Can this be true???

Ok, so it's coming up to a year that I've been in the UK, and I realize I've got to get my UK license.  So, I start asking around at work for any recomendations as for a driving instructor, so that I can hopefully just take a single lesson or two to learn the unique things they'll ding you for on the exam.

So, one of my co-workers, who's practicing for the test, talks to his driving instructor about my situation, and here's that the instructor tells him.

"Oh right, well, yes, after a year in the UK, he's got to get a license.  However, there's a loophole to that.  It's after a year, since the last time he entered the country!"

So, if that is true, and since my work takes me back to the states at least once or twice a year, I should never have to bother getting a UK license, provided I keep my US license renewed.

Is this true?  Does anyone know?  'Cause if so, all I can say is AWESOME!!!!!!

It's not true.  Sorry.  It's a year since you became resident.

Mindy is right.  That's not legal.  That loophole might get you in lotsa trouble, as well as make you not eligable for insurance!

CURSES!!!!!

Pelican, Puffin, and Toucan crossing... here I come...  :\\\'(

Ok here's another question along the same lines: I am going to be in the UK for a year as an intern, with the option of signing on for a second year after I see if I like it. I would come home for 6-8weeks in the summer between the years.

Would I have to get my provisional for the second year? Or since I left and came back would I still be ok on my US license?

same answer...you would need to get a UK license.  It's be great if it wasn't that way but...it is!

Welcome!
There is a fact you may need to remember.
Yes, you have a year to get a UK Drivers License and yes if you were pulled over, you may be able to get out of it.
But - When you get your auto insurance, they know you only have a year and if you have a claim outside of that, they probably won't pay.

Thought this may help - Good Luck!

not to muddy the waters as everything everyone has said above is 110% correct.

my parents lived over here from 1997-2001.  Neither got a UK licence.  (i'm not sure if it was out of ignorance or denial).  they were insured and leased cars, no problem.  however, neither was in any kind of accident, nor did they make any claim on their insurance.  i would wager a guess that if they were in a serious accident and had to claim insurance the insurance comapny would say that since they were driving on an invalid licence, the insurance was null and void.

i know it's a pain- one more thing to worry about- but it's just a feeling of accomplishment when you get your UK licence. 

One thing with regard to the insurance issue is that the insurance companies cannot refuse to pay out on third-party liability even if you were breaking the law at the time.    So although they could invalidate fire, theft, or comprehensive cover, they would still pay out if you were unfortunate enough to cause damage or injury to somebody else.   

Whether the authorities would take the issue further if they got to know about it is another matter, of course.