Wondering about driving/license that sort of thing

So, I've saw some threads, even a 50 page one where i was like  dont think I can get through all of that! lol

I'm curious about the whole driving experience there, I understand completely about needing insurance, and well, I'll definitely miss my car here But I figure it'd be nice to drive there and well have the train option into london and that. I'm wondering on the timeline of getting your license, what is insurance like? do you have to get full coverage or? I've never been in an accident, and have been pulled over once for speeding but I didn't receive a ticket for that. Been driving for 7 years now, and I don't think there are any insurance companies that can cover you here and in the UK (sort of like transferring it there I mean?) I'll need to drive an automatic car for sure though, and don't know if that would make a difference, and any car sites taht people would recommend? I'd like to see the costs and that, or if I should just walk everywhere! or take the tube/train that I am so fond of Thanks everyone!!!!!!

Getting the drivers license is pretty simple, but will take some time -
1. Get a provisional license (no test needed, just send in the fee and your passport and they'll send your license)
2. Take the driving theory test
3. Take the practical driving test

You can find all the information you need on the DirectGov website: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/LearnerAndNewDrivers/index.htm

Getting insurance is sometimes a struggle since you will have no UK driving history.  Some insurance companies will accept your US history, but you just have to shop around for the best quote.  I would suggest contacting an insurance broker for this as the comparison websites will not give you reliable quotes for you situation.  You will not be able to transfer your current insurance.

An automatic car will be more expensive to purchase, but well worth it IMO.  I always drove a manual transmission in the US, but drive an automatic here and it was much much easier to learn, I think. 

Try Autotrader.co.uk to get an idea of costs of cars.

Awesome, just the kind of thing I was looking for. How easy is it to find an insurance broker? Thank you so much !

It's worth mentioning that driving is very much optional in many parts of the UK, especially around London. While it's convenient, traffic can be a nightmare, and it's usually just as quick to get public transportation. I drove for the first few months I lived here (some years ago), and after deciding it was unnecessary I haven't missed it at all in any of the places I've lived, from small(ish) towns up to central London.

In fact, getting out from under the expense and work of insuring, maintaining, licensing, parking, etc. associated with owning a car has been one of my favorite things about leaving the US, and I dread ever having to do it again in the future!

Of course things are different when you have kids, or aren't able to find a place to live that's well-serviced by buses, trains, or tubes. My dread is all the more real because I know that eventually I'll need to go back to it. In the meantime though, definitely consider your requirements.

You are right though, where we are HOPEFULLY going, there is two train stations near there, which go straight into London, it has a bus service, which I've also used, and taxis of course. Just looking into it for an idea if something happens thanks for the advice though dboone

Hiya

Do take a look around at the various threads about Americans coming here and then doing the driving thing. Each one of your questions has been covered extensively before!

Not being a deliberate downer, but with the current economic hole the UK is in, costs for car's and driving as well as public transport are only going one way - Up.

Insurance prices have significantly increased over the last 6 months or so, quite a few of the car related forums I'm on and plenty of people are getting shocks this year when their renewals are coming in. My own policy went up £250 with no change from the previous year for instance. It will depend on your postcode as to what level of ludicrous insurance quote you'll get, but factor this known increased cost that's happening all over and to everyone really.

related, the cost of our already very high priced fuel is also going up, again factor that into the kinds of car's you'll be wanting and realistically going to be able to afford to run.

Public transport isn't really immune either, fares will most likely rise - they also have to pay for higher fuel prices even though I think they get quite a discount compared to consumers at forecourt's pricing.

You'll need to factor in all of this for when you choose an area to settle in here, but it sounds like you've already chosen and know some of the links into London ? where is that by the way?!

Taxis - extremely expensive and a pure last resort measure for me. For the 8 or so miles from Heathrow to my house in Slough, I had to pay £45 for a black cab, I was so knackered after flying in, I gave in very reluctantly. I later found out a private mini cab place would've wanted £28 which is still to me, extremely expensive.

Insurance brokers are pretty much in every major town etc, a quick lookup on the internet as well as local newpapers and a stroll down the high street will usually find you a selection!

Hope this helps!

Cheers, DtM! West London & Slough UK!

Hi!

Well, his family lives in the Laindon/Basildon Essex area, so it's about a 40 minute commute into london by train, which I learned when I was studying in London and visited him on the weekends when I could But I do love the trains, however they are close enough to walk into the Town Centre, and also there are shops even closer to their area. He and I still have to sort out the living situation, because even though I love his family, and they're all very nice, I want us to be able to be on our own. However, I know his area, but I just want a nice area to live in. I know that nothing is exactly like "home" here in the u.s. but he and I really need to discuss that cause I'm not sure if anyone is in Essex here, or well around the area where he is from.

Thank you SO much for your advice though, I'm sure driving would be farther down the road for us though, and well I'll be honest, I did love riding the tube around London and the train into London, a lot better than silly drivers here in the u.s. I just wanted an idea, but I am well able to live without a car, and he doesn't have one now either so. Thanks again !

No worries on the heads up there, although please do make sure you're sitting down when you look at the prices of living in the 'nice' areas

I know all about US driving standards, and the various NYC, Ohio, Michigan, LA and Nevada police officers who've stopped me have had a nice chat with me after giving me tickets as they like to know how it's like in England etc! I always say you'd be shocked at how much better UK driving standards are on the whole - and that we think the UK is really bad! that always provokes more chat! They then sort of understand why I drive that bit quicker and a few times have written the speed I was doing down a bit so they could fine me less!

There's plenty of members here on this forum who are based in Essex, not too sure very many of them actively announce that though!

I'm sure some of the members here will also say the same for my Centre of the Universe town that is Slough!

Cheers, DtM! West London & the Centre of the Universe, Slough, UK!

I don't need anything fancy, I think the term I should say is 'safe' lol. I was always a bit nervous to go around London on my own, but Ill be honest I was perfectly fine and had no trouble, but there's no way I'd be able to live there lol.

Interesting story! I've riddin in the taxis and a couple friends cars, I dunno if I'd be able to go on the wrong side of the rode, I kept reachin for the brake and stuff !!!! lol

Awesome, just the kind of thing I was looking for. How easy is it to find an insurance broker? Thank you so much !

Easy peasy (I can recommend mine if you want) but you will need to know the make and model of the car you would like to buy before they can give you a quote.  Keep in mind that insurance costs are based on many things, but one of the things that can dramatically increase your premium is the size of the engine in the car.  As a new UK driver, it would be best to look at cars with small engines - like under 1.6 litres for lowest insurance premiums.

Thank you very much, if I find something I'll definitely let you know if I need it : ) And thanks for the tip ont he engine, i'll keep that in mind