UK driver's license required?

I had read that a UK license was within the first 12 months of becoming a resident.  However, a UK friend recently told me that the clock starts over every time you leave.  So, for example, if I go on holiday outside of the UK sometime during the first 12 months but return, the countdown for the 12 months would begin when I re-enter the country.

Has anyone had any actual experience to confirm the 12 month rule?

I don't know if anyone's had actual experience, but the general consensus on UKY is that the time DOES NOT restart when you leave the UK; it starts when you become resident. 

I don't know if anyone's had actual experience, but the general consensus on UKY is that the time DOES NOT restart when you leave the UK; it starts when you become resident.  

I agree w/geeta.

The 12 month period starts from the time you become resident in the UK and leaving to go on holiday does not break the residency.

Residents
If you are the holder of an ordinary driving licence (car, moped, motorcycle entitlement) and provided your licence remains valid, you can drive any category of small vehicle shown on your licence for up to 12 months from the time you became resident.

Yep, the whole re-setting thing is a myth, I'm afraid.

It starts from the date stamped on your visa when you arrived the first time.

It starts from the date stamped on your visa when you arrived the first time.

This is my understanding also but I wonder about some people who travel a lot between the two continenents. For example, an oil worker comes to the UK for 6 months to do a job and then returns to the US. 3 months later he get another assignment for 6 months. Based on our understanding he could be required to get a UK license, but I don't know?

This is my understanding also but I wonder about some people who travel a lot between the two continenents. For example, an oil worker comes to the UK for 6 months to do a job and then returns to the US. 3 months later he get another assignment for 6 months. Based on our understanding he could be required to get a UK license, but I don't know?

Probably depends on where they are classed as a resident.

Too bad it is a myth - sure would make things a lot easier.

Thanks everyone for the feedback.

Here's a link to the requirements for driving on a foreign license.  As others have already stated it's 12 months grace period that you're given to obtain a Provisional License and take your Theory & Practical.  It's still 12 months grace for visitors as well...

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/DrivingInGbOnAForeignLicence/DG_4022561

As for leaving and returning continually for work purposes would depend on whether you have a valid UK address and visa in your passport...  There is s residency requirement for taking the test, but I'm tired and can't find it at this moment - this is done to crack down on EU nationals coming to the UK to take the driving test and returning back to their home country (basially doing it in a week).  I believe off the top of my head it's something like having to live in the UK for at least 3 months or something like that, but I could be wrong. 

Good luck!

The Insurance company that our company uses was pretty clear, you have 12 mopnths from the date you officially become a resident.  That would be the date stamped on your Visa. And, at exactly 12 months and one day, they drop you.

BTW...it can take 3 months to get a drivers license