Driving in the U.K.

[Jim1mack]

Considering taking a road through Ireland and Scotland. If you’ve driven in these countries I’d like to know your experience in getting accustomed to driving on the left. Our plan is to cover a good portion of each country.

[CFrance]

Muscle memory is the worst problem. Our son and DIL have lived in Australia for 15 years, and they still feel in an emergency situation their muscle memory from driving in the US might take over. (It hasn't yet, but they've caught themselves about to experience it.)
If you are renting a car, consider that in a manual transition car, you will be working the gearshift with your left hand. Pedals are the same as the States. Renting an automatic is usually more expensive but worth it.

[Rainger99]

Considering taking a road through Ireland and Scotland. If you’ve driven in these countries I’d like to know your experience in getting accustomed to driving on the left. Our plan is to cover a good portion of each country.

I have done it several times over the years. I was apprehensive but I was amazed at how easy it was to adjust. Even with a manual transmission, I found shifting with my left hand very natural. And the gas pedal is for the right foot! And it easy to adjust to driving on the left side.

Biggest problem will be driving narrow roads. Also, auto insurance is a big hassle in Ireland. Your credit card covers you in most countries - but not in Ireland!

[Two Bills]

I, too, would recommend an automatic, whatever the extra costs.
Also, our compacts cars are small, so full size would be best. SUV would be better all round visibility as well.
Rural roads are narrow, and most Motorways (Freeways) are busy.
You have to pay for most parking sites, and parking spots are a lot narrower than you will be used to. Personally, I always reverse into spaces, but nose in is fine.
Satnav is a must.
Some roundabouts are just painted circles on the road, so look for a sign denoting roundabout ahead. Navigating is the same as US, except you give way to the right.
Will be strange at first, but within a couple of days you will be fine.
Enjoy your holiday.

[fdpaq0580]

My advice (for what it's worth is, keep your mind on driving! If you feel comfortable, you will relax and that is when your mind drifts, old habits emerge and bad things happen. Stay Alert! Stay Aware!
Hope you have a safe and wonderful journey!

[Arctic Fox]

Considering taking a road through Ireland and Scotland. If you’ve driven in these countries I’d like to know your experience in getting accustomed to driving on the left. Our plan is to cover a good portion of each country.

Keep your distances short each day - to enjoy the trip and so as not to get too tired - and rent the smallest (automatic) car with which you feel comfortable.

[asianthree]

Think about the narrow southern back roads, then imagine there could be livestock right in the middle of the road around every corner just to make it interesting.

If you aren’t comfortable drive stick here, definitely pay the big bucks for automatic. By day two you will be a pro

[SIRE1]

When I rented a car there, I had to keep focused ALL the time. Not much opportunity to gaze out the window at the passing country side.

I found the most of the rental cars were manual transmission and although I knew how to drive a stick shift, I had forgotten how difficult it was to start from a stop going up a hill. I finally figured out to use the hand emergency brake as an aid to prevent rolling backwards. I also found that I frequently looked up and to the right out the door when I intended to look at the rear view mirror, where the mirror is on our cars. And one of the hardest things was judging how to pull into a 90 degree parking place with the steering wheel on the "opposite" side of the car. But after a week, I became more comfortable and handled everything but the REALLY narrow roads in the country side.

[Two Bills]

And one of the hardest things was judging how to pull into a 90 degree parking place with the steering wheel on the "opposite" side of the car. But after a week, I became more comfortable and handled everything but the REALLY narrow roads in the country side.

That is why I recommend reversing into parking spaces.

[biker1]

I have driven over there several times. You will get used to the right hand drive pretty quickly but there is a tendency to drift to the left side (outside) of the lane. This may create an issue with your left side view mirror. Make sure you have a GPS. The last time we had a Garmin which did not require cellular access (preloaded with all data). The roads outside the major cities can be quite narrow by US standards. I have always had a manual transmission. You may want to search for an automatic unless you are very comfortable with a manual. You may want to sign up for $0 deductible insurance. It will be costly but you turn in the car and walk away if you have any damage. Again, some of the roads can be narrow and the tendency to drift left can bring curbs into play. Do not drink and drive. The last time we rented with Eurocar.

Considering taking a road through Ireland and Scotland. If you’ve driven in these countries I’d like to know your experience in getting accustomed to driving on the left. Our plan is to cover a good portion of each country.

[tophcfa]

Considering taking a road through Ireland and Scotland. If you’ve driven in these countries I’d like to know your experience in getting accustomed to driving on the left. Our plan is to cover a good portion of each country.

It’s a lot easier to get accustomed to in Europe because the drivers side of the car is on the right. It’s much more difficult in the US Virgin Islands, where the drivers side of the car is on the left and you drive on the left side of the road and the roads are very narrow, hilly, and often without guard rails.

[rustyp]

I found it easiest to keep a very simple saying in my mind - "keep the middle of the road on my side of the car".

[npwalters]

Muscle memory is the worst problem. Our son and DIL have lived in Australia for 15 years, and they still feel in an emergency situation their muscle memory from driving in the US might take over. (It hasn't yet, but they've caught themselves about to experience it.)
If you are renting a car, consider that in a manual transition car, you will be working the gearshift with your left hand. Pedals are the same as the States. Renting an automatic is usually more expensive but worth it.

The first sentence is key. When an potential emergency arises our tendency to "bail out" to the right is the wrong thing to do. Having said that - I drove in Scotland and Ireland for a few weeks and got by. Apparently "fecking igit" is a compliment in Ireland.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

Did Scotland from Heathrow this past summer for two weeks, and did Ireland last summer for 10 days. England's roads are very advanced, wide enough with lots of painted directions. Use SATNAV everywhere, and realize that the SATNAV works on Postal Codes, so you can get to the exact area, but maybe not the exact location, which might mean driving around slowly looking around. Make sure you go slowly at first, to get used to driving on the left. Go slow in roundabouts as getting in the correct lane at the start gets you off at the correct exit by just following the lanes. In the cities, Edinburg, London, stay in the suburbs near train stations, and take the train into the areas you want to explore. Driving in the cities is not the easiest, especially when looking for parking spaces.

Look up and print off the local signage meanings. We were often curious what all the different signs mean. Also, speed cameras are an occasional occurrence, just keep to the speed limit. I have driven a manual transmission all my life, from 16 though 63 y/o, but I won't do left side of road AND left hand stick, so I paid for a standard every time we went. daily route planning prior to leaving the US, using google maps, will be a big help to give you a distance and time to destination estimate to plan your travel times

The first habit to overcome is to look RIGHT, when making a left hand turn onto the left side of the road.

Ireland is a way different country. Why more people aren't killed daily driving in Ireland is beyond me. It does require a bunch of focus if you are tired, as you will fall back to US habits more easily. The count of numbers is the class of Highway. M4 is a class 1 highway, comparable to the US interstates. Occasionally there are tolls which take credit cards. . N71 roads are usually wide two+ lanes, one each way or more. R604 are narrow two lane roads, which has the passenger looking at death the entire time, hitting curbs with tires and branches from bushes reinforces that sentiment. Any road with 4 number is only an oxen cart wide, may have to stop for the afternoon milking as the cows cross the lane, and look for pull offs for meeting other cars.

good luck, but both countries are very easy to deal with the locals. Many have very strong ties to New England, and the US, and most are up on the intl news. When people asked where we were from, i would commonly replay with "We are 1776 expats"

have fun!

[Shipping up to Boston]

Reminds me of National Lampoons European Vacation. Chevy Chase character trying to exit a roundabout.....”Hey kids, there’s Big Ben....Hey Kids, there’s Big Ben!”

On second thought, it may have been what I see at a TV roundabout!

OP, our roundabouts are the perfect proving/practice grounds for your trip!
Safe travels!

[macawlaw]

We drove through Scotland. It was the job of the one not driving to say “left” to the driver every time we got into the car. The hardest item for us was to remember to go left around the roundabouts. I second the idea of getting an automatic. Worrying about stalling while remembering to stay left would be a challenge.

[Arctic Fox]

A red traffic light means stop - no turning even if it's clear to do so

[hotrodgirl]

I am here now, but not driving myself. There are many, many roundabouts, and I think it would be quite challenging to enter in the opposite direction. Very narrow rods, which is fine, but also lots of trucks and busses. I would think you would need to be particularly vigilant. Would that not impede your sightseeing along the way?

[RyFLGA]

Considering taking a road through Ireland and Scotland. If you’ve driven in these countries I’d like to know your experience in getting accustomed to driving on the left. Our plan is to cover a good portion of each country.

Don't do it! I travel internationally frequently for business. I NEVER drive in a country on the left. If you need to quickly react, you most definitely correct to the right side. There are MANY deaths due to this. Do yourself a massive favor and spend the extra money for a driver. Good luck and stay safe!

[MandoMan]

Considering taking a road through Ireland and Scotland. If you’ve driven in these countries I’d like to know your experience in getting accustomed to driving on the left. Our plan is to cover a good portion of each country.

I spent a school year at Oxford without driving at all. Walking, busses, and trains were enough. I was about thirty-five when I first drove in the UK. I’ve never been to Ireland, but I’ve driven several hundred miles in Scotland. My first time behind the wheel, coming out of a multi-lane roundabout, I brushed a high curb with a hubcap, which ripped the hubcap off the car. That cost me about £250 when I turned in the rental car a couple weeks later, at a time in my life when that was about a week’s pay after taxes.

While I did eventually get used to driving on the left, it took constant vigilance. There’s a tendency for your mind to think should be farther left than it should be. Your driving position is like being in the passenger position here. I’m rarely in that position, and the highway looks different from there.

I’d say do not rent an SUV “for better visibility”, as that extra width can be scary and dangerous on many roads. It will also make you unhappy when you have to refill the tank. A smaller car is better. Not necessarily the smallest, but the smallest that is comfortable enough.

I found driving in the UK made me tense. There were places where the country roads were adequate for relaxing, but many were not.

[sowilts]

Considering taking a road through Ireland and Scotland. If you’ve driven in these countries I’d like to know your experience in getting accustomed to driving on the left. Our plan is to cover a good portion of each country.
Was stationed there for 9 years. Wonderful place. WAs natural since Im left handed. So easy since one doesn’t cut across traffic. Roundabouts ate the opposite and that will take getting used too. Steering wheel will be on the proper side, right. Some roads are narrow and bridges go down to one way. Just be carful as driving at The Villages.

[BritChris]

I can’t speak to driving in Ireland but driving in Scotland is easy. Advice given earlier about using automatic transmission is sound. It’s just less for you to worry about.
Quick advice- do not drink anything and drive. Very strict drinking laws.
Do not speed. There are cameras everywhere and you will be ticketed and the rental company will bill you the fine and large admin fees.
Always overtake on the right, never the left. It’s illegal and is considered very bad driving.
In Scotland there are many one lane roads but plenty of lay-bys. The car closest to a lay-by hops into his first so there’s no need to back up. You will find the locals very courteous and then you wind up with you go, no you go signals.
It is acceptable to park in the opposite direction in a parking space on a street. Parallel parking is common and the spaces can be tight, unlike TV.
The quality of driving in the UK is far superior to here. I drive 1000 to 2000 miles a year there. I have seen one accident in five years. Their driving test is difficult to pass.
One thing that I love about driving there is they control the speed on the motorways according to weather and traffic conditions which means you don’t get multi-car accidents or long traffic tailbacks (useful British word).
I sometimes rent from Enterprise and they will cover CDW in their price and they are reasonable.

[MikeN]

Done it many times. First trip I miss judged the passenger side placement and shredded both tires on sharp granite curbing. Locals were quick to come to our aid. The roads are narrow, many lined by vegetation and you will see a line where passenger side mirrors have cut a grove in the vegetation. Very curvy but not difficult to handle. Many years before apps like Waze were available I bought a Garmin just to see what was ahead and around the many places visibility was restricted. You get used to it. After the first tire event all was good

[Bridget Staunton]

Don’t drive in Ireland, multiple deaths. A relative of mine 12 years old just killed in my hometown Take a tour bus they are very comfortable

[Steban]

Considering taking a road through Ireland and Scotland. If you’ve driven in these countries I’d like to know your experience in getting accustomed to driving on the left. Our plan is to cover a good portion of each country.

On August 5, 1987, while driving a rented car outside Tempo, Northern Ireland. Actor Matthew Broderick crossed into the wrong lane and collided head-on with another car. The driver, Anna Gallagher, 28, and her mother, Margaret Doherty, 63, were both killed instantly.

[Two Bills]

If you are a half decent driver in the US. you will be the same in the UK.
If you are used to a full size car in the US, you will have no problems with same in the UK.
There are thousands of US service personnel and families driving in the UK without a problem, especially where I live, some with left-hand drive vehicles, same as in the US.
If you are in large cities, leave the car at the hotel, and use public transport.
There are also plenty of local tour options at reasonable rates.
Ignore all the negative death and destruction Johnnies making the place sound like a Mad Max script.
Just be careful, same as you would wherever you drive.

[Singerlady]

Considering taking a road through Ireland and Scotland. If you’ve driven in these countries I’d like to know your experience in getting accustomed to driving on the left. Our plan is to cover a good portion of each country.

Get used to of course driving on the left, shifting from the right seat(unless you pay a lot more for automatic) and narrow roads. It’s possible. I was the passenger and was always saying “ keep left, look right”.

[Elixir34]

Considering taking a road through Ireland and Scotland. If you’ve driven in these countries I’d like to know your experience in getting accustomed to driving on the left. Our plan is to cover a good portion of each country.
At intersections and when entering onto a roadway first LOOK RIGHT !!!! (Not left) for traffic approaching in the near lane. Because they drive in the LEFT lane, there will NEVER be any traffic approaching from your left in that near lane. Constantly remind yourself to LOOK RIGHT, LOOK RIGHT to overcome your natural tendency in this country to look left for oncoming traffic.

Also, know that those beautiful hedgerows lining the left lane so close to the roadway that your driver’s side mirror carves a “bite” out of them - HIDE A VERY CLOSE and UNFORGIVING STONE WALL. It’s best to hug a little closer to the roadway centerline.

[Guzzel]

Considering taking a road through Ireland and Scotland. If you’ve driven in these countries I’d like to know your experience in getting accustomed to driving on the left. Our plan is to cover a good portion of each country.

I travel to Australia for work twice a year, typically to Canberra and Brisbane, two very different size cities. Downtown Brisbane can be crowded, but like others have said, stay focused on driving, and just follow what others are doing --- at a safe distance.

[mkjelenbaas]

Considering taking a road through Ireland and Scotland. If you’ve driven in these countries I’d like to know your experience in getting accustomed to driving on the left. Our plan is to cover a good portion of each country.
We just came back fro a 16 day trip by bus thru both of this countries - would advise not to drive - take a CIE trip and see all the sights and leave the driving to someone else plus you have a guide and ALL arrangements are handled!! PM me with any questions !!

[kcwhel]

Rent a small automatic. Learn to look right for turns. Go the speed limit. Do be afraid to go around roundabout more than once to get off in the desired exit. Dont use the car in big cities. Stay to left except to pass on the highw

[Nellmack]

I've driven in Ireland a bunch. My best advice is to have a responsible navigator in the front passenger seat to handle directions, it takes a little pressure off the driver. I also enjoy driving manual so no problem for me with the left hand shift. I find it actually slows things down a bit and helps me connect with the road.

It's always good advice to take it slow at first. Have fun!

[MightyDog]

Many good comments above. Here are mine:
1) Definitely get an automatic and save yourself from the added difficulty.
2) Don't get a big car, get a smaller one. Country roads are beautiful but, amazingly narrow in many places and the locals will be frustrated if you drive like a slow poke plus you'd be likely to clock the left side mirror eventually. Plus, gas costs will surprise you even with a small car.
3) I didn't find that driving on the left side of the road took much getting used to. You know what did? Driving from the right side of the car. Eventually adapted but, the whole time, I kept looking rightward for the rearview mirror. It was easier in St Lucia where I was driving from the usual, left front seat and on the left side of the road.
4) It's true that your increased driving focus will prevent you from seeing as much along the way. You may want to consider only driving part of the trip and doing short tours (3 or 4 days) in some areas.

Bon voyage!

[2newyorkers]

I also agree to rent a small automatic and have a good navigator. I would also buy a good road map because it helps to know the next town you are driving to when you come to the roundabouts. Just a little extra: In Scotland look for the kelpie statues on the side of the road.

[Lisanp@aol.com]

Agree in advance with your travel mates that you will "drive out loud" each time you make a turn, go through a roundabout, etc. If each time the direction of your vehicle changes you have a brief conference with the others in the car to verify that you are on the correct side of the road, it will help ease your mind. I feel like every time I turn I need this check-in as it never really becomes natural. I would also consider avoiding the use of the car in cities - land, transfer to the city, spend the day or two there, transfer back to the airport and then get the car and head out to the countryside. A motorway or a country road are a lot less stressful than city driving.

[jstarcze]

I found it easiest to keep a very simple saying in my mind - "keep the middle of the road on my side of the car".

This was my experience too.

[LonnyP]

We just returned. Put on almost 1000 miles over there. It was pretty easy to adapt. Some markings on the road are confusing at times but traffic ahead of you helps by observing. Be ready to find some very very narrow two way roads. I got some great advice that I used often from a driver taking us to our rental car. Don't be afraid to signal and pull over and let cars pass, they are used to driving faster on those curvy roads. He said do not carry their stress! Some of the larger roads have a shoulder to the left with a yellow dotted line that border them, he said it is ok to signal and slow and operate there to let a faster car pass. Good luck.

[mikemalloy]

I've driven in both countries but more so in Ireland. I've driven both automatic and manual. I'd second what many others have suggested and rent an automatic. You'll have enough challenges to your concentration without trying to shift with your left hand.
There is a terrifying moment when you are on one of the narrow Irish country roads (maybe slightly wider than our cart paths) and see a truck or a bus coming in the opposite direction. I learned quickly that the safetist thing to do is just pull over to the left and let the large vehicle pass. When you hear the branches of the bushes hit the side of the car you'll know you've gone far enough ( don't try this with walls)
I remember after a trip to Ireland I told someone at work that I'd driven around the Ring of Kerry. He asked me if I'd gone around it clockwise or counter clockwise. I told him "clockwise" why do you ask? He tole me Americans were safer going the other way. If you go clockwise the cliff on the ocean is always directly to your leflt. Counter clockwise you're always on the inside.
I say go for it. If you can drive here you can drive there.

[Markam]

Consider watching a few YouTube videos to get used to seeing how things will look when actually driving on the left. Here's one (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3QJOU2sZ5I) to start:

Cheers!

[Ohiogirl]

Considering taking a road through Ireland and Scotland. If you’ve driven in these countries I’d like to know your experience in getting accustomed to driving on the left. Our plan is to cover a good portion of each country.
Over there now. Met a 40s couple in a pub who were over here for 2 weeks. They turned in their car early and took train back to London. They said way too stressful. Some people don’t seem to mind.

[juddfl]

In Ireland the driver seat is on the opposite side of the car than in USA. Also, in Ireland you drive on the opposite side of the road than in USA. I received the best advice from the guy that rented us the car. In America if the driver looks out his side window and sees the curb, he knows he is on the wrong side of the road. In Ireland, remember everything is opposite. If you look out your side window and see the curb, you will know you are on the wrong side of the road. I found this helpful when driving in the country, looked out my window and saw the curb. I yelled, "Curb" and corrected it immediately. My sister thought that was funny, but had to agree that it was good advice from the car rental place. When we talk about Ireland, she always brings it up. Enjoy your trip, you'll love it there. Don't go to the restaurants in the hotels, but go where the locals go, to the pubs. The pubs have the best food.

[cthherod@gmail.com]

We disagree about car rental size. We did this several years ago. Please pack light, and rent a small car. Most roads are very narrow, and parking is allowed on some of them. A big car is a big mistake and concentrate on driving. A right turn equals a left turn. Roundabouts are opposite of ours. You’ll get the hang of it. Enjoy your trip!

[Just jimmy]

Considering taking a road through Ireland and Scotland. If you’ve driven in these countries I’d like to know your experience in getting accustomed to driving on the left. Our plan is to cover a good portion of each country..
We were just in Ireland and Scotland with a tour group. After seeing the roads and other drivers we would never drive over there. The roundabouts even go in the opposite direction. You enter to the left. Never going to happen for us.

[Two Bills]

.
We were just in Ireland and Scotland with a tour group. After seeing the roads and other drivers we would never drive over there. The roundabouts even go in the opposite direction. You enter to the left. Never going to happen for us.

:shrug:

[gelkins]

My wife and I lived in Ireland (Dublin) for six years. One simple phrase I learned was, “Look right, drive left.” That is, if you are about pull out onto a street, first look right (instead of left as we do in the States). In Ireland, the oncoming traffic will be coming your way in their left lane, so that is why you first look right. Then simply make sure you are driving in the left lane. Of course, as you pull out, you also want to make sure the left lane is clear. Hope that makes sense.

[Shipping up to Boston]

:shrug:

“Liked”

[Tmcbryan]

Considering taking a road through Ireland and Scotland. If you’ve driven in these countries I’d like to know your experience in getting accustomed to driving on the left. Our plan is to cover a good portion of each country.

Driving on wrong side of the road. Also watch out for the Rotaries (circles)

[END OTT]

Considering taking a road through Ireland and Scotland. If you’ve driven in these countries I’d like to know your experience in getting accustomed to driving on the left. Our plan is to cover a good portion of each country.
From the movie THE WORLD FASTEST INDIAN a New Zealander arrives to the states and bought a car to go to the Great Salt Lake - after just about causing a accident the salesman said the best way to determine if driving in the right lane is to HAVE THE DRIVERS SIDE NEAR THE CENTER OF THE ROAD looking into the rear view mirror is adjustment also

[Two Bills]

Driving on wrong side of the road. Also watch out for the Rotaries (circles)

Driving on the wrong side of the road is not recommended in any country.
There are no Rotaries (circles) in the UK.

[metalic]

Considering taking a road through Ireland and Scotland. If you’ve driven in these countries I’d like to know your experience in getting accustomed to driving on the left. Our plan is to cover a good portion of each country.

If you are a confidant driver and can handle everything The Villages throws at you, you'll have no problem adapting if you take things carefully.

If you're a nervous wreck in TV and panic at the roundabouts, take a coach trip.

[jacksonla]

I lived in South Africa for 5 years. I had a post-it note on the dashboard for the first 8 months with an arrow and a note to self "keep left". I only once almost had an accident and that was when I returned to the states.

[Shipping up to Boston]

Driving on wrong side of the road. Also watch out for the Rotaries (circles)

Are you from the 617? We’re the only ones that still call them ‘Rotaries’ (at least in my travels)

[Jolson]

We lived in Japan and my biggest problem was remembering to stay on the left side of the road when making a turn. If a car was in the right lane obviously that made it easier but with no car there to remind me I would say to myself ’left side, left side’.

[Ski Bum]

For our first trip, I bought a video game steering wheel that clamps to your desk. I practiced with that for a while driving a left side simulator. It really helped.

Use iMaps or other nav app. I'd say all new cars allow you to connect to the dashboard screen. Following the blue nav line on the screen the "wrong" way around roundabouts is very helpful.

Several people suggested having an involved navigator next to you. That's a good idea, but a distracted one is worse.

[Sandy and Ed]

Although I had an Embassy driver, occasionally I tried my hand driving on the left; not too bad until I hit traffic circles. This was in Botswana. I’ll stick with the right side drive and, as Greyhound use to say, leave the driving to us

[feversol]

"Far Right; Near Left" -- when turning/joining another roadway. We kept repeating that for about all three years while living on Okinawa.
We took a tour of Ireland and were happy the tour bus seating was high because the hedgerows will make it difficult to impossible to see beyond the edge of the narrow road. That and the driver having to focus on driving the narrow roads with on-coming traffic can become tiring. We marveled at the drivers passing on-coming buses or trucks on roadways we would think are barely one and a half lanes wide. Prior to leaving home, study on how/where to park because as another said, that will be a task unto itself.

[TVTVTV]

Considering taking a road through Ireland and Scotland. If you’ve driven in these countries I’d like to know your experience in getting accustomed to driving on the left. Our plan is to cover a good portion of each country.

As much as you want to see large parts of these countries, you, as the driver, will miss so much sightseeing and enjoying the country. The passenger(s) get the benefit, although they may be helping with directions. With the differences in the cars, driving on the left, different road rules, unfamiliar areas, and narrow roads, I would highly recommend finding a trip with a driver so all travelers can enjoy the experience 100% and see so much more. Well worth the money and reduced stress.

[bilcon]

considering taking a road through ireland and scotland. If you’ve driven in these countries i’d like to know your experience in getting accustomed to driving on the left. Our plan is to cover a good portion of each country.

Remember: "When your right your wrong". We drove about 1500 miles years ago in Ireland and Scotland and there were some harrowing experiences. Sheep, loose chippings and the round abouts were the biggest problems. There were no gps/navigation in those days so my wife was the navigator. Good luck! Never again.

[TVTVTV]

Agree in advance with your travel mates that you will "drive out loud" each time you make a turn, go through a roundabout, etc. If each time the direction of your vehicle changes you have a brief conference with the others in the car to verify that you are on the correct side of the road, it will help ease your mind. I feel like every time I turn I need this check-in as it never really becomes natural. I would also consider avoiding the use of the car in cities - land, transfer to the city, spend the day or two there, transfer back to the airport and then get the car and head out to the countryside. A motorway or a country road are a lot less stressful than city driving.

If I had to do a check-in and focus so much on driving and the stress, much of my holiday would not be enjoyable! Find a trip with a guide or hire a driver - someone who knows the areas. Then you can really enjoy the sites. Too much grief, in my opinion!

[scott.thams]

Jim,

My wife and I did a 3,000 mile driving trip in England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland last year and it was amazing! We flew into London, picked up our car there. I opted for a manual because I like to drive a stick. We got lucky and got a new (5 miles) Kia SUV with a great navigation system. The trick to driving on the other side of the road is to be very intentional at the start of every day. I found that I you got started going the right way it was pretty easy from there. Sitting on the.left side of the car and shifting with your left hand is a constant reminder. One thing we did constantly is walk up to the wrong side of the car to get in.

We had no incidents or trouble navigating. We just followed the GPS. One thing you should do is book the ferry's in advance. Make sure you get there early. The ferry's are a great part of the adventure.

[Runway48]

I don't doubt the experience of all that said driving in the UK was no problem. But I think it's a very individual thing and we all know there is a spectrum of drivers on the road in the US and if we are honest with ourselves, we know where we are in that spectrum. Aging is also a real issue in how quickly we respond to new circumstances. Several years ago, I attended a meeting in Dublin and decided I would add a tour of Ireland while there. I thought about driving myself but really didn't have the time to plan it, so I went with a CIE tour. While we were touring, we hit a huge traffic jam. I asked the bus driver if this was common since we had been travelling on uncongested roads up until that time. He said it occurs almost daily and is usually caused by tourists who are unaccustomed to driving in the UK. When we passed the accident site, it was about as bad as you can imagine.

[Danube]

Considering taking a road through Ireland and Scotland. If you’ve driven in these countries I’d like to know your experience in getting accustomed to driving on the left. Our plan is to cover a good portion of each country.

Two important items that may save your life.

1) Driving in Ireland is on the RIGHT side of the road, same as the USA and Mexico. If you drive on the LEFT side of the road (Like in the UK), you may have a head-on collision. I see many on this list are advising driving on the left in Ireland. That is wrong.

2) Despite what is taught in US schools, Ireland is not part of the UK in any way. It is a separate country.

[Danube]

Don't do it! I travel internationally frequently for business. I NEVER drive in a country on the left. If you need to quickly react, you most definitely correct to the right side. There are MANY deaths due to this. Do yourself a massive favor and spend the extra money for a driver. Good luck and stay safe!

They drive on the right in Ireland. So not a problem.

[Two Bills]

Two important items that may save your life.

1) Driving in Ireland is on the RIGHT side of the road, same as the USA and Mexico. If you drive on the LEFT side of the road (Like in the UK), you may have a head-on collision. I see many on this list are advising driving on the left in Ireland. That is wrong.

2) Despite what is taught in US schools, Ireland is not part of the UK in any way. It is a separate country.

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[JerryLBell]

My wife and I went to England a couple of years ago and I planned on renting a car (making sure it would be an automatic as I didn't want to deal with shifting with the "wrong" arm) and driving. Our English friends picked us up and drove us back to their town and then drove us on a bit of a tour of the countryside, where I figured I'd learn to drive. The country roads all seemed to be just over one car width wide on two-way streets (they had occasional wider spots in the road for one car to pull off and let the other car through), were FULL of cars, busses (including the double-decker ones) and trucks ("lorries") and all lined with stone walls, trees or impenetrable tall shrubs. I was terrified and wouldn't have driven there even if the cars didn't drive from the "wrong" side while in the "wrong" lane. England (and Wales and Ireland, which we also visited) are FULL. There is just no room for what we think of as minimal roads. Oh, and using a traffic circle ("roundabout") in The Villages does NOT prepare you for a traffic circle with three lanes in it with seven or eight entrances/exits.

Of course, that was just me. Your experience may be just delightful...

[Arctic Fox]

Two important items that may save your life.

1) Driving in Ireland is on the RIGHT side of the road, same as the USA and Mexico. If you drive on the LEFT side of the road (Like in the UK), you may have a head-on collision. I see many on this list are advising driving on the left in Ireland. That is wrong.

2) Despite what is taught in US schools, Ireland is not part of the UK in any way. It is a separate country.


1) The Irish drive on the left of the road, so you might want to do the same

2) Northern Ireland is part of the UK

[biker1]

Two comments:

1) In both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, they drive on the left side of the road (right hand side driver position in the cars as opposed to left hand side driver position in the car for the US) as they do in England.

2) The Republic of Ireland is a separate country, Northern Ireland is part of the UK. The currency is pounds in Northern Ireland and Euros in the Republic of Ireland.



Two important items that may save your life.

1) Driving in Ireland is on the RIGHT side of the road, same as the USA and Mexico. If you drive on the LEFT side of the road (Like in the UK), you may have a head-on collision. I see many on this list are advising driving on the left in Ireland. That is wrong.

2) Despite what is taught in US schools, Ireland is not part of the UK in any way. It is a separate country.

[Dusty_Star]

I agree with those who say you get used to it very quickly. With one exception. Watch out first thing in the morning. You may start out on the right. Just correct your lane, before you run into someone.

[Dusty_Star]

They drive on the right in Ireland. So not a problem.


I'd check that before starting out, if I were you.

[Dusty_Star]

They drive on the right in Ireland. So not a problem.

On the other hand, if you are talking about France, Germany, Italy, etc. then you are correct. But watch out for Parisian roundabouts - they will make you long for the Villages roundabouts. ;)

[Jim1mack]

I noticed he mentioned the speed limits as being mph. Are the speedometers also mph? Is this true in Scotland and Ireland as well?

[doctorknow]

Considering taking a road through Ireland and Scotland. If you’ve driven in these countries I’d like to know your experience in getting accustomed to driving on the left. Our plan is to cover a good portion of each country.
I have visited Ireland and toured by bus not driven it. BUT if you plan to drive some of the roads are very narrow. Especially by the Ring of Kerry. With no shoulders or space to pull over. I have driven on the left when I was in Thailand for a year and again when I visited Fiji and rented a car. The hardest part is interpreting the traffic signs and relating them to the left driving. I found Left turns were a bit tricky as I tended to hug the left curb too much. But with a little time you will get quite use to it .

[Rainger99]

Two important items that may save your life.

1) Driving in Ireland is on the RIGHT side of the road, same as the USA and Mexico. If you drive on the LEFT side of the road (Like in the UK), you may have a head-on collision. I see many on this list are advising driving on the left in Ireland. That is wrong.

IF YOU DRIVE ON THE RIGHT SIDE IN IRELAND OR THE UK YOU WILL HAVE A HEAD ON CRASH THE FIRST 100 FEET.


Driving in Ireland | Ireland.com (https://www.ireland.com/en-us/plan-your-trip/travel/driving-in-ireland/)

https://youtu.be/gClEZ9UJCKk?si=AR0rO-_YvDIVh49A

[Rainger99]

The signs are in English but they be a bit bewildering at times!!

I was a bit confused when I saw this sign!!

[Remo7E]

I’ve been living overseas for the past 20 years. 6 driving in Japan. Many times in Ireland. The only difficult part of driving in Ireland is driving stick shift left handed. You don’t get the traffic of England or the speed of Germany so that is not a concern. Don’t worry about driving in Ireland. Enjoy yourself and be sure to get out of the cities.