How to use single track roads & other driving tips for the NC500

The North Coast 500 is one of Scotland’s most spectacular road trips — but it’s not without its challenges. Many first-time drivers on the NC500 underestimate the rather unique aspects of driving this iconic route.

To make things safer and smoother for everyone on the route, read this guide to find out my best tips on:

Read on for my driving tips for the North Coast 500!

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Where to find EV chargers and petrol stations on the North Coast 500

EV chargers and fuel stops (otherwise known as Petrol stations in Scotland) can be few and far between on certain stretches of the NC500, especially in Wester Ross, Assynt, and Sutherland.

Plan your fuel stops in advance and refuel whenever your tank drops below half.

Don’t assume all stations are 24-hour, many remote stations are independently run with seasonal hours. Always check fuel station reviews on Google Maps before depending on remote locations.

You can download my north coast petrol stations and EV chargers 500 map to your smartphone.

Click on the link via your phone and it will open in the google maps app so you can follow it. All the stops in this guide are marked on the map. You can also find EV chargers via https://chargeplacescotland.org/ and https://www.zap-map.com/

Using single-track roads on the NC500

Driving on single-track roads in Scotland can feel scary if you’ve never done it before. Many stretches of the NC500 are just one lane which require you to use passing places to allow oncoming traffic to pass.

> Watch this video on how to drive on a single track road!

Here are my tips for driving on single track roads and using passing places in Scotland.

• Understand what passing places are – passing places are small lay-bys designed to let oncoming traffic pass or allow faster vehicles behind you to overtake. Pull in and let people pass, especially if you are driving very slowly. 
• Never park in passing places – passing places must stay clear at all times. If you need to stop for a photo or a break, find a proper lay-by or designated parking area instead.
• Use passing places proactively – If you see an oncoming car in the distance, pull into the next passing place on your side of the road, don’t wait until the last second as this will mean one of you has to reverse.
• Be ready to reverse (calmly) – sometimes you’ll need to reverse into a passing place if you’re closer to one than the oncoming vehicle. Practice reversing before your trip — it’s a useful skill on single-track roads.
• Give priority to uphill traffic (or going around a bend) If you’re on a hill, give way to vehicles coming uphill, it’s easier for you to stop or reverse than it is for them.
• Be patient with campervans & large vehicles – Larger vehicles may need more space and time to maneuver. If you’re in a smaller vehicle, it’s usually easier for you to reverse or pull over.
• Watch for pedestrians, cyclists & wildlife – Single-track roads often have walkers, cyclists, or animals nearby. Drive slowly and stay alert, especially around blind corners and crests.
• Use your horn (when appropriate) – On very tight bends or blind summits, a gentle tap on the horn can warn any unseen oncoming vehicles of your presence.
• Thank other drivers – A simple wave or head nod is customary and polite when someone gives way for you

Most of the NC500 route is on single-track roads – and you will be driving the route along with sports cars, campervans, motorbikes, cyclists, tractors, delivery drivers, sheep, coos and deer.

Driving on the left: tips for international visitors

If you’re used to driving on the right, switching to the left side of the road can feel intimidating at first. Roundabouts, junctions, and narrow rural lanes require extra attention. Here are my top tips for driving on the left.

• Rent an automatic car if possible, it allows you to focus fully on road positioning rather than gear changes. Many rental companies in Scotland offer automatics. Book early, as they’re in high demand.
• In the UK, the driver sits on the right side of the car. This naturally positions you closer to the centre line of the road. Use this as your queue and make sure you don’t drift over the centre line.
• Think left, but look right first — that’s where traffic is coming from. Roundabouts run clockwise — yield to traffic coming from the right.

Sharing the road with campervans and large vehicles

Large campervans are a common sight on the NC500, especially in summer, or you might be think of hiring one.

Narrow roads can be stressful for inexperienced campervan drivers which means they often travel much slower than other vehicles.

If you are planning on hiring a campervan, remember to passing places to let people pass you. If you’re unsure about driving a large vehicle, consider a smaller rental car.