I know, I know, but what is the exact penalty for driving without a UK licence?

I'm not in this situation, fwiw, but my American neighbor is one month past the legal mark and is still driving.  She asked me what the penalty is and I didn't know.  Anyone know?

Btw, all you drivers who are honking at me everytime I drive and passing me on the right, thanks very much indeed.  Yes, I'm an 'L' driver and yes, I drive very slowly compared to you but I am doing the best I can. 

There's no "exact" penalty as far as I know ....but I'm not a lawyer / expert and I'm answering because I probably have a *slightly* better knowledge than many folks on the board.  Here are some of the considerations.

a) Penalty under law for driving "otherwise than in accordance with a license" - 3 to 6 penalty points on your license (yes, I know, she doesn't have one  ) plus a fine. Not sure how much that would be but it would be up to the courts to decide, and they're notoriously patchy in what they hand down.

b) Unless her insurance company knows she's driving without a valid license and accepts that (which I doubt very much), she may be liable for the full cost of any accident and that could be VERY expensive if someone gets injured or worse.  In such a circumstance, she could also have a further court charge against her of "using a vehicle uninsured against third party riskes" - 6 to 8 points and a further fine

c) I don't know how much problems with the law / courts in (a) and (b) would effect any future Visa application ....

Please suggest to your neighbour that she (although it's a hassle) she would be best advised to follow the rules of the country she's chosen to live in. It could be regarded as arrogant if she chooses to adhere to only the rules that suit her here in the UK, and courts, immigration and insurers may give her an especially hard time if she gets caught.

Even when you are driving perfectly legaly on a licence that can't have penalty points they can really ream you on the fines.  Almost £300 for a little speeding ticket anyone?   As far as the penalty goes it is a maximum fine of £1000 plus disqualification from driving for any period of time or 3 to 6 penalty points.  You can read more if you look up s87 Road Traffic Act 1988

Rosie

She could also have problems if she ever wants to apply for British citizenship...IF she gets caught, that is.  They don't do exhaustive investigations, AFAIK, but if she gets caught she will end up with a criminal record of some kind and they probably will see that.

Thanks everyone for the great information, extremely helpful.  I agree, she needs to stop driving and get licenced.

If the cost is so high for a speeding ticket, why the hell are people driving mad here?  I've only seen faster drivers in Italy!  What is up with that?  Frightening.

The cost isn't normally that high. But  when you are on an american license and they can't attach points they get a little punitive. Or did with my husband at least.

Rosie

I loved driving in England. Great speeds, mainly polite drivers (compared to here in NY.) I hated driving in Florida; too slow for me. The left lane is the fast lane; not the chill-out lane.... 


I hope your friend gets her license, Muse. I think it would be in their best interest.

why the hell are people driving mad here?

It could be that European (and Japanese) cars are actually designed to corner.

Elsewhere I have posted the statistical evidence that suggests you are less likely to die on the roads here than in the US.

Btw, all you drivers who are honking at me everytime I drive and passing me on the right, thanks very much indeed.  Yes, I'm an 'L' driver and yes, I drive very slowly compared to you but I am doing the best I can. 

Passing on the right is the correct side to pass on.

Yes, that's true, Broxi.   But when I'm on a tiny residential road and there is oncoming traffic and the person passes me on the right, it's been scary to watch the head on only prevented by the slamming of the brakes!

Or when the person passes me and then we both are traveling down the road together and run out of room due to parked cars on both sides of the street.

i have heard of quite a few americans driving here after the one year grace period is up. several have said that as long as their insurance is paid it isn't a serious infraction. this is definitely not true. the insurance companies will gladly continue to take your money, but expect the driver/owner to be heeding THE LAWS OF THIS COUNTRY.  you are uninsured if you don't hold a legal license and get in an accident where the police are involved.  with the UK fast catching up to the US in rate of litigation,  i would be afraid of being sued for huge amounts of money in the event of an accident where you are an uninsured driver.