Study topic
Drink drive limits in the UK
The UK does not have a single drink drive limit -- Scotland has a lower limit than England and Wales. This distinction comes up in the theory test, so knowing both figures matters.
Key facts to remember
- ◆ England and Wales: 80 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood (35 micrograms per 100 ml of breath).
- ◆ Scotland: a lower limit of 50 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood (22 micrograms per 100 ml of breath).
- ◆ The amount of alcohol that puts you over the limit varies by person -- there is no safe way to calculate it.
- ◆ Penalties include a minimum 12-month driving ban, a large fine and a criminal record.
- ◆ Alcohol can still affect you the morning after a heavy night out.
The safest approach is to have no alcohol at all before driving. The theory test expects you to know that even small amounts impair judgement and reaction time.