Help with UK driving/insurance questions....

I'm in the UK on a spousal visa and want to get a car.  In the meantime, I will be driving my father-in-law's car.  So, I have been visiting websites trying to get quotes and am confused by a couple of things.  One is...am I a permanant UK resident?  Yes, I am living here now and have permission to for the next two years, but I'm not sure if that's considered a UK resident. 
Also, do I need to get car insurance for the specific car that I'll be driving, or can I get car insurance to drive any car in the UK (in case I borrow someone else's car)? 

And, just to make sure...I can drive for a year on my Illlinois state driver's license right?? 

Thanks

am I a permanant UK resident?  Yes, I am living here now and have permission to for the next two years, but I'm not sure if that's considered a UK resident. 

If you have any form of official "leave to remain" then I would assume that you are classed as resident, but I'm not certain.  One of the legal beagles can probably answer.

Also, do I need to get car insurance for the specific car that I'll be driving, or can I get car insurance to drive any car in the UK (in case I borrow someone else's car)? 

The law requires that the driver be insured for his use of the car.  There's no requirement to have a specific policy for the car itself.   Every U.K. policy I've ever had lists my own vehicle but also includes a clause which covers the driving of anybody else's vehicle.    That's handy for families, where the policies and official ownership can often be arranged to minimize the premiums while still allowing any family member to drive any car.

And, just to make sure...I can drive for a year on my Illlinois state driver's license right?? 

Yes, up to 12 months from becoming resident.

Yes, up to 12 months from becoming resident.

Actually 12 months from entering the country...

And don't forget to get cracking on your UK license, it is about 10 times harder then the US process, especially if you are not used to a manual transmission!

And don't forget to get cracking on your UK license, it is about 10 times harder then the US process, especially if you are not used to a manual transmission!

I had heard you could get a license for just driving automatics.  Is that true?

I had heard you could get a license for just driving automatics.  Is that true?

Yes, that's true! That's what I did. It means, however, that you cannot legally drive a standard in the UK. If you don't mind that -- and I didn't -- then go for it!

I don't mind it. I've never driven a manual in my life though I kind of wish I'd learned. If it speeds up the process, I'd rather not concern myself with learning that just now.

I don't mind it. I've never driven a manual in my life though I kind of wish I'd learned. If it speeds up the process, I'd rather not concern myself with learning that just now.

It is kind of a lot to learn all at once --  a manual car and driving in a new country. I know others have done it, but I chose not to.

Actually 12 months from entering the country...

I stand corrected.   

I had heard you could get a license for just driving automatics. Is that true?

http://www.dvla.gov.uk/drivers/vehicle_cat_desc.htm#Cars