Driving on the left – advice for visitors to Scotland

Keep left when you’re starting off, or turning from one road to another

If you’re entering a roundabout give way to traffic approaching from the right

After stopping for any reason (e.g. to get fuel) stay on the left when you start your journey again

You should stop to let approaching traffic pass and overtake

If you see a vehicle coming towards you, or the driver behind wants to overtake, pull into a passing place on your left, or wait opposite a passing place on your right

Give way to vehicles coming uphill whenever you can

If you have to let a vehicle coming towards you pass, reverse until you reach a passing place, if it’s nearer to your vehicle

Look out for and slow down when passing pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders

Watch out for sheep and wild animals

There’s now a new hierarchy of road users

Those who can do the most harm have the greatest responsibility

Drivers and riders have to give way to pedestrians crossing a road

Pedestrians and cyclists have priority when turning in and out of junctions

Drivers and riders need to give plenty of space when passing others. At least:

• 1.5 metres when overtaking cyclists at up to 30mph
• 2 metres and under 10mph for horse riders and horse-drawn vehicles
• 2 metres and a low speed when passing pedestrians walking on a road

Cyclists can ride in the centre of the lane, or two side-by-side for their own safety

In a vehicle, the door should be opened with the hand furthest from the door, helping to make drivers look over their shoulder to see cyclists or pedestrians nearby