Driving in Scotland – 25 Tips (+ rules + video)

Preparing your road trip and wondering what driving in Scotland feels like?
Below is my complete guide about driving in Scotland, including:

• Is driving difficult? safe?
• Driving rules, road signs,
• Road conditions, including single lane roads,
• Parking information,
• Car rental tips,
• Most beautiful roads not to miss,
• ...

Driving in Scotland - Essentials to know + video

Essentials to know before driving in Scotland

• Driving is on the left-hand side 
• Minimum age in 17
• Seatbelts are required at all time  for driver and passengers
• There are no tolls
• There are no very fast roads or many tunnels
• The main driving difficulties are the single lane roads - always look ahead and stop in or near passing places
• In case of accident - emergency number: 999
• Road status can be found on Traffic Scotland - single lane roads can be completely closed for roadwork.

In brief, just take your time, drive at your own rhythm and give way to trucks and buses.

Driving in Scotland - Video

Below is a short video to give you a taste of what driving in Scotland looks like on the main roads, countryside roads, in towns...
Note that the lense make roads look narrower on the video. 

Where I rent my cars

I always compare prices right away on Discovercars.com.
This is one of the best customer-rated comparison sites on the market.
I have found really great deals and I think the platform super easy to use. I can filter based on my criteria.

Plus, they have a practical coverage option at great price that will cover you in case of damage to the outside of the car.

Check out their current car rental deals in Scotland.

Need more help? Read my 36 tips for a worry-free experience. 

How to drive in Scotland - Difficulty

You can read a lot about people complaining about the difficulty of driving in Scotland. It is not as bad as they say, in my opinion.
It is just that people who find it quite easy, don't leave comments on the web about how easy they have found it...
The 2 main difficulties are:

• Driving on the left-hand side (if it is not the case in your home country) - personally I have never felt it hard. You just have to be focused when exiting a parking space
• The single lane roads that are very touristy - single lane roads in general are not that complex, there are crossing-places very frequently. The problems are the tourists that just keep going and then pile up at those crossing places blocking the whole thing. Always look ahead to see if there is enough space.

All my favorite locations are included (with GPS coordinates, map and tips) in my travel guide eBook that helps you easily plan your Scotland road trip:

Getting around Scotland without a car

It is possible to get around Madeira without a car, to see the major sights:

• Bus & trains - There is a network of public transportation - it is slow and does not allow you to see many places outside towns
• Organized tours - There are companies running day trips from Edinburgh and Glasgow, as well as mutli day trips (to discover the Isle of Skye for example) - They cover all the main attractions in terms of mountains, lochs, castles... - check out the many options

Driving times in Scotland

To give you an overall idea about your trip, check out the driving times:

#1 to 6 - Scotland Driving Rules

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

#1 - License requirement / Age - Do I need an international driver's permit? Can Americans drive?

To drive in Scotland / UK you need a valid driving licence from your country.
If you have a valid driving licence, which includes:

• a licence number,
• a photograph,
• a valid date
• and is in Latin letters,

Then you don’t need an international licence.

Americans can drive in Scotland with their US licenses.
Canadian can drive in Scotland with their Canadian licenses.
Europeans can drive in Scotland with their country's licenses.

You can use this official tool to check the requirements for your country to reassure you - License to drive in Scotland check tool

You must be 17 years of age (but know that rental companies will require you to be 21).
It is also mandatory to always have the vehicle registration documents as well as a valid ID, such as your passport, with you.

#2 - Scotland driving side of the road

Driving is on the left-hand side in Scotland.
Most of the time it is easy, just be careful in those situations:

• When exiting a parking space, be especially careful
• When driving on a single lane road, stop on the right side to cross path with other vehicles.
  If the passing place is on the left, enter it. If it is on the right, stop on the left side of the road next to it.
• 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.

#3 -  General behavior rules

• Seatbelts are mandatory for all
• No cell phone while driving
• Headphones are illegal
• Kids under 12 cannot seat in the front of the car
• All rules can be found on the Code and Road safety page 

#4 -  Alcohol and driving

Alcohol limit is 50mg per 100ml of blood - but I always recommend not drinking at all if you are driving

#5 -  Mandatory equipment to have in your car

In Scotland / UK, there is no law requiring pieces of equipment to be available in the car (e.g.  Warning triangle, Reflective vest or jacket, First aid kit).
And there are no requirements to fit winter tires.

#6 -  Mandatory insurance in Scotland / UK

The mandatory insurances in the UK are: unlimited third-party liability insurance - it is automatically included in the price of all car rentals.
If you are visiting with your own car, don't forget to bring proof of insurance.

#7 to 12 - Roads conditions and Road Signs in Scotland

#7 - Driving on the main Scottish Roads

• Road designations are: M for Motorway - A for Primary Road, B for Secondary Road
• There are not many high speed roads. Most of the time there is one lane in each direction
• Road status can be found on Traffic Scotland

#8 - Driving in Scottish towns

• 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 are those big roundabouts which are a bit crazy. Don't hesitate to do one more tour before exiting if unsafe
• In other towns, it is quite easy to drive. 

#9 - Driving on Single lane roads in Scotland

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

• Take your 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 right so that the other car can 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

#10 - Speed Limits in Scotland - Driving laws

• 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 areas (20mph around schools) - 60mph otherwise for cars (50mph for caravans)

#11 - Scottish road signs

#12 - Toll roads in Scotland

There are no toll roads or bridges in Scotland.

#13 to 15 - How to drive safely

#13 - Know the potential dangers

Apart from you driving too fast, the main dangers on the Scotland roads are:

• Driving on the left
  If you are not used to it, 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 areas also have wild animals. I had deers twice on the road, but they are mostly out early or late
• Weather
  Conditions can be good and all of a sudden it can start pouring rain. Adapt your driving to the weather conditions
• Scenery
  Sometimes the road is so beautiful that you are distracted. Better to stop!
• Idiots...
  We were on a road where you can drive at 70mph, one lane in each direction and we had to stop because someone had decided to do a U turn and was no good at it!

#14 - Piling tourists on single lane roads - specific Scotland driving tip

This is not a danger, but it can create big difficulties.
When driving on single-lane roads, always look far ahead. If there are already cars in a passing places further down the road, don't go and pile behind them as it will make crossing path with other vehicles very difficult, stop at a passing place before.

Don't be in a hurry!

And remember that passing places are not parking spaces!!!!!

#15 - What to do in case of accident

In case there are people hurt or there is a conflict, the emergency number in 999 is:
The best order of actions is:

• contact emergency services
• contact the police
• contact your rental provider

#16 and 17 - Parking in Scotland

#16 - Parking in towns

Few things to know about parking in Scotland:

• Parking in Glasgow and Edinburgh is very expensive
• There are underground carparks but it is especially difficult to park around the old town
• Travel early to avoid the busiest hours of the day

#17 - Parking at attractions

Parking conditions vary greatly depending on the attractions.
Some of them have small carparks others have larger ones.
Generally remember:

• Visit early the most popular locations if you want to be able to park e.g.: the Old man of Storr or the Fairy Pools, on the Isle of Skye
• Some attractions have a ticket display system. In the countryside, machines often only take coins

Where to stay in Scotland?
My tips:

• Edinburgh to explore the fascinating city - see best rated accommodations
• Portree central to explore the isle of Skye - see best rated accommodations
• Glencoe to take the time in the magnificent valley - see best rated accommodations
• Ullapool for the West coast on the North 500 - see best rated accommodations
• Thurso for the North coast and ferry to the Orkneys - see best rated accommodations
• Kirkwall to explore the Orkneys - see best rated accommodations
• Inverness for the famous Speyside whiskies - see best rated accommodations

Find more inspiration in my article about where to stay in Scotland

#18 to 19 - Gas stations

Tip 8 - Fuels and their names

• Fuel choice is not a significant factor. Diesel is just as easy to find as gas.
• Gas is called Petrol
• Gas stations are called Petrol stations
• See the concentration of electric car charging station, where you are going in Scotland on this website

#19 - Management of gas stations

• Price is by the liter
• In remote areas, especially in the North of Scotland, there are not many petrol stations. Think ahead and fill up your tank

#20 - Most beautiful roads in Scotland

Scotland is stunning almost all around. You will never get bored when driving there.
My absolute favorite roads to drive are:

• Glen Coe on A82
• The Road to the Isles - A830 
• Road to Skye through Glen Shiel - A87
• Wester Ross coastal road - A832 
• Trotternish peninsula (Isle of Skye)

Learn more on my article about the most scenic drives in Scotland.

#21 - What vehicle to rent?

• Size - Choose a car that is not too large. Scotland has many single lane roads. You may have to cross path with a bus or a large vehicle using the passing places. It is not dramatic, but if you have a narrow car, you will feel less stressed by those situations
• Power is not really a deciding factor
• No need for a 4WD
• Most cars are manual - if you want automatic, choice is reduced - make sure to book early

#22 - Best car rental company in Scotland

When reading reviews, don't forget that on Tripadvisor or Google for example, anyone can write a review even if they have not used the company. 
Plus, only the people who had issues write comments, most of the people without issues, don't take the time to write that it went smoothly.

On the platform Discovercars.com, each rental company has a mark on 10 points. This is an average of the marks given by actual customers.
Some of the best rated rental car companies in Scotland are:

• Enterprise
• Alamo
• Arnold Clark

Compare car rental prices

#23 - Where to rent your car in Scotland 

You can find all major brands at the airports and in the main towns.

My recommendations:

• Rent a car from your arrival / departure airport - it is easier to start driving on main roads rather than in a city until you get used to the car
• Rent the car before or after you explore Edinburgh or Glasgow - there is no need to have a car in those towns and parking is very expensive.

The largest car rental hubs in Scotland are:

• Edinburgh airport - see car rental deals
• Glasgow airport - see car rental deals
• Edinburgh Waverley train station - see car rental deals

#24 - General tips for worry-free experience

There is no particular thing to do when renting a car in Scotland, no specific scam.
I recommend always doing those things wherever you are renting:

• Take pictures of the car as you take it 
• Don't forget to check the state under the bumper of the car (look for scratch and take pictures)
• Don't forget to check the state of the roof (look for rock fall dent and take pictures)
• Take pictures of the car as you leave it 

#25 - Be careful if taking a ferry

From Mainland Scotland, you could also visit Northern Ireland and the Orkneys or Shetlands islands (which are part of Scotland).
However, that implies crossing taking a ferry.

This is not allowed by all rental companies. And for others, there are fees included.
Most of them allow crossing to the islands, since it is within Scotland.

If renting with Discovercars.com, once you selected a car you can click on "Rental conditions" and then again "Rental conditions" or "Additional conditions" to find the "geographical restrictions".
If it is not documented, you can add the question for customer support to answer.

Want to see more of the best Scotland has to offer?

• Most beautiful landscapes in Scotland - read article
• Best things to do in Scotland - read article
• Best Scotland destinations - where to go? - read article
• Best Scottish Castles - read article
• Most beautiful lochs in Scotland - read article
• Most scenic drives in Scotland - read article
• The magnificent Isle of Skye - read my best-of guide
• The magnificent Wester Ross region - read article
• The Borders Abbeys including Melrose Abbey and the photogenic Jedburgh Abbey

Planning a trip to Scotland? 

Check out my travel guides to help you plan:

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