Driving in UK/Scotland

[fortcollinsjerry]

I'm going to have a couple of weeks free time in Scotland this summer between the Clan Gatherings and an Elderhostel program. I'm thinking about renting a set of wheels and wandering around the country side. Are US driver license legal in the UK?

Many years ago I brought over an "International License" from AAA. Is this kind still valid in UK. The local AAA counter person was kind of vague about what country's requiire one of their license's. I suspect it may be just a money making item with them unless they have an international lock on foreign license's.

Must I really have one of the AAA's?

Are there any other forms accepted?

What with the EU and many people driving all over Europe, how is the topic of specifict country driver license's handled now?

[skauwt]

i found this for you

Americans are legally allowed to drive in the U.K. for a period of up to twelve months on their U.S. driving license. The 12 month period commences upon the first day of your residency in the U.K. If you will be resident longer than 12 months, you will get to experience the joy of taking both a written (called theory in the UK) and driving (called practical in the UK). Additionally, you must apply for a provisional licence before taking either of these tests. The tests are typically spaced out, too. You cannot take both tests on the same day. See thedriving requirements for non-EU citizens on the DVLA site to obtain full details.

http://www.americanexpats.co.uk/driving.htm

[sydnie7]

It's been four years since my last trip but at that time, Calif state license was all I needed to rent a vehicle and drive. There are some other threads on this forum on the topic, and I've found lots of good info at Slow Travel.

Have a great time -- I'm so envious!

[JolyStNicholas]

The same here even though I used a private auto, there was no special license required, but I had heard about the 12 month requirement!

[O'Callaghan]

I'm going to have a couple of weeks free time in Scotland this summer between the Clan Gatherings and an Elderhostel program. I'm thinking about renting a set of wheels and wandering around the country side. Are US driver license legal in the UK?

Yes, for upto 12 months

Many years ago I brought over an "International License" from AAA. Is this kind still valid in UK. The local AAA counter person was kind of vague about what country's requiire one of their license's. I suspect it may be just a money making item with them unless they have an international lock on foreign license's.

They are still accepted. Wouldn't it have expired, though?

Must I really have one of the AAA's?

No

Are there any other forms accepted?

There are probably other auto clubs besides the AAA that could get you an International Licence, but very few countries where you would actually need one anyway.

What with the EU and many people driving all over Europe, how is the topic of specifict country driver license's handled now?

Licences issued anywhere in the EU have mutiple languages on them, at least to identify what it is, and are valid anywhere in the EU as long as you don't become a permanent resident. I think all EU countries are signatories to the same treaty that would give you 12 months on a US licence as well.

[fortcollinsjerry]

Well .. .. ..many thanks to all who responded. I have my agenda well in hand.

[ForresterModern]

I concur with the above info as it was accurate as of this time last year when I rented a car and toured Edinburgh and the Grampian Highlands. Roads are generally good, but I might suggest considering taking the offered damage insurance, as in the backcountry some of the roads are narrow and not in great condition. I was pushed out of my lane by an oncoming truck and hit a pothole on the yellow outside lane line and tore up two tires and one wheel, requiring a several hour delay in my travel plans while the rental company got things fixed (actually exchanged out the car). When I got home I found a bill for more than $800US in damages assessed to my credit card. Tough to fight transatlantic charges like that, even with my credit card company fighting he battle (they offer free extended insurance coverage on rental cars, but there are some restrictions on international rentals).

Better safe than sorry.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

All you need is a valid US license-- make sure it has at least 90 days left before it expires. Rental cars cost more in Europe; if you can, pre-pay your UK rental in the USA (check with your car rental company on line).

Check to see if your credit card covers rental car insurance in the UK. If so, you may decline the vastly over charged UK insurance. However, make sure you are covered in the UK, and that coverage isn't limited to mainland Europe. (It's the Right Hand Drive thing that may limit your coverage.)

Check with your local office of the AAA for up to the minute details on driving in the UK, including insurance regulations.

[Colonel MacNeal]

Scotland is fairly easy for an American to drive in - hardly any roundabouts like in England. A good place to get used to a right hand steer. The traffic about Loch Lomond is a bit tough though. Watch your speed though - the enforcement is a bit strict.

SW England is the most difficult drive - narrow roads, lots of hedgerows, very little visibility. Also has fast driving locals.

[KiltedHuntsman]

One easy trick is to KEEP THE CENTERLINE OF THE ROAD NEXT TO YOU, THE DRIVER.

This helps especially if you get confused turning in an intersection. And if you pull over to look at a roadsign, concentrate on getting back into the proper lane when you pull out. You have no idea how many times I got into an impromptu game of chicken when I would look at a sign, then without thinking, I'd pull back into traffic into the wrong lane.

Roundabouts - Staty in outer lane if you're taking the next turnoff, otherwise go into the inside lane if you're going past more than one exit, then getting into the outer lane before your intended turnoff. Staying in the outer lane all the way around annoys the natives mightily...