deer roam the Scottish countryside so mind your speed and give these animals the space they deserve. You might come across a few of them on the road!
That’s it; we told you it was simple! From distances and speeds to fuel and parking considerations, we’ve given you all our tips on driving in Scotland. Now you are equipped with road-tripping to some of the best areas of Scotland. What else can we say but have a great time! See here for information on renting a car in Scotland.
Above all, enjoy driving in Scotland. We can’t wait for you to take it all in!
Plan For Your Trip
- Protect Your Trip: We don’t travel without travel insurance, nor should you. You never know what can happen while traveling, so it’s best to be prepared. HeyMondo provides excellent short-term and long-term travel insurance plans.
- Find Cheap Flights: Sign up for Going (formerly Scotts Cheap Flights) to get notified when prices get low.
- Book a Rental Car: We use Discover Car to book all our rental cars! You can also read our top tips for renting a car abroad here.
- Travel Adapter: Make sure you find a good adapter to keep your personal electronics charged. Otherwise, you may be paying for a cheap one once you land. Purchase one here.
- Travel Backpack: We like the Nomatic Travel Backpack for our travels. Check the price here.
- Our Favorite Travel Shoes: Our answer to this question is always Allbirds! Check them out on their site!
- Get a Travel Credit Card: We travel worldwide for free because we have leveraged our spending into points. See how you can do the same with our favorite travel credit cards.
The speed limit on country roads is 60, not 50. Also, locals positively hate tourists that drive too slowly on these roads. (40 or below). If you can’t travel faster than this, make sure you let traffic build ups pass regularly.