Just how bad is it for an American to drive in the U.K., with the whole "left-side" thing? If I stick primarily to driving in Scotland and Wales, presumably less traffic, would I be better off? I would like to be able to have the independence of exploring the countryside by car, but don't want to kill anyone. I'm not talking about driving in London, or any part of England for that matter.

It takes about an hour to get use to driving on the Left. Just avoid big cities (ie. LONDON) and you'll do just fine. The roads throughout the UK are fine. I would advise paying extra and getting an automatic. I drive a stick in the states and after doing it once in Ireland, I now only rent automatics - just one less thing to worry about.

Get an automatic - also get the smallest car you will be comfortable with (for passengers & luggage). Country roads can be very narrow so the smaller the car the better in most cases. Even if places look close on the map allow extra time, those small country roads are deceiving. We've found that if only one of us does the driving (the other the map reading, navigator) it's a lot easier to adjust quickly to the left then if we switch back and forth. I'd also recommend getting a car with an enclosed boot (trunk) instead of a hatchback or something where your luggage is exposed. I think it may take a bit longer then one hour to get used to the left because your natural instinct is not doing things that way. Curbs, mailboxes, etc. can seem pretty darn close and it takes some getting used to on narrow streets when trying to park or pass someone. Just be patient and you will be OK.

driving in the UK is very easy after a few miles (or in some cases a few hours). But a VERY small minority of folks never get comfortable. I can't say if you are in the majority or the minority. The main problems are in cities - not just London, but even small places like Oxford, Bath, Edinburgh, etc. In most cities either walk or park the car and take buses<BR><BR>But this subject has been discussed many, many, many times on this forum. There are literally hundreds of posts on all sides of the issue. If you do a search you will get a lot of info. (maybe TOO much) <BR><BR>

Thanks. I think we will plan to stick to public transportation (trains, buses) when in more heavily congested areas around England, but try to pick up a car in Wales or Scotland (if that is possible).

Go for it. It's easy. Mostly you follow the guy in front of you. Be sure you understand the Roundabout rules (person in the roundabout or on inside lane has the right of way, I think) Definitely get an automatic. You will tend to drive too far to the left so you have to think about keeping close to the center of the road. It's easier than it looks or sounds

There have been a lot of threads on this, with some good advice, so try doing a search.<BR><BR>My piece of advice is that whenever you notice that a car behind you is anxious to pass, pull over as soon as you can, and let them. Obviously, in some places you won't be able to pull over. Most drivers over there realize that, and will be patient until there is somewhere.<BR><BR>On the other threads, there's good advice on navigating traffic circles. Two general rules: ALWAYS yield to cars already on the circle, and remember, you can always go around the circle again, so don't kill anyone trying to get off on the right road.