Driving license...what to do first?

Well I have been in the UK for 7 months and have been driving basically all that time.  I bought the big handbook and cd but haven't taken the cd out of the box yet (need to blow off the dust first!) and have tried to start reading the book but the way it is set up it makes it a little hard to wade through.  I took the online test test and failed but only just and that was answering questions by the simple common sense.

The question I have it should I continue to wade through the book before contacting a diving instructor or do I call the instructor first...confused and not looking forward to taking a driving test again after 16 years!

Thanks

You will be better to get in touch with a driving instructor.    You will find it easier than trying to wade through a book by yourself.    Best of luck

I second that.  There's nothing like a little practice.  Plus they will correct possible American habits like 'riding the clutch'.

You'll have to get a provisional license before you take lessons...at least I did!  And to get the provisional licence you have to take a written test and a hazards test.  So at some point, study will be the only real way.  BSM has a good online guide and test (http://www.bsm.co.uk) that I used for practice.  And aside from that, we just got the highway code (the little book) and he quizzed me over and over and over and over till I was dreaming about pelican crossings, etc.    Great marital bonding, that was!

Thanks for the advice.  Unfortunately there is no hope of me learning a manual.  A boyfriend in college tried to teach me and I was never able to get it out of 1st gear.  He also had to have the u-joints replaced shortly after our session.  Not sure if it was me or just coincidence!  Just want to get it over with!

I had the same problem!  I have no clue how to drive one so I am just taking the automatic test.  I have an automatic, I am buying a new automatic.  I figure it's the easiest option for me at the moment.  You can always find an automatic car.  I just don't see the point in stressing myself out with even more to worry about with the test.  

Good Luck!

Amen Kate!  I'm hoping to drive eventually too.  But I'm thinking to keep as much stress out as possible.  I'll stick to a manual.  Glad to see I'm not the only one.  

Right, with this post and my post about driving in the UK, I am a bit confused now.  What are the steps that I need to do?  Do I fill out the form from the post office for a provisional first or do I have to take my theory first?  I have read the literature from the governement and am still at a bit of a loss.  

Thanks,
Kate  

I seem to remember something about being able to drive in the UK for the first year on an international license (which you can get with your US license)...is this the case?

Too late for me, of course, but considering that I'm trying to learn a manual for the first time- I'm better off with some lessons first hehe

*fingers crossed*!

Jen

Fill out the form from the post office for your provisional first.  You have to take your theory test before you can take your practical, but you CAN have driving lessons before taking the theory, just need to get your provisional license (which you get by filling out that lil form).

Hope this helps.

wench

Thanks a lot, Wench.  

Yes, thanks Wench!
*Going to Post Office today for little forms*

Lol, good luck to you both!  

I've got a lesson tomorrow, and then next Saturday...and then on the 12th is my test.  :O

Wish me luck.  
wench