More license questions...

I know I've asked a ton of questions about driving in the UK, and for some reason the more I read about it, the more I get confused.

I'm going to Manchester in August for a year as an intern, with the option of staying on for an extra year if I decide I like it/want to stay. I would come home for 4-6 weeks between the two years. (And would have to apply for another visa.)

I can drive for a year with just my US license, no problem, right?

What about the second year? Since I'll leave and come back, is my USA license still ok? Or will I need to get my provisional?

I'm tempted to just try for my UK license anyway during the first year since I've been going back and forth so much anyways.

The second year you'd need to have a UK license...your one year would be up.

Thanks! That's what I thought, but I just wanted to make sure...I was hoping I could get out of taking the test. 

So I can drive in the UK on my US license for a year, then get my provisional (for a year???), then get my license?

Welcome Angie,
I have been having the same questions.
Here's some advise that may help with you getting your UK license.
1. Be sure to have your photo signed by someone that will lie for you and state they have known you for two years.
2. Practice the software "Written Exam" and if you can pass it with a 95 or higher, you will easily pass the written exam here.
and
3. During the driving test, expect to fail your first time.
Everyone does and it helps you know what to look for in the second test.

Let me know if I can help further, I just got my UK license and it took almost four months of time to do it.

Take care.

Welcome Angie,
1. Be sure to have your photo signed by someone that will lie for you and state they have known you for two years.

Thanks for the advice, but why would I need someone to lie about having known me for two years?  I have several friends in England, most who I've known for almost three years.

Angie,
On section seven, unless you have a United Kingdom Passport to use as Identification, you need to surrender your US Passport as ID -and- Have someone that has known you for at minimum of two years state it by signing your drivers license application and attached passport photo.
The drivers license applications are available at most post offices, not all carry them.
Oh yeah, the passport can be held for up to a month.
So don't plan on traveling during that time.

Hope this helps.

Oh yeah, forgot to mention I haven't known anyone in the UK for two years.
So I had the officer at my office sign my photo.
Sorry to confuse you.

There are several websites that have more information.

www.dvla.gov.uk

This one is very helpful.

Thanks! Do you know how long I can keep the provisional before I have to get my license?

Okay, so since I am coming over 10 JAN 2006, I can drive on my US license through 9 JAN 2007 at which time I can get a provisional license good through 8 JAN 2008 at which time I must get a permanent UK license? Is that right?

What is a provisional license? Is it a learner's permit? If so, do I have to have a licensed driver with me, like in the States?

And, why does someone have to sign that they've known me for two years and this is my photo? I mean, if the US State Dept. says it's me and the local government that employs me says it's me, then why does someone else have to say it's me and that they know this because they've known me for two years? I mean, do they think that because someone has known me for two years, they KNOW that I'm me? Makes absolutely no sense whatsoever! 

Okay, so since I am coming over 10 JAN 2006, I can drive on my US license through 9 JAN 2007 at which time I can get a provisional license good through 8 JAN 2008 at which time I must get a permanent UK license? Is that right?  Sorta.  You have to take the 'written' part of the exam first then take the driving part.  My suggestions is to try to pass the 'written' part of the exam as soon as possible (use study guides) and then start taking the driving part of the exam as soon as you can after that...it's tough to pass the first time & you don't want to have to take the written part of the exam again (you have one year to pass the driving part after taking the written part)!

What is a provisional license? Is it a learner's permit? If so, do I have to have a licensed driver with me, like in the States?Once again you are correct...it is like a learner's permit & you have to have a person who has been licensed for 3 yrs in the car with you.

paula & angie- 

this is what I would suggest so that you retain the abiltity to drive without restrictions at all times.

Month 1- Come to UK
Month 6- Start studying for written UK test
Month 6/7??- Apply for Provisional Licence, take written and hazard perception.  Start Driving Lessons
Month 11- Pass practical, on road UK test. 
Month 12- Your US licence expires, seemlessly replaced by your UK licence.

The problem is if your US licence runs out (over 12 months in the UK), but you don't have a FULL British licence by then.  If that's the case, and you only have a provisional licence, you will only be allowed to drive with someone who has had a UK licence for 3 years, not on motorways, etc. 

Kind of a hard thing to explain by words, not in person.  I think I've spelled it out pretty clear.

If that's the case, and you only have a provisional licence, you will only be allowed to drive with someone who has had a UK licence for 3 years, not on motorways, etc. 

The person supervising the provisional driver also needs to be over the age of 21. 

And the provisional driver needs to be insured to drive the car.

Thanks, everyone, guess I'll just have to gear up to being a teenaged driver again! (The kids'll get such a kick out of the whole "learner's permit" idea!)

And, why does someone have to sign that they've known me for two years and this is my photo? I mean, if the US State Dept. says it's me and the local government that employs me says it's me, then why does someone else have to say it's me and that they know this because they've known me for two years? I mean, do they think that because someone has known me for two years, they KNOW that I'm me? Makes absolutely no sense whatsoever! 

Welcome to the wacky, wonderful world of the DVLA.   

Where can I get one of those nifty red "L"s for the back fo my car here? Just want to get the hang of being labeled!