Driving Test (Preparation, Etc)

I have been living here for 2 1/2 years and have been really hesitant to get my license.  It freaks me out to have to take a test again.
Is it true you have to give up your US license to receive a provisional?  As I go to the States a lot, I am wary to give up my State license.

Is it true you have to give up your US license to receive a provisional?

nope, completely untrue.

Even after obtaining a provisional license, you need to retain your U.S. license anyway for driving during the 12-month grace period, otherwise you'd be treated like a new driver and come under all the applicable rules for such (L plates, accompanying licensed driver, no motorways, etc.).

I don't think DVLA should ask for your American license even after you pass the test and are issued with a full U.K. license.  I believe they are only supposed to do that with an exchangeable license (i.e. where no provisional/test is mandated, such as for EU licenses etc.).

I recently took my test and never once showed or discussed my US license.  I traded in the UK provisional license for the full license when I passed my test but I definitely held onto my US license.