Driving in the UK
LICENCE REQUIREMENTS
To drive in Scotland, you are required to have a valid licence and carry it at all time while you are driving. Adventure Wagons hire to anyone between the ages of 23 and 70 who have held a valid driver’s licence for 2+ years
KEEPING LEFT AND FOLLOWING ROAD RULES
In Scotland, we drive on the left-hand side of the road. If you are not used to this, try practising driving around quiet streets before heading onto busier roads. Speed limits, the use of seatbelts, and other regulations are strictly enforced in Scotland, and failing to follow these can lead to severe punishments. It is always a good idea to familiarise yourself with Scotland’s road rules and common street signs before setting off on your trip. The more you understand, the safer and more confident you will be on your road trip.
DRIVING IN THE COUNTRYSIDE
You will most likely travel through some remote areas. Driving in the countryside of Scotland requires having awareness of different road conditions and scenarios. You will also have to be extra vigilant wildlife walking on the roads such as sheep and cattle.
TAKE REGULAR BREAKS
When driving long distances, it is extremely important to take regular breaks to rest. Make sure you plan your trip well to include several rest stops. There are service stations located along motorways so that you can stop and take a break from driving.
ALCOHOL LIMIT
You should never drink alcohol or be under the influence of alcohol or drugs while driving. In Scotland, there are very strict regulations regarding this. Even if you feel okay to drive, it is never a safe thing to do and punishments are very severe.
USE OF MOBILE PHONES
The use of mobile phones or other portable electronic devices while driving in Scotland is strictly prohibited. You must not talk on the phone, send a text message, or even touch your phone while you are behind the wheel. Doing so can lead to heavy fines and losing the ability to drive in Scotland.
WEATHER CONDITIONS
Scotland is a land of many extreme weather conditions, which at times are very unpredictable. Snow, heavy storms, heavy winds and flooding are common in certain locations and certain times of the year. Sometimes you may experience all 4 seasons in one day! Always check local weather conditions before heading off on your journey and avoid driving during extreme weather conditions.
ACCIDENTS AND BREAKDOWNS
If you do get in an accident or breakdown while on the road, you are not on your own. Please make Adventure Wagons aware of this straight away. Please do not hesitate to call our team on 0131-228-9598 or 07725-648-481 if you have any issues while on the road. The emergency services number for police, ambulance, coastguard and fire brigade in UK is 999 or non-emergency illness number of 111 or 101 for non-emergency Police
Should you have any further concerns, you can ask our staff for more advice when you pick up your vehicle from Adventure Wagons. The better the plan, the safer and more memorable your Scottish road trip will be.