Driving in Scotland is one of the best ways to experience everything that this incredible country has to offer. In this guide to driving in Scotland, we’ll take a look at why travelling by car is the ultimate way to immerse yourself in this country, as well as the requirements, etiquette, driving laws in Scotland and tips you’ll need to make the most of your trip.
your guide to driving in scotland
why driving in scotland is the best option
With so much to discover across some of the best driving routes in Scotland, navigating your itinerary by car is truly the best way to take in all that this country has to offer.
Driving in Scotland allows you to set the pace of your holiday, enjoying serendipitous exploration with total flexibility. No other mode of transport allows you to access such remote locations whilst covering long distances and seeing all that Scotland has to offer. By car, you can discover hidden gems and locations not covered by public transport networks, with complete control over where you’re headed, and when.
So, what are some of the best-kept secrets that can only be experienced by driving in Scotland?
benefits of driving in scotland
discover highlands & lochs
In total, the Scottish Highlands cover a staggering approximately 10,226 square miles, with more than 30,000 freshwater lochs just waiting to be explored. Whilst Scotland’s public transport system provides great links between cities, and even small towns, all of this natural beauty lies beyond the beaten path and is best accessed by car. A lot of lochs even offer driving routes that circumnavigate the entire body of water, giving you unforgettable views of these natural landmarks.
explore historic sites
Scotland is filled with castles, keeps, abbeys and cathedrals, spanning from Viking influences to modern masterpieces. Whilst there are many historically significant sites in major Scottish cities, villages and towns play host to some of the most iconic historic sites in the world. From rambling country estates to natural historic landmarks, the best driving routes in Scotland will allow you to discover this history for yourself, at your own pace.
sample local cuisine
Whether you’re after some hearty Scottish pub dishes, or looking for a more refined twist to premium Scottish seafood, each town in Scotland provides its range of mouthwatering menus, waiting to be sampled. Get a true taste of Scottish life and savour some of the most authentic local dishes in the country.
practical tips for driving in scotland
Before starting your Scottish adventure, here are some legal requirements for driving in Scotland to consider.
your driver’s license
Like the rest of the UK, drivers in Scotland are required to have a valid and full driving license. If you don’t possess a UK driver’s license, most car rental companies will accept a foreign license under certain regulations, which you can verify on the UK Government website. To drive a Celtic Routes vehicle, for example, you must have held a driving license for at least two years from the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, United States, Canada, New Zealand or South Africa.
third-party insurance
As with driving any vehicle, you are legally required to have a legal minimum of third-party insurance before starting driving in Scotland. As long as you haven’t made a claim in the last three years, and don’t have more than six penalties on your license, you and one other designated driver are covered under our fully comprehensive Celtic Routes insurance policies. However, we’re happy to pass on your details to our insurance company if you fall slightly outside of those requirements.
mot & v5c
By law, you can’t drive in Scotland without a MOT certificate or a vehicle log book, often referred to as a V5C. Every vehicle in the Celtic Routes fleet is carefully maintained, and each has an up-to-date MOT certificate and V5C.
etiquette and driving laws in scotland
Here are some of the regulations, road etiquette and driving laws in Scotland.
driving on the left
All vehicles are required to drive on the left side of the road in the UK including Scotland, which means giving way to the right at roundabouts.
speed limits
Whilst speed limits will always be clearly marked, it’s important to remember that the highest speed limit across Scotland is 70 mph. This highest speed limit applies to motorways and most dual carriageways and drops to 60 mph on single carriage roads. Most towns and residential areas have a speed limit of 30 mph.
drink driving limit
Scotland’s drinking drive limit is actually lower than the rest of the UK, at just 50 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood, otherwise referred to as the ‘blood limit’. It’s difficult to calculate how many units a driver could drink and still be under the limit, as this depends on the person doing the drinking as well as the size of the drink. Therefore the safest thing to do is to avoid drinking alcohol altogether when driving.
single track roads
Particularly in the highlands and across more remote locations, single-track roads are common when driving in Scotland and come with their etiquette too. Given that these roads are only wide enough for one vehicle, you’re likely to need to give way to any oncoming vehicles. To do this, you can use a passing place. These are common throughout Scotland and can be found on the side of the road at staggered intervals.
overtake with ease
You’re likely to come across slower traffic such as farm vehicles whilst driving in Scotland, but there are certain rules you should abide by to overtake another vehicle. Firstly, you should only consider doing so when you have a clear, unobstructed view of the other side of the road, and can’t see any oncoming traffic. You also need to ensure that there is room in front of the vehicle you’re planning to overtake and that the vehicle behind you isn’t planning on overtaking you.
the best driving routes in scotland
north coast 500
Starting and ending at the iconic Inverness Castle, the North Coast 500 is a circular route covering 516 miles of road that wraps around the north coast of Scotland. The route passes through breathtaking sights, such as Inverpolly Nature Reserve, Clachtoll Beach, and Sandwood Bay. For more inspiration to visit this incredible stretch of road, take a look at 10 reasons to visit the North Coast 500.
a82 to glen coe
This route from Glasgow to Inverness is renowned amongst petrolheads all over the world as one of the best driving routes in Scotland. And with good reason. The A28 passes along the shores of Loch Lomond, and the infamous Loch Ness too. This route is well known for its breathtaking scenery and dramatic vistas, and just off the A82 at Glen Etvie you’ll find the backdrop that featured in the James Bond Skyfall movie.
isle of skye
If you’re looking for picturesque fishing villages, medieval castles and stunning coastlines, the Isle of Skye is essential for any guide to driving in Scotland. Despite being only 50 miles long, this isle contains a wealth of stunning viewpoints and locations of historic interest, and can easily be accessed from mainland Scotland by bridge.
tips for a stress-free journey
Here are some tips to consider before starting your adventure driving in Scotland.
check the weather
As anyone who has visited the UK will know, we’re prone to our fair share of weather types. Particularly during the winter months, Scotland receives a significant amount of snowfall and limited daylight. This makes planning your journey and checking your vehicle all the more important. Our fleet of 4x4s is designed to handle off-road terrain in the most adverse of conditions, but it’s still worth checking the weather forecast before starting your adventure.
what to do in case of an emergency
In the unlikely event of an emergency, you want to have all the contact details and equipment ready for you to access should you need them. It’s also important to have a well-stocked emergency kit in your vehicle at all times, containing the essentials such as a torch, a high-vis jacket, spare warm clothes, a car jack, food and water. With Celtic Routes, our team is just one phone call away and can help with breakdown cover. In a life-threatening emergency, the Scottish emergency services can be contacted by dialling 999 or 112.
ready to discover the real scotland?
At Celtic Routes, our team is here to create perfectly planned itineraries, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy every moment of driving in Scotland. From insurance to breakdown cover, to finding the best routes to fit your tastes, leave the details to us.
Enquire now to start your driving in Scotland adventure now.
