Driving in Scotland – Complete Guide with Tips and Rules (+ Video)

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Driving in Scotland - Video

Wondering how difficult driving in Scotland is? Here is a short video to show you what it is like to drive in Scotland in various situations (cities, mountains, single-track...):

Driving Rules in Scotland

Let's start with general rules about driving in Scotland you should be aware of :

License to drive in Scotland

• If you have a valid license from your own county, you can drive in Scotland from up to 12 months since you last entered the UK. (any country US, Canada, Europe, Non-Europe...)
• The International Driving Permit is not required for Scotland.
• The law allows you to drive from 18 years old but most rental company will have other requirements such as being 21 years old or 5 years of having a driving license... Check with each rental agency.

Driving on the left in Scotland

• Driving is on the left in Scotland - most of the time it is easy. Just remember it when crossing people on a single lane road!
• There are many roundabouts, especially in the South. Don't worry, the curve is natural and you won't go against the flow. Just drive towards the left. Give way to people from the right unless there are lights.

Speed Limits in Scotland

• Speed limits are indicated on circular signs with red border and a number
• Speed limits are in miles per hour
• National speed limits are 70mph on Motorways and Dual Carriageways for cars (60 for towing caravans) - 30mph in Built-up area (20mph around schools) - 60mph otherwise for cars (50mph for caravans)

Other Driving rules in Scotland

• Driving age in Scotland is 18 years old
• Alcohol limit - legal limit is 50 mg of alcohol in 100 ml of blood
• Use of cell phone - it is illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving
• Seatbelts are compulsory for driver and passenger
• All rules can be found on the Code and Road safety page 

Good to know

• Make sure you always have coins, as many parkings are not free
• Parking in Glasgow and Edinburgh is very expensive. Better to start or finish in one of those cities and not have a car while there

Road Signs in Scotland

Road signs are quite clear and easy to understand. Limits and dangers are often also indicated on the road itself. Sometimes near the big cities you can even see the directions indicated on the road.

Driving conditions - my opinion

Generally I thought driving in Scotland was easy. The only difficult sections have been around Glasgow and Edinburgh. 

• In Glasgow there is a large road with many lanes and many exits, so take your time and focus
• In Edinburgh, the center is quite easy but all around there those big roundabouts which are a bit crazy. Don't hesitate to do one more tour before exiting if unsafe
• Outside of the main cities the only strange thing I  experienced  was this double roundabout:

Dangers when driving in Scotland

There are 3 main dangers to be aware of when driving in Scotland: 

• Driving on the left - if you are not used to, be careful especially when exiting a parking
• Farm Animals - in the countryside, animals roam free. Sheep can jump in front of the vehicle, so stay vigilant. 
• Wild animals - some area also have wild animals. I had deers twice on the road but they are mostly out early or late
• Weather in another factor to consider - conditions can be good and all of a sudden it can start pouring rain. Adapt your driving to the weather conditions
• The Scenery - sometimes the road is s beautiful that you are distracted. Better to stop!
• Idiots... well they are everywhere we were on a road where you can drive at 70mph, one lane in each direction and we had to stop because someone decided to do a U turn and was no good at it!

The main thing to be aware about driving in Scotland is how to drive on single track roads. 

• Take you time, often the scenery is beautiful so no need to speed
• Always look ahead for cars and stop in passing places that are to your left to allow traffic coming ahead. Or stop on the road next to a passing place that is on the rigth so that the other car car drive in it
• Also look ahead for passing places, you can see signs most of the time
• NEVER NEVER Tailgate. We go stuck once, because 4 cars were driving very close to each other. The passing places do not fit 4 cars!!! and then you are stuck because the width of the road does not allow crossing
• Do not park in passing places, you will block everyone!
• Give way to traffic coming uphill

Road through Glen Etive

Managing Fuel in Scotland

• Most petrol station provide unleaded petrol and diesel
• Price is by the Liter
• In remote areas, especially in the North of Scotland, there are not many petrol stations. Think a head and fill up your tank

Road through Glen Coe

Renting a car in Scotland

I have not rented a car in Scotland because we came by ferry from France with our French car.

However:​

• There is nothing special about renting a car in Scotland - no specific insurance or rules
• All major international rental companies are available as well as smaller ones.
• As I said before, better to start renting after leaving Edinburgh or give back the car before visiting Edinburgh. No need to have a car in Edinburgh and pay high parking prices.

Plan your itinerary

Be careful, it is really easy to plan too much driving on your Scotland itinerary.

To help you plan your trip, have a look at my eBooks with simplified map for easy planning, driving time, GPS coordinates, road conditions...

Want to see more of SCOTLAND?

Discover more things to do & places to see in my Travel Scotland Destination Guide.

Ready to drive in Scotland?

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