How to go about learning to drive in the Uk?

Hello again!

Well, about five hours ago I received my Leave to Remain ( FLR(M) ) documents and I'm over the moon!

But I'm having a problem...I don't know how to drive.

Well, I know how to drive an automatic, but I've never gotten my drivers licence (long story).

Over here, Manuals are the main thing, yet I've never learned how to use one, and I'm not sure about how to go getting the equivalent of a Learners Permit over here.

I flipped through topics but I can't seem to find what I'm looking for, and in all honesty, every website I've been to was confusing :/

Thank you for helping this silly nilly out <3

-Auro/Jean

What you want is a provisional licence, it's not called a learners permit here. Look for info on it on the DVLA website.

You can apply for your provisional licence without taking any prior tests, here's the link: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/NeedANewOrUpdatedLicence/DG_10012514

It's mostly just giving them some money as well as sending in a few official documents, they generally return them quite quickly.

After that, you can either take lessons with an instructor or do it yourself, although I would highly recommend lessons, as it's amazing how many differences there are! After you've received your provisional and have studied the DSA materials (hazard perception, etc.) you take a theory test (on a computer) after which, if you've passed, you can take your practical.

I'm halfway there now, have just passed my theory test but since I've been back in the States driving an automatic for six weeks, am afraid to get back into our manual car!

It doesn't matter if you have your US license or not really, as you'll have to start from scratch as a new driver in the licensing process anyway. The only difference is that you don't have the 12 months beforehand of being allowed to drive on your US license.

And if you're really uncomfortable about driving a manual, you don't have to. The one drawback is that if you're looking for a secondhand car, automatics aren't as easy to find. But you can take your license in an automatic with no problems at all. It just means that you're only licensed to drive an automatic, not a manual.