Driving instruction book for UK?

I was just wondering if there is any kind of drivinging handbook for people getting their licenses in the UK? I'm going to pretty much be driving as soon as I land in Manchester, and I'm really nervous about it. My sister is about to go for her permit here in the US, and she got a book to study from the DMV with all the rules in it. Does the UK have anything like that?

Yes, it's called the Highway Code.

http://www.highwaycode.gov.uk/

I believe I bought a copy at my local Smith's.

Make sure you get a new one, rather than a second-hand copy, as the questions change every year. In addition to the book, there are CD-ROMs that have trial tests you can take on your computer. You may also need a CD of the Hazard Test, which is something else you'll have to take to get your license in the UK. Good luck!

I took the test last April and a few months before I bought the book.  It is called the AA Driving Test Practical and has a copy of the Highway Code.  Has sample vehicle safety check questions.

If you feel it might be of use to you, PM me and I will arrange to send it to you.

i would highly recommend using a CD with questions to prepare for the written driving test.  but for just arriving, who has the right of way?  can i turn on red etc.... highway code is the way to go.  I also found the highway code book of signs (not sure what it's exactly called) very useful for decifering all the different signs out there.... (yes there is a logic to the mayhem)

Theory Test:


Hazard Test:

Thanks so much for the help.

This forum rocks!!!!! 

besides getting the theory  and hazard test CDs, I'd strongly recommend a few lessons with a good instructor (someone that's been doing it for years). Testing is done by a private firm, not the government and the practical (driving part) is designed to fail people. There are "maneuvers" to deal with that would make a driving test person in the states flee the car if you did them there (backing around a corner for instance). They require near perfection and you'll be surprised at what will cause a fail. Taking the test and how even a good driver drives are not at all the same thing. Besides  that you'll need to learn to deal with round abouts (my person bane).

Testing is done by a private firm, not the government

Testing is done under the auspices of the Driving Standards Agency, a government department.

besides getting the theory  and hazard test CDs, I'd strongly recommend a few lessons with a good instructor (someone that's been doing it for years).

Excellent advice. I wouldn't want to have to take the practical test without having at least a couple of lessons. You can study for the theory portion in advance, though, and possibly even book it online before you come over. There's often a long wait for an appointment, so it wouldn't hurt to check into booking in advance -- if you can do that without a UK address, which I'm not sure about. Once you've passed the theory test, then you book your practical test.

I was planning on taking lessons once I get over there. But I'm going to be an intern (aka poor) so alot of the cost of lessons, etc. depends on what they want to pay for. But as they are very short on drivers at the moment, I think they'll pay for it. (they will be providing the car, insurance, etc) I'm not in any huge rush to get it...just sometime in the year that I'm there.

I'm really close to the people i use to live with (might be living with again!  ), so I'm sure I can use their address if I decide to pre-book anything.

Your ideas are good ones, but the DVLA's rules will crush them all.

You must have a provisional license before you can take any of the tests, and to get that you must mail in your passport showing that you are resident in the UK.

http://www.dvla.gov.uk/drivers/drivers.htm

However, you may find someone who will sell you lessons before you get your provisional license.  I did.

Jim

That makes sense. I think I remember reading that somewhere else. One of my friends in the Uk is getting his license and taking lessons, so maybe I'll be able to take from the same people. But I'm really in no rush to get it. I'll have a year. I just want to know the rules before I drive on my US licence.

You must have a provisional license before you can take any of the tests, and to get that you must mail in your passport showing that you are resident in the UK.

I'd forgotten about the provisional license! Sorry 'bout that! 

You must have a provisional license before you can take any of the tests,

I wonder whether that's actual law, or just another of DVLA's attempts to make you believe that to be so?  

That extract of the act relating to driver licenses that I posted before Christmas might be worth checking out again.