[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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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 !!