Driving in Scotland: Tips and requirements

If you’re planning to visit this country, you should know that one of the best ways to explore its geography is by driving. Driving in Scotland allows you to visit the Highlands, the famous North Coast 500, or even reach the Isle of Skye, which would be more complicated by public transport.

In this post, we’ll explain which driving license you need depending on your country of origin, the mandatory documentation you must carry with you, the main traffic rules, how tolls work, the type of fuel, and other tips to ensure your road trip is safe. Let’s explore Scotland’s roads!

What Licenses Do I Need to Drive in Scotland?

To drive legally in Scotland, you need a valid permit that complies with UK regulations. Depending on your nationality and how long you’ll stay in the country, you may need one type of license or another. Let’s explain this in more detail:

1. National licenses from Europe: Travellers from any EU country can drive in Scotland with their national license for up to 12 months. This also applies to some non-EU countries that have an agreement with the UK government, such as the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, and South Africa, who can also drive in Scotland with their national permit.
2. International driving permit: If your license is not from the EU or one of the aforementioned countries with an agreement, and it is not in English, you will need to apply for an international driving permit in your home country.Also, remember that you must carry it along with your national license for it to be valid.
3. License conversion: This is ideal for travellers who plan to stay more than 12 months in Scotland. Just make sure your country has an agreement for direct exchange of your national license for a British one. The advantage of the conversion is that you won’t have to take a practical test. Some countries with this agreement include: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. Important: This conversion must be requested within five years of entering the country.
4. British license: Another way to drive in Scotland for citizens who don’t have an exchange agreement and stay longer than a year is by applying for a new British license, which requires passing both a theoretical and practical test. For example, if you’re from Argentina, Colombia, or Chile, you’ll need to obtain a UK driving license.

What Are the Requirements and Documentation to Drive in Scotland?

We’ve already covered the types of valid licenses for driving in Scotland, but there are also mandatory requirements that must be met for legal driving in this country, both for drivers and vehicles. Below, we explain everything you need to check before hitting the road in Scotland.

1. Minimum and Maximum Age to Drive in Scotland

The minimum age to drive in Scotland is 17 years with your own car and 21 for a rental car, and some rental agencies may require you to be at least 23 or 25 years old. So before renting a car, check the specific requirements of the agency you’re renting from. The same advice applies to older drivers: There is no maximum age limit, but some agencies may impose restrictions for drivers over 75 years old.

2. Risk Insurance

You might be wondering, is insurance required to drive in Scotland? Yes, to drive in Scotland, you need at least third-party liability insurance to cover damages to others. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, you must be covered in case of unexpected driving incidents. And if you plan to rent a car, agencies usually offer the following daily insurance packages:

• CDW (Collision Damage Waiver): This is a collision damage waiver insurance. The price is approximately $12–20 (€11–€18) per day.
• SCDW (Super Collision Damage Waiver): In this extended version, you wouldn’t have to pay anything if an accident occurs. The cost is $20–35 (€18–32) per day.

3. Vehicle Condition Is Important for Driving in Scotland

It’s very important to perform a technical inspection to ensure the vehicle is in good mechanical condition. This inspection, known as the Ministry of Transport test (MOT) in Scotland, is mandatory and must be up-to-date if you’re driving your own car that is over three years old. If you’re renting, check with the agency beforehand, as they are required to ensure all vehicles have an up-to-date MOT test.

4. Mandatory documentation

Within the vehicle, you must carry a set of mandatory documents that you may need to present in case of a police check or accident:

• Valid driving license.
• Passport or national identity document.
• Vehicle insurance proof.
• Vehicle registration proof.
• Valid technical inspection (MOT certificate)

5. Disability Adaptations

Drivers with disabilities can drive in Scotland as long as they can control the vehicle safely. Additionally, to benefit from parking spaces designated for disabled drivers, they can apply for the Blue Badge. This can be requested online through the GOV.UK website (make sure to check the eligibility criteria before applying), and you can handle the request yourself, get help from a third party, or from your local council.

Rental agencies, like Allied Mobility or Avis, offer adapted cars with steering wheel brakes, wheelchair ramps, adapted pedals, and reinforced power steering.

6. Avoid Alcohol-Related Penalties

Did you know that Scotland has some of the strictest blood alcohol limits in the UK? Since 2014, the legal limit is 0.05 g/dl (50 mg per 100 ml of blood), lower than England’s limit of 0.08 g/dl. This is because Scotland has a zero-tolerance policy that promotes not drinking at all when driving due to the increase in alcohol-related traffic accidents in recent years. So, if you plan to go out and then drive, zero alcohol for your safety and that of other drivers.

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Traffic Rules in Scotland and Signage

The traffic rules and signage for driving and exploring Scotland by road are similar to those in other European countries, so most will likely be familiar to you. The only main difference is that driving is on the left side. Don’t worry, we’ll explain each rule in detail so you can study them properly.

1. Driving on the Left

As we mentioned earlier, in this country you drive on the left and overtake on the right. Therefore, the steering wheel will be on the right side, and the gear shift will be on your left. If you’re from a country where driving is on the right, this might confuse you at first, so it’s recommended to practice in less busy areas until you get used to it. You’ll see that within a few days, you’ll have mastered this new driving style, as other travellers in Scotland tell us.

2. Speed Limits You Shouldn’t Exceed

Regarding speed limits for driving in Scotland, they are similar to those in other EU countries, but it’s still useful to outline them so you don’t exceed the maximum speeds on Scottish roads. Here are the key speeds you need to know:

• Urban areas: Within the city, you can drive at a maximum of 48 km/h, which gives you enough time to react in case of an accident at a safe speed.
• Secondary roads: These roads are not highways or main roads, and they connect small towns and rural areas. The maximum allowed is 96 km/h.
• Motorways: If you’re driving to another city and entering a motorway, you cannot exceed 112 km/h.

3. Using Mobile Phones While Driving is Prohibited

Since March 2022, laws regarding the use of mobile phones while driving in Scotland have become stricter. It’s completely forbidden to hold the phone with your hand for any action while driving or stopped at a traffic light. The only exception is using hands-free, which must be activated before you start driving.

4. Use of Dipped Headlights is Mandatory

Not sure when to use dipped headlights while driving in Scotland? We’ll explain that their use is mandatory when there is poor visibility and you can’t see clearly more than 100 meters, such as in rain, fog, snow, entering a tunnel, or driving at night.We also recommend turning them on during the day on rural roads, as these tend to be narrow, winding, and with somewhat limited visibility.

5. Types of Signage

Signage in Scotland is similar to the rest of the UK, and you’ll notice that all signs are in English, even in areas where Scots is spoken. You may get a bit confused with the unit system since distances and speed limits are marked in miles rather than kilometers (one mile = 1.6 km). For example, if you see a sign indicating “Speed Limit 30 mph,” it means the maximum speed is 48 km/h. Here are the most common types of signs:

• Triangular signs: Indicate a warning, such as a dangerous curve or animal crossing.
• Round signs: If the circle is red, it indicates prohibition, and if it’s blue, it indicates obligation.
• Rectangular signs: Indicate general information with varied colours, blue for motorways, green for main roads, white for local roads, and brown to inform about tourist attractions.

6. Common Offences You Should Avoid in Scotland

Whether you’re a student who needs to drive in Scotland to get to your school, a digital nomad wanting to enjoy free time exploring the country by car, or a tourist travelling for leisure, be aware of the fines you could face. We’ve already explained the rules for legal driving in this country, if you study and respect them, everything will go smoothly!

Major offences in Scotland.

Tolls and Fuel Charging

The good news about driving in Scotland is that you won’t have to worry about tolls, as they are almost non-existent. Most roads and bridges in the country are toll-free, which saves you money if you need to travel frequently. When it comes to fuel, you can refuel at service stations or recharge your electric car at a wide network of chargers. Approximate fares:

• Unleaded Petrol (95): Priced at $2.01 (€1.78)
• Diesel: Priced at $2.12 (€1.87)
• Electric: From $0.30–$0.65 (€0.26–€0.57) per kWh

Parking in Scotland

In major cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow, there are parking rules that are important to know if you plan to drive in Scotland to avoid fines or having your car towed. These are the main ones:

• Discontinuous white lines: Parking is allowed, but it’s recommended to check nearby signs for any restrictions.
• Single yellow lines: Parking is allowed at certain times.
• Double yellow lines: Parking is prohibited in the entire marked area.
• Public parking (Pay and Display): You need to pay at a parking meter and display the ticket on the windshield for the inspector to see.
• Park & Ride: These parking lots are located on the outskirts of the city, and you use public transport to get to the centre.

Car Rental Options in Scotland

The best option if you’re a tourist in Scotland is to rent a car to explore the country better and take scenic routes like the North Coast 500, The Borders Historic Route, or the Argyll Coastal Route. International agencies such as Hertz, Avis, Europcar, or Sixt are available in airports and major cities, where you can rent models like:

• Manual car: perfect for the city, priced between $40–65 (€35–57) per day.
• Electric car: recommended for easier driving, priced between $60–85 (€53–75) per day.
• SUV / 4×4: for longer routes and group trips, priced between $85–130 (€75–115) per day.
• Campervan: perfect for sleeping and eating inside, priced between $125–225 (€110–198) per day.

Main Tips for Driving in Scotland as a Foreigner

Ready to drive in Scotland and explore its land in-depth? Now you know the traffic rules, signage, required documents, and the infractions you must avoid. Finally, here are some tips to ensure you have a smoother and safer trip:

• Remember to drive on the left: Pay attention to roundabouts and intersections.
• Be careful on single-lane roads: You need to use the passing places to allow other cars to pass.
• Watch out for fuel: Make sure you have enough, as petrol stations are scarce in rural areas.
• Be alert for wildlife: You might encounter a sheep or deer crossing your path.
• Drive with a GPS: When driving in a foreign country, the GPS is your best ally, and you need a reliable, secure internet connection to navigate the main routes in Scotland. If your trip is just for a few days, the eSIM for the UK from Holafly gives you unlimited data for just the days you need.

Frequently Asked Questions about Driving in Scotland

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