How to Drive in Scotland: A Practical Guide for Visitors

How to Drive in Scotland: A Practical Guide for Visitors

Driving in Scotland is one of the most rewarding ways to explore the country. It gives you the freedom to explore quiet glens, remote beaches, tiny villages and dramatic viewpoints that public transport often can’t reach. But if you’re visiting from outside the UK, there are a few important things to understand before you get behind the wheel.

This guide covers everything you need to know about driving in Scotland, from road rules and car hire tips to handling single-track roads with confidence.

Is it Easy to Drive in Scotland?

For most visitors, yes — but it can feel unfamiliar at first. The main differences compared to driving in many other countries are:

• Throughout the UK, you drive on the left-hand side of the road
• Many rural roads are narrow and winding
• You’ll often encounter single-track roads with passing places
• Weather can change quickly, especially in the Highlands

That said, Scottish drivers are generally patient, road signage is clear, and once you adjust to the left side, most people find driving here far easier than expected.

Do you Need an International Driving Licence to Drive in Scotland?

You can drive in Scotland for up to one year using your existing licence. To rent a car, you will only need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your licence is not written in English AND you are from outside the EU. Those with EU licences must bring their original licence and either their passport or ID card. For those outside the EU, a passport is required.

Car hire companies will usually accept your normal licence, but it’s always worth checking their individual requirements when booking your car. You may require a physical licence rather than a digital one.

Drive on the Left in Scotland

This is usually the biggest concern for visitors from countries that drive on the right, but most people adapt surprisingly quickly.

A few helpful tips:

• The driver’s seat will be on the right-hand side of the car. Just like at home, you will be sat nearest the middle of the road.
• When turning at junctions, always remind yourself to “keep left”
• Roundabouts go clockwise, not anticlockwise, giving way to traffic coming from the right
• If you feel unsure, take things slowly at first and avoid busy city centres on day one

If you’re nervous, many visitors find it helpful to collect their hire car outside major cities (like Edinburgh Airport, rather than in the city centre).

Understanding Single-track Roads

If you plan to explore the Highlands, the Isle of Skye, or other remote parts of Scotland, you will almost certainly drive on single-track roads.

These are narrow roads with only one lane, designed for traffic in both directions. They have passing places along the sides, clearly signposted with a black and white sign:

• If a car approaches from the opposite direction, the driver closest to a passing place pulls in and waits (you might have to reverse if you have just passed one)
• Passing places are also used to allow faster vehicles to overtake from behind
• Never park in a passing place

It sounds intimidating, but in practice it’s quite straightforward. Locals are generally very courteous drivers in rural areas, so you’re unlikely to encounter any angry drivers!

Speed Limits in Scotland

Speed limits are posted in miles per hour (mph), not kilometres. Many cars will show both mph and km/h on the dashboard, but miles will usually be more prominently displayed.

General limits are:

• 30 mph in towns and villages, although many are now adopting 20 mph restrictions in the most built-up areas.
• 60 mph on single-carriageway roads (including many rural roads)
• 70 mph on motorways and dual carriageways

However, the national speed limit does not mean the road is safe to drive at that speed. Many Highland roads technically allow 60 mph but are safest at much lower speeds, even for those who know the road well. Remember, it’s a speed limit, not a target.

What are Scottish Roads Really Like?

Honestly, it depends where you go.

In cities and major routes:

• Roads are modern and largely well-maintained
• Motorways connect major cities (Glasgow, Edinburgh, Stirling, Perth)

In rural areas:

• Roads can be narrow, twisting and hilly, perhaps with a few more potholes
• Sheep, deer and cyclists are common on the road
• Visibility can change quickly due to weather

This is part of the charm of driving in Scotland, but it does require patience and attention.

Automatic vs Manual Cars in Scotland

Manual cars are still the default in the UK, so:

• They are cheaper and more widely available
• Automatic cars must usually be booked well in advance
• If you can only drive automatic, make sure you filter for this when booking

If you’re used to automatics, it’s worth paying extra for one — especially when driving on the left for the first time. Remember, if your licence is only for automatic cars, you won’t be able to drive a manual.

Fuel (Petrol) Stations in Scotland

Petrol stations are easy to find in cities and towns, but can be far apart in rural areas.

A few things to know:

• Unleaded/Petrol = gasoline, marked by green pumps
• Diesel is very common and clearly marked, black pumps
• Most pumps are self-service – you fuel up yourself, then pay at the kiosk or at the pump
• Many rural stations close early

If you’re heading into the Highlands, it’s wise to refill whenever you pass a station, as they can be further apart than you think.

Parking in Scotland

Parking rules vary by town and city, but generally:

• City centres use pay-and-display or app-based parking
• Double yellow lines mean no parking at any time
• Many tourist towns have public car parks, often reasonably priced or sometimes free
• In rural areas, parking is often informal, but you must avoid blocking roads, gates, or the road itself if it is narrow

Always check signs carefully as parking fines are common in Edinburgh and Glasgow for those who don’t follow the rules.

Parking in Edinburgh city centre can be expensive, costing up to £9 per hour in the most central locations. If you plan to spend most of your time in the city, it’s generally better to skip the hire car altogether. If you’re visiting for the day, consider using one of the park and ride options outside the city centre. Here, you can park for free (and there are loads of spaces), then take a short bus ride into the city.

Is it Safe to Drive in Scotland?

Yes! Scotland is considered a very safe country for driving.

Road accident rates and crime are relatively low, and the biggest risks tend to be:

• Unfamiliar narrow roads
• Fatigue from long scenic drives
• Poor weather conditions

If you drive cautiously, take breaks, and plan realistic daily distances, you’ll be absolutely fine. Fellow motorists rarely cause problems as long as you follow the rules of the road and use common sense.

Should you Rent a Car in Scotland?

If you want to see more than just the major cities, the answer is almost always yes.

Renting a car is especially worthwhile for visiting:

• The Isle of Skye
• Glencoe
• The North Coast 500
• The Cairngorms or Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park
• Remote beaches and lochs

Public transport is excellent between cities, but once you leave the main routes, a car becomes the most practical option.

FAQs About Driving in Scotland

Can you turn left on red in Scotland?

No! You can never proceed on a red light in Scotland (or elsewhere in the UK), regardless of which direction you are turning.

Can I drive after 1 pint in Scotland?

Scotland has a very strict limit on driving after drinking alcohol, with almost zero tolerance. It’s much safer to avoid driving after drinking any alcohol, and certainly after a pint. If you’re planning to have a drink or two, leave the car and consider public transport options instead.

Final Thoughts

For many visitors, driving in Scotland ends up being one of the highlights of their trip rather than something to fear. The scenery, freedom and flexibility are hard to match.

Yes, the roads can be narrow and the weather can be unpredictable. But with a bit of preparation and a calm approach, driving here becomes enjoyable very quickly.

And few experiences compare to rounding a bend and suddenly seeing a loch, a castle, or a mountain range appear in front of you.