Provisional License

OK, I have been studying for my theory test, I wasn't aware I needed a provisional license before taking it.  So, correct me if I am wrong please, the rule is that you do get a provisional license as usual, you just don't have to put L plates on?  Can u get L plates if you want to?  Lol... I feel I should warn people or explain away my crazy driving...   

Exactly...you get the provisional, but as long as you are under the 1 year mark, your US license is still valid, and thus you don't need L plates. You are more than welcome to use them if you like. As I was learning stick for the first time, I liked to have them on for the reason you say. Not everyone will be as accommodating as they should to learners (i.e. cutting you off so they don't get 'stuck' behind a learner), but if you feel nervous, I would go ahead and put the L plates on.

Also, provisional drivers are not allowed to use the motorway, but during the first year you can on the basis of your US license. Be sure to take the L plates off on the motorway to avoid any problems/confusion.

Urggghhhhh.... £50!!!!  I'm broke!   

But, at least now I know.  I have been here 3 months already and need to get going on this stuff.  Here is my plan:

Provisional license
Theory test before xmas
A few professional lessons after xmas & loads more practice (haven't done much yet)
Practical test in April
US license will "expire" on July 14th

Do you think I am leaving myself enough time in case I don't pass my exams the first time?

In terms of time limits, it's really going to depend on how booked up your local test centre gets and how long the waiting list for booking tests is. When I took my test, I failed twice and had to wait 2 months between each test because they were booked up - I took my first test in April and finally passed in August! However, other test centres may only have a waiting time of a few days for appointments. I would see if you can find out the stats for the test centre you will be using.

Remember also, that you can take lessons before you take the theory test (i.e. between now and December)... that way, if you want to and are ready, you can book your practical test as soon as you have passed the theory test -so theoretically you could take both tests within a few days of each other .

I think that sounds pretty good.

It seems to take no more than a couple of weeks to get your provisional back (I think mine was less than one). To speed things up, I dropped all of the paperwork off at the nearest DVLA, and included a special delivery envelope for the return of my passport. You can get those for about 5 pounds at the post office.

I think I studied over the period of a couple of weeks for the theory, mostly practicing the hazard perception. I used the CD rom mostly, and bought the Highway Code, but certainly didn't read it word for word.

Not sure if you are doing the manual test or not, and if you already know how to drive one. I only had a basic knowledge, and had major confidence issues, but I managed to pass my test on the first try after 10 hours of lessons (and lots of extra practice with my husband) over a 2 week intensive period, but it did take a huge time/concentration commitment.

After your first lesson, your instructor should be able to tell you where you are, and how long it should take.