Driving in Scotland: Advice for visitors
- For many visitors, Scotland’s roads are unfamiliar and demand more concentration. Drivers from overseas are less used to driving on our rural roads, which can be long, winding and often single-track.
- Habit determines much of our driving behaviour. If you're not used to driving on the left, it’s easy to go into autopilot and drive on the right.
- It is particularly important to pay attention early in the morning or late at night when there may be no other traffic to remind you to drive on the left.
- When driving in Scotland it's important to override the autopilot and drive 'consciously' – especially when entering a road with no other traffic or entering a roundabout.
- Junctions can be tricky if you're not used to driving on the left. Make sure you look both ways when checking for traffic, and turn onto the correct side of the carriageway. This can be particularly hard to remember if there is no other traffic about.
- It's particularly easy to go into autopilot if you are distracted by other people in the car, if you're tired or trying to figure out directions to find your destination.
- The weather in Scotland can be challenging. Changing weather conditions make navigating the twists and turns even more complicated, especially when it’s dark and the road is unfamiliar.
- Avoid driving tired by planning ahead and taking regular breaks. If you feel tired while driving, stop for a coffee and have a rest.
- Visitors can pick up our handy Driving in Scotland leaflet, wristbands and stickers at car rental venues, tourist spots and VisitScotland iCentres during their visit.
- For more information and to view content in other languages, please visit roadsafety.scot/drivingon-the-left
Remember! Drive on the left, and don't overtake on narrow roads.
