One year driving rights on US license.

Some further reading on the left vs. right issue:

http://www.brianlucas.ca/roadside/

my gut feeling is that the reason some countries are allowed to "swap" their license for a UK  license, has to do with agreements between countries. It is quite possible, probable even, that the US will not allow UK license holders to get a US license without a full test. In wich case the UK is probably just returning the "favor".

Having a time limit on how long you can drive on your license, makes sense when you consider the rental and tourism trade. Not all Americans are comfortable with public transportation. My car got totaled a couple months ago here in the states and I've been on the local bus and train system in Atlanta. It sucks compared to England, but I'm getting used to it. Most of my friends act as if I'm suffering the worst kind of cruelty. Most Americans who are able to travel overseas, just don't do public transportation.

well there are my thoughts on the subject.

It is quite possible, probable even, that the US will not allow UK license holders to get a US license without a full test.

That is true for a lot of states - I had to take the full test for MD including doing a three hour drug and alcohol course before I could even apply.

my gut feeling is that the reason some countries are allowed to "swap" their license for a UK  license, has to do with agreements between countries. It is quite possible, probable even, that the US will not allow UK license holders to get a US license without a full test. In wich case the UK is probably just returning the "favor".

Complicated in this case of course by the fact that there are 50+ U.S. jurisdictions involved.   I know that some years ago there was a reciprocal agreement between South Carolina and France, and I think at least one other state and France too.

That is true for a lot of states - I had to take the full test for MD including doing a three hour drug and alcohol course before I could even apply.

Now that's something which seems to be getting out of hand in some states.  Having someone convicted of drunken driving have to take such a course as part of getting his license back is one thing, but I don't think it's fair that everyone should be forced to go through it.    Driving while intoxicated is illegal, not to mention dangerous -- What else do you need to know that takes up 3 hours?   

...I don't think it's fair that everyone should be forced to go through it.

I agree but it was either that or do something like 20+ hours of drivers ed!

Driving while intoxicated is illegal, not to mention dangerous -- What else do you need to know that takes up 3 hours?   

Most of it actually covered drugs rather than drink and I think was more of a warning re. old folks on meds.

It was pretty interesting stuff though and was made even more so in that it was run in a residential rehab centre.

I learned to drive in MD. Many hours of Drivers Ed. I think back then you only had to take drivers ed if you were under 18. I seem to recall it changing at some point.

Tam, you obviously have a sense of adventure if you find taking that class at a rehab as being interesting. If I had to do the same sort of thing I would want it to be the same scenario. Odd adventures are more interesting.