Failed my 1st driving test

I'm not allowed to practice on my bf's car at the moment - it's a rental b/c he crashed his company car. Also, I'm not supposed to drive the company car (an automatic anyway, but I drove both in the US), but I have. I can't drive it for insurance reasons with his company - they won't let me b/c I don't have a british license, despite the fact that I can drive a car otherwise here on an american license    We can't afford a car for me at the moment, I am a student.

SO, I am stuck w/ only my driving lessons. I'm going to sign up for a theory test soon and tell this instructor to f* off if he says I shouldn't. He said he doesn't suggest it to most til they're close to the actual test b/c it only lasts 2 yrs and if I don't take the test w/in that time, I have to do that part again. I know I will be diong it within 2yrs.

I can sympathise, I ride the bus just about daily. Last night, it was a 45 min wait for the bus when i transferred. I was not a happy busrider and kept saying, I need my license!

actual test b/c it only lasts 2 yrs and if I don't take the test w/in that time, I have to do that part again. I know I will be diong it within 2yrs.

Actually I think it only lasts ONE year...

Sorry to head that you did not pass..my first go is scheduled for the 30th.  I'm trying to stay optimistic but have so many bad habits to break! 
As far as lessons I did not start mine until I passed my theory/hazard test.  I have had 4 so far with one more before my test. 

I am absolutely dreading the whole business! I have a friend who passed on her fourth try and another who drove in the U.K. for four years without getting her licence.

Good luck. It's all practice I guess, and you will pass it!

Anyone ever fill their tank up with diesel by mistake? That was quite a calamity!

So as a student you can drive longer on your US license? Or do you need a student visa for that? I just ask cause I'm on a spousal visa (FLR) but currently am a full time student

Sorry if I misunderstand what you are talking about

To be honest I really don't know.  I know that as a student you can drive for years on your US license.  I just was as careful as I could be.  I am much more comfortable having my license. 

I will need to check.  I know other students who drove on their US licenses for years...

Well Don't do what I did then.  Here is the official line:

Licence requirements: all other drivers This section applies to you if any country other than those listed in the two sections
above issued your driving licence.
1 If you will be in the UK for 12 months or less, you can drive small vehicles (e.g. cars, motorcycles, vans up to 3.5 tonnes) for up to 12 months from the day you arrive in the UK, if:
• you have a full valid driving licence from your own country or an international driving permit
• your licence or permit remains valid during your stay.
2 If you stay in the UK for more than 12 months, your valid foreign licence or international driving permit allows you to drive for 12 months from the day you first arrive in the UK. Even if you stay in the UK only during term-time and then return home during the holidays, you are still considered to be resident in the UK for the full period – you cannot start a new 12-month period after a visit home. So, if you want to continue driving after the 12-month date, you will have to apply for a UK provisional licence ahead of time (look for details at your local post office) and take a driving test.