My family of five are going to scotland in mid-April. We have relatives in and about Motherwell & Glagow and have rented a mini van. We have been told by some friends that we are crazy for driving since it will be our first time driving on the opposite side of the road. We are from Chicago and all drive extensively. Would love some input from anybody from the states who has driven over there. Thanks

We were advised our first trip to Great Britain to rent an automatic, because it would be so difficult to drive not allowing for the reversed shifting positions as well. We did so for a week, and had no problems. After touring England, we took the train to Edinburgh for a week and rented a car for a couple of days, but no automatics were available. My travel partner wished we had not done the automatic earlier, no problems. Of course, since I have never driven a stick shift car, he did the driving. But had more problems when we got home of pulling out of the driveway and heading up the wrong side of the street. Because you are driving from the right hand seat, it becomes easy. Just think that the driver stays to the center of the road -- even when turning, and there will be no problem. We found it very easy. Just stay alert.

I drove abroad for the first time this past summer in England and Scotland. No real problem - just stay alert, especially when entering the roadway. Roundabouts were no problem. The only things I didn't like were all the tour buses (which seem to come at you on every curve) and there being a curb on every road which I sometimes bumped into. I think that if you start by driving on the freeway and then go to progressively smaller roads, you will have no problem

We drove a big motorcycle in Scotland and the Inner Hebrides this summer, including some riding on very, very tiny singletrack roads. The motorcycle was as wide as a small car. It was very very exhilarating, and other drivers were brilliant. There is a spirit of cooperation that may be occasioned by the necessity to share the road. As with roundabouts, the system makes sense and also depends on the goodwill and good sense of the participants, and this works. Better than the U.S. system of having more room than everyone needs and then policing the shit out of us. <BR>The advice about thinking in terms of the driver being toward the middle of the road is perfect. Even on a motorcycle you have to adjust to the "wrongsidedness" but it only takes about a half-day to become natural. What takes longer is remembering which side of the road to check first when you try to cross on foot. Look right first, because you'll cross that lane first. Remember this. And teach it to your kids. <BR>

Chicago's city centre layout was copied <BR>from Glasgow, hope it makes you feel at home!

Debby, <BR> <BR>I had the same concerns last year before our trip to Scotland. My advise is to just relax and stay to the left. <BR> <BR>You may want to do a search on "driving in Scotland" to pull up some of the advise I received. <BR> <BR>We ordered a great book from a man in Canada to prepare us for the driving. It is written by Rob Lockhart and cost only $14.95 including taxes and shipping. It's called "Driving In Britain". The last time I checked his web page was www.roundabout.net . We referred to this book numerous times during our week in Scotland last year. <BR> <BR>Kittie

Driving is a breeze, after the first few minutes of getting used to the "wrong side" of the steering wheel, from the "wrong side" of the road....choose the best map reader to do the navigation...we found that much more intense than the driving.

3 weeks in Scotland with an 8 month old.It was AOK. Driving is the way to go if your heading up to the highlands. Wrong sided driving poses no problems as many of the roads are single lane anyway! We did not have a van... but many folks did. You'll fit right in.PS Drivers are most courteous and it's a far cry from driving in Chicago!

Hi Debby, <BR> I have driven in Scotland many times. The first time may be a little uncomfortable, but it's not that difficult. Once you're OK with the roundabouts and driving on the left side you'll have no problem. The roads in Scotland are wide, not narrow as they are in Ireland. I think you'll be fine, but I would designate a navigator to assist you with directions etc. I'd practice on smaller, less traveled roads first to get the basics. The first time I drove was in Edinburgh and I wouldn't suggest that till you've mastered roundabouts. Have a great trip!