For someone from the US, thinking of renting a car in Scotland, will it take me take me long to get the knack of driving on the opposite side of the roadway? How were your experiences your first time?

I took the car back within 2 hours of renting it because my knuckles were white and my daughter was sobbing that we were going to be killed. We have taken the trains thereafter on our trips to Great Britain. I'm really sorry that I was unable to drive, because I know that there are places that I will not be able to see (I love to drive in France and Italy in off the beaten path areas)in England and Scotland. I am a reasonably bright person and thought that if other people could do it, I could too - but.....no go. I'll never try it again.

John: I just topped a thread "Terrified of Driving" for you. Also, try a search(and good luck!). There have been some very long threads about this in the last few months.

JOhn, don't try it when you are tired from the flight, rest up somewhere the first day, get an automatic, 1 less thing to worry about, even if you are used to a standard at home here you do it with your left hand and its akward. Have a navigator, and remember the cars in the roundabout have the right of way. Try to pick up the car away from a city center and you should have no problems, the roads in Scotland are great and not heavily traveled except around cities. We drove from Yorkshire into the borders and got off the M road and took smaller roads and hardly saw another car, it may be slower but you see more and don't have the distractions of excessive traffic. The natives are the most courteous drivers and know the rulles of the road and follow them, something we don't often see here at home! <BR>I never realized even after about 30 trips to London, they don't have stop signs, I remarked on this to a taxi driver and asked how they did it as it didn't seem to be a problem, he said well you just yield to the person that has the right of way and wait your turn!!! I could see that happening here, where blocking intersections and running red lights are everyday occurences. <BR>Once you've done it you'll love it and you will see so much more and be able to really experience Scotland

John <BR>Do read the thread that was topped for you and take Jody's advice. I almost did what Vicki did and returned the car but I didn't. For me, it was getting used to driving on the left side it was those doggone round-abouts that complicated driving on the left and being able to follow the signs. My experience was I was petrified, terrified, I wanted to cry, I screamed, my husband screamed but I won. I felt like I made an tremendous accomplishment after two days. It was worth it.

I drive in the UK every year for about a 2 week period. Get an automatic (even though I drive stick, it's one less thing to think of), don't drive immediately on arrival and beware of the 3rd day out--by then you'll feel confident and that's most dangerous. Have a good navigator who can keep you focused and keep your right fender on the center line.