Question about UK license laws for USA drivers

My situation is a little different than some, and I was hoping that I could get an answer for a question that I have about UK driving license.

I have looked at the DVLA website, and they have two different categories of rules for the period of time you have to get your UK license, one rule for visiting and one for residents.  It states that you have one year from the time you enter the country to get a UK driving license if you are visiting the UK, and one year from the time that you are become resident in the UK to get a UK driving license.  Does that mean that if one becomes a resident during that first year, that you have a year from the time you became a resident to get the UK license?

Don

Does that mean that if one becomes a resident during that first year, that you have a year from the time you became a resident to get the UK license?

I'm pretty sure they mean that you "become a resident" as soon as you arrive in the UK. What they're saying is that there's no difference between being a visitor or a resident -- either way you can only use your US license for 12 months.

Anyone? Is that right?

If you're here as a visitor, you can't "become" a resident without leaving the country.  When you come back in with the appropriate settlement-related visa, your year would begin.

On the website, the resident bit is identified as having achieved resident status in the UK.  I am just hoping...

I achieved residency while I was here actually, my wife is a European citizen and we applied after several months here....

How did you enter the country? (VWP, fiance, spouse, etc.?)

I was under the impression that the residency rule meant that you have a year from the time you move here and have a UK address.Wether its on a work permit, student visa,spousal visa etc..
Anyone know any differantly???

I entered the country on a work visa, with a work permit.  After we arrived, my wife and I decided that we enjoyed being here and that we may well stay on.  So, as she is a French citizen, she looked into the immigration options and found that I could apply for residency since I am married to a EU citizen.  Complicated, I know.....  I am just getting so scared of the driving test that it will make me feel better if I have a bit more time, lol.

I was under the impression that the residency rule meant that you have a year from the time you move here and have a UK address.Wether its on a work permit, student visa,spousal visa etc..
Anyone know any differantly???

If you look at the DVLA site, it clearly differentiates between the rules for visitors and residents.  That is why I am asking....  My instructor also thought that I would have a year from the time I became resident....

If you entered on a work permit (which means you didn't enter as a visitor), you have one year from the day you entered.  You have been resident in the UK by virtue of living here on your work permit.

I am here for 2 years total (work permit).  So far I have been here for 6 months, Is it worth it to get the UK license? 

How does the DVLA know how long you have been a visitor or resident?  Do you just tell them, or is there something more official?  Also, what if you were here for over a year, but did not start driving (on your American license) until more recently-- would that make any difference as to how long you could drive on your American license?

How does the DVLA know how long you have been a visitor or resident?  Do you just tell them, or is there something more official?  Also, what if you were here for over a year, but did not start driving (on your American license) until more recently-- would that make any difference as to how long you could drive on your American license?

It doesn't make a difference if you haven't been driving. It's still 1 year from the time you become a resident.

Also, I don't think you even tell the DVLA when you've moved here and started your year. I would imagine it would only become an issue if you received a citation or were involved in an accident. In those cases I am sure they would look into whether or not you are driving on a valid license and still in that 1 year time frame. If you're not, then you're going to be treated as an unlicensed driver and that won't be fun.

I am here for 2 years total (work permit).  So far I have been here for 6 months, Is it worth it to get the UK license? 

Louis, it's worth it if you want to drive for your second year! If you don't get your license and continue to drive after the first year then you will be driving illegally. If that's not a risk you want to take (imagine what could happen if you were involved in an accident and are determined to be unlicensed and therefore uninsured) then you will probably want to take the test and get your UK license.

How does the DVLA know how long you have been a visitor or resident?

They know when you entered by looking at the entry stamp in your passport.
 

Also, what if you were here for over a year, but did not start driving (on your American license) until more recently-- would that make any difference as to how long you could drive on your American license?

If you've been resident more than a year, you cannot legally drive on your US license.