Applying for a driving licence

Hello Everyone -  I need to apply for a UK driving licence and am confused by what I need to send to the DVLA.  I have the D100 form and have looked on the DVLA website for instruction, but am still in the dark.  Do I need to send in my US licence?  Do I need to send a passport?  I have only been here 6 months and therefore don't have anyone to guarentee my photo.  Do I need a current photo?  After I receive a provisional licence then do I take the test?  Thanks for your help!  Kate

Yeah -- you need to send your passport.  They'll send it back -- but believe me -- it's nervewracking!
The pictures (passport size) need to be signed and the form needs to be signed.  That's fun! (not!)
Once you have your provisional -- you don't NEED to take your test right away.   You have plenty of time to get used to the roads here and the HIGHWAY CODE -- (seems like there should be booming drums and imposing music playing when I write that!)

Stick around here  -- UKY and you'll find all the answers!!  Best of Luck!   

                         Welcome!

If you haven't known anyone long enough to have your photo signed, you can take it to the DVLA and they'll sign it for you.  Then they'll just gather up all your stuff (passport, application, photos) and send it away for you.

Nothing to add,, but Welcome to UKY

Does anyone drive with their US license here ? I am familier with the One-Year driving priveledge in the UK but i hear a lot of Yanks continue to drive with their US licenses AFTER the one year, using their un-expired US licenses and just simply play it dumb if and when they are pulled over . Do you guys think this will this really work ? I guess it depends on the person pulling you over eh ?


Cheers
Zu

I would also be interested in knowing what you should do if you don't plan on driving. Do you still have only a year?

... but i hear a lot of Yanks continue to drive with their US licenses AFTER the one year, using their un-expired US licenses and just simply play it dumb if and when they are pulled over . Do you guys think this will this really work ?

If you have an accident, you'll almost certainly find that you're uninsured if you are driving on a USA license after the "grace period".

I would also be interested in knowing what you should do if you don't plan on driving. Do you still have only a year?

It's a year from when you move here - you don't have the option of deferring it to start at a later date, I'm afraid.

Does anyone drive with their US license here ? I am familier with the One-Year driving priveledge in the UK but i hear a lot of Yanks continue to drive with their US licenses AFTER the one year, using their un-expired US licenses and just simply play it dumb if and when they are pulled over . Do you guys think this will this really work ? I guess it depends on the person pulling you over eh ?
Cheers
Zu

This was attempted by someone at my school and they received a VERY hefty fine...more than £1000...much more from what I understand.  It is not worth it in my mind.

my understanding is that if you continue to drive with your US licence, past the 1 year grace period, your US licence becomes 'invalid' in the eyes of the UK authorities.  if, god forbid, you got into a serious motoring accident, your insurance could/would claim that you are driving on an invalid licence and hence not entitled to their cover.  so... get the US licence.  i fought the whole idea for awhile, i thought it was stupid and arrogant and obnoxious of the brits.  but, i'm a better driver for it and i felt so chuffed when i passed.  it's like being 17 again. sort of.