Driving On The "Other" Side of the Road

[whgrn]

Hello and Happy Christmas to all you UK DISers!

I have an odd, non-Disney related question that I'm hoping some of you can help me with. We are planning a trip to Scotland for next August (I am SOOOOO excited! I've dreamed of this for about 25 years and I'm FINALLY actually doing it!!!!) Anyway, I'm wondering how it is driving on the "other" side of the road.

Have any of you come here to the states and hired a car? How was it driving on the "wrong" side? Was it hard to adjust? The reason that I ask is that we will be spending 2 days down in Dumfries and Galloway, where my family is from (a long, long, long time ago...) and my Dad is talking about hiring a car and driver to take us around. I'm thinking maybe we could just hire a car and drive around ourselves, giving us more freedom. We will mostly be in D & G, specifically in Annan (our "hometown") and that area, and going up to Johnstonebridge, and around Dumfries. Is that a difficult area to drive in? Do you think it would be foolish for us to try driving ourselves?

I thank you for any help you can give. As you can imagine, I'm beyond excited about this trip! And the planning is as detailed as when we go to Disney, if not more so, which makes it all the more fun!

Thanks from across the pond!

 

[natalielongstaff]

hi, Happy Christmas to you

It is strange driving on the "wrong" side of the road and our road systems can be different to yours ( roundabouts for example) but its a shame not to give it a try. The freedom you get from having a car far outweighs the disadvantages

Enjoy your trip

 

[tony64]

I would say it's harder for an American to drive over here than it is for us to drive there. Our roads are narrower and our speed limits higher.

If you are used to driving in heavy traffic then you will be ok, not that there is a lot of traffic in D& G just you will be more confident driving here.

As Nat said it is always worth hireing a car as it will give you alot more freedom.

Here's a tip, make sure you keep the tank filled up as the petrol stations can be a long way apart in Scotland. Don't drive past one when you are down to less than half a tank as you may not get to the next one.

Have a great trip,

 

[Pappy]

also remember that the majority of cars are stick shift not auto..if you cant use stick shift you will probable have to pre book the auto

 

[bazzanoid]

also remember that the majority of cars are stick shift not auto..if you cant use stick shift you will probable have to pre book the auto

... and on that note also it would cost a touch more as auto boxes are always an extra on cars when bought new here!

Echoing the above sentiments, driving over here is not as relaxing as the US, especially in the country lanes. Just take it steady, don't rush, and you'll enjoy it!

Key differences:

No turning right at a red - you have to have a green filter arrow to pass through red lights, and they're few and far between!

Roundabouts - look right as you approach, go round clockwise. remember to indicate just after the turn before the exit you want. Mini roundabouts - give way to the right.

No undertaking on the freeway - you can only pass on the right on our motorways, passing on the left is illegal and can quickly get you pulled over.

Use sat nav if possible - especially in the countryside, the UK road signage is somewhat less than desirable, meaning you can easily get lost! All good fun if you have a map with you, part of the british holiday experience IMO, but best to be safe!

Lastly, parking. Some of our car parks our pay & display, meaning you have to buy your ticket and shove it in the windscreen before leaving your car. Annoying, i know.

Happy motoring!

 

[whgrn]

WOW! Thanks for all the quick replies!

My Dad knows how to drive a stick, at least he did 20 years ago, but I never did get the hang of it. I guess we'd just spring for the autobox!

As far as driving in heavy traffic--we're from New Jersey, the HOME of heavy traffic! Not a problem there. I imagine the biggest confusion would be the roundabouts, since they are "backwards" from our traffic circles here.

I'll pass along all your responses to Dad and see what he has to say. After all, he's the boss! (Or at least we let him think he is!)