How long did you drive before applying for a UK lisencse? ANd did you have any problems driving? Did you take some lessons eventhough you werent planning on taking a test yet?
Also is coming on a fiancee visa count as "resident" for the 12 months thing? Or do I have to wait til we change our status to marriage?
I haven't seen any official interpretation, but my understanding was the 12 month clock starts ticking when you first start living in the UK, with no reference to when you marry. I applied for my license after driving and riding here for about 6 mos. I passed the written test on my first try/ first go and then started taking lessons, which my British spouse strongly recommended, though I thought it ridiculous, having driven in the U.S. for more than 35 years without a point against my license. I think I'd been taking weekly lessons for three months when I had my first driving test (note that there can be a long wait for a test, so if you don't have someone who can chauffeur you around after your year lapses, it would be best to book the practical at least 2 mos before your year is up) -- which was actually a couple of weeks after my year on the U.S. license had ended. I failed that practical and the next two tests (each requiring about 6 weeks before I could get the next test, although I did shave a couple of weeks off here and there by calling in for cancellation openings), finally passing on my fourth attempt in early December, about 5 later than expected.
I would rate myself a decent U.S. driver -- not expert, not an athlete, but never having had problems. I also have always driven a standard shift car. If you are really expert at driving, are really adept at picking up physical skills, and can get lots of practice in a small amount of time, you might be able to get by with fewer lessons and pass on your first try, but otherwise, based on my experience, I would suggest starting the whole process as soon possible.
