Epidemiological, experimental and psychological studies have provided impor
tant insights into drug-driving behaviour. The aim of this paper is to prov
ide a more qualitative perspective on drug driving, including an analysis o
f the views and experiences of those who drive following the consumption of
different types of illicit substance. Sixty-one recreational drug users wh
o had passed their driving test were recruited from Scottish nightclubs to
participate in semi-structured telephone interviews. Transcribed data were
analysed using grounded theory with the assistance of the computer software
package WinmaxPro. Findings revealed high levels of drug driving, but impo
rtant differences between driving after cannabis and driving after other re
creational drugs. Interviewees believed that the effects of drugs on drivin
g were complex and depended on factors relating to the drug, individual and
situation. Concern about ability to drive following drug use was limited.
Nonetheless, many individuals accepted that drug driving might be more dang
erous than it felt and some had reduced or stopped the behaviour as they ha
d grown older. Although there was evident anxiety about being caught by the
police for drug possession, the chances of being apprehended for drug driv
ing seemed very remote. To conclude, some suggestions for drug-driving prev
ention strategies are considered.