Driving in Scotland as an American: full guide

Driving in Scotland as an American shouldn’t pose too many problems. In fact, taking a road trip by car or with an RV is a very popular activity, which can mean that the only downside is that you’ll find some routes get quite busy at peak times.

As an American you can drive in Scotland with your US license for short tourist trips - but there are a few important points to note, including some differences in laws, rules and regulations. Read on for all you need to know.

Can you drive in Scotland as an American?

If you have a US driving license and come to Scotland as a tourist, you can drive any type of small vehicle listed on your license for up to 12 months¹. If you plan to stay longer than that you’ll need to get a local UK license instead.

What are the license requirements for driving in Scotland?

The UK has agreements with some countries which allow drivers to simply exchange their foreign license to a UK license if they become a resident in Scotland or the rest of the UK.

Unfortunately, there’s no reciprocal agreement between the US and the UK - which means that you’ll need to take your test again if you decide to stay in Scotland for more than 12 months and need a UK license².

What do the driving laws look like in Scotland?

Scotland is part of the United Kingdom, so most driving laws are similar to in the rest of the UK, and set by the British government. However, not all the rules are exactly the same in Scotland - including the limits for drink driving.

That means it’s important to familiarize yourself with both the UK’s highway code³, and the Scottish variations in law, before you arrive.

What type of insurance do you need?

As a minimum your car must have third party insurance to be driven in Scotland⁶. Most car hire companies in the UK also let you pay more to upgrade to more comprehensive insurance packages which can be a good plan for peace of mind.

Spend like a local in Scotland with the Wise Account

Withdrawing your travel money with a card once you arrive in Scotland will usually get you a more favorable exchange rate compared to changing cash in the US. Choose a Wise account and card, and you could get an even better deal on spending and withdrawals in Scotland.

Wise Accounts can hold 40+ currencies and always offer the mid-market exchange rate for spending and withdrawals*.

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What are the main differences between driving in the US and Scotland?

Let’s walk through a few important considerations before you get behind the wheel of a vehicle in Scotland.

Driving on the left

In Scotland you drive on the left. If you’re hiring a car in Scotland, bear in mind that the controls will be unfamiliar. Take some time to get used to the layout of the vehicle before you drive anywhere.

It’s also helpful to remember that there will be roundabouts to deal with when you’re driving in Scotland. Roundabouts are common on interchanges and can have varying designs, layouts and priorities. Pay close attention to road markings and signs until you get used to navigating them.

Road signs

Road signs may use both English and Scottish Gaelic, depending on where in the country you are. Many signs will be easy to interpret, but it’s still worth taking a look over the most important British road signs before you hit the road. You can get lots of information, including visual references, on the UK’s government website⁷.

Emergency procedures

If you’re involved in an accident and need emergency help, call 999 to get the police, fire service or an ambulance.

If you have a minor accident you’ll need to get the insurance details of any other parties who have been involved. Take phone numbers and contact information in case your insurer needs it.

You may also be obliged to inform your rental company of any issues as they arise - check the details of your contract to see if this is the case for you.

Weather considerations

The UK’s weather is notoriously changeable - and in Scotland more than in many other areas of the country.

Many people head to Scotland on a road trip especially to get out into nature, which makes it likely you’ll be driving in rural areas where road conditions can be tricky in bad weather.

Keep an eye on local weather notifications, and remember that if there’s snow or ice roads may not be gritted or cleared immediately, making accidents more likely.

How can you find reliable car rental companies in Scotland?

Scotland’s main airports are in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen. Here you’ll find car rental from international firms like Hertz®⁸ and Enterprise®⁹.

Choosing a car you can collect upon landing is usually the most convenient option, and because airports have lots of different hire companies represented, you’ll often find that the prices aren’t too bad either.

What are the most popular and scenic routes in Scotland?

Taking a road trip in Scotland is a super popular activity, so the Scottish tourist authorities have provided handy maps and ideas for lots of different itineraries depending on where you’re flying into¹⁰.

If you’re heading to Glasgow you could consider some of the routes on the west of the country like The Shiel which takes in sea views as well as a national park.

There’s a historic route through the borders of Scotland if you’re heading into Edinburgh and want to travel south, while there are plenty of other great routes in the Highlands and Islands, too.

So there you have it, our full guide to driving in Scotland as an American. It’s a beautiful place to explore, no matter what you’re hoping to see - use this guide alongside the Scottish tourist website to get some inspiration and plan your perfect trip.