A Guide to Driving in Scotland

Enjoy the freedom of planning your own amazing holiday around Scotland on a road trip, and you can choose your own attractions, accommodation and places to eat.

But maybe you’ve never driven in the UK before?

Or maybe you want a refresher on the rules before you set off on an epic two week drive past mountains, around lochs and through glens?

Well, we’ve got all the info you need on driving in Scotland with helpful tips on country driving, speed limits, and much more.

[JacobBite]

Never knew Kurzgsagt had a Scottish cousin

[muninraven]

During my second visit to Scotland (first driving) I was enjoying a meandering road that follows the River Dee. A driver comes around the corner in the opposite direction, wasn't speeding, but suddenly veered over into my lane and bumped up into the grass verge. I put my hazards on and ran to see if anyone was hurt. I opened the passenger door, stuck my head in and asked if the Gentleman was okay. He threw himself back in his seat - neck craning and face to the heavens - gave a long sigh and, with a somewhat heavy Scot' accent declared: "Fuck sake, man. I thought I'd shit m'self back there!" I burst out laughing, he burst out laughing, his front axle had twisted, I sat with him up on the grass and shared cigarettes and good banter while he waited for the recovery truck. Really fond memory.

So, Dennis, if you somehow happen to read this, then cheers, mate. I enjoyed your positive outlook on life, and I hope by now you've gotten around to having a new pet cat. Give my love to the carrot woman too! :)

[eddiehawkins]

Nice video, but it is worth pointing out that stopping to allow people to cross at a pedestrian (Zebra) crossing, is a legal requirement, rather than a courtesy.

[Cumbriahandyman]

At the start of the video you said that in Scotland you drive on the left of the road. In England, we drive on what's left of the road!

[bronwenbarlow]

I love living in Scotland. There is so much beautiful scenery

[OscarDog]

If you are enjoying the scenery on a winding road, be sure to pull in to allow the queue of traffic that has built up behind you to pass.

Not only is it good manners, it's in the Highway Code. But it's impossible to drive in the Highlands without getting stuck behind one of these numpties.

[Eatbeans]

I’ve lived in England all my life and I thoroughly enjoyed this video. The narrator’s calm voice and great sense of humour made it doubly enjoyable. I visited Scotland many years ago, and I tell you, it’s one of the most beautiful countries I’ve been to. Thank you for posting this video.

[duffajfka]

During Corona, I'm eager to watch anything connected to travel. Thank you!

[es]

I drove in Scotland and Ireland for 21 days. By the time I was finally feeling confident driving on the left the trip was over, lol!

[KirkChandler]

We spent a week driving through much of Scotland. The trip was wonderful. My only disappointment was the lack of place to turn out and stop along the roads to take photo of this beautiful country.

[evanmacdonald]

Another top tip. Only drive if you are absolutely confident, and certain that you’re safe! Hesitation causes accidents. Also on a windy main road, please pull over to allow queues to pass. Beautiful as the views are, people use the road to get to work and 35 in a 60 is a ball ache.

[marvinletni]

Upon my graduation from an American University, I fully intend to commune with my Scottish heritage (as well as enjoying the immaculate scenery ) by taking a trip to Scotland, and I think Scottish guides like these will be helpful. I want my enjoyment to be self-guided, so if there are any sites Scotsmen and tourists alike recommend, be so kind as to send them my way. Thank you and I look forward to enjoying this "part of the UK" come May. Scotland the Brave plays in my heart until then 😊

[dirtybanana]

Heres a few actually usefull tips from a canadian who just got back from driving a caravan around there for a week

1. The roads are extremely narrow! ..like seriosly ther was plenty of room to make your roads wider! Wtf UK?

2. Thers fuck all for public bathrooms on the road..in tye west there are plenty of roadside pullouts that have restrooms..i saw none in scotland..

3. The scenery is breathtaking!..but if your driving you wont get to see it cuz u cant take ur eyes off the narrow winding roads otherwhise u will crash..and once u get out into the contry there is no warning for pullouts so any good scenery u miss cuz u cant even pull over to see it..so have fun not seeing the contry lol

Amazing contry! Fun to drive around it! Cant wait to go back!

[erico]

Learned more in this video than several others I watched that were 3x-4x longer. Thank you.

[steijny]

I'm kiwi and I love Scotland.I remember driving there 30 years ago.

[chipblock]

I really enjoyed thls video. It sure put a smile on my face. It did a great job at showing some great Scottish humour.

I have been to Scotland 14 times averaging between 7 and 10 days at a time. I am not sure how many miles by car but I have been to many parts. I have been doing two things wrong all this time. First, on single roads I never knew what the flash of the lights meant. Second, when I pulled over on a single road I never turned off my headlights. The good news is that I hardly drove at night and I didn't cause any accidents. At night I walked or took a taxi to the local pub. A couple pints of beer or a few drams of Whisky don't mix with driving.

I live on the coast of Oregon in the US. Many parts of our coastline reminds me of Scotland's coastline. One thing we share in common that grows wild along the coast is what we call Scotch Bloom. Its a small yellow flower on a very rugged and hard to get rid of bush. It was brought hear I believe as a plant for someone's garden. Those bastards! I understand its a nuisance in Scotland too. Please don't tell me the plant came from Oregon.

Thanks for the video.

[davidaylsworth]

This is the funniest and most informative guide I’ve come across. Well done!

[ccjh]

Never knew a guide to driving video can be so nice!!

[EdgyNumber]

*Excellent* and amusing guide to driving in Scotland. Can't wait to head up there in the summer!

[JitsIntoTheSunset]

Absolutely LOVE Scotland! We just finished an epic 2 week roadtrip (Isle of Skye + NC500) & made a cinematic travel film with location pins included, for anyone looking for more inspiration! We were treated to lochs, castles, mountains, wild & rugged landscapes, highland cows & reindeer... what else could you ask for!? xx Tania 🚐 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿💕