driving in the UK

I've been here for almost 12 months and realize that I should probably get a UK license (US passport/license to date).  However, I don't have a car.  I do want to continue to be able to drive rented cars though but the DVLA website seems to say (ever so confusingly) that hired cars might not be qualified for the practical test b/c of insurance issues.  I don't have any friends with cars, either.  So what now - no driving license??

So what now - no driving license??

I would get some lessons.  My partner did everything in the instructors car.  He hasn't ever owned a car, and of course hasn't driven a day since passing his exams 5 years ago, but he does have is license.  I have to do all the driving when we do a car hire.

So I just applied online for a provisional driving license, and apparently I need to send in a photograph and my passport.  This is going to be tricky - even my husband hasn't known me for 2 years! - so I'll need to send my photo back to America to get certified, but it said once I send everything in it will take 15 days to get my license (and, I assume, my passport) back.  Have you all found that this is the case?  It seems to be unusually quick, so I'm suspicious!

So I just applied online for a provisional driving license, and apparently I need to send in a photograph and my passport.  This is going to be tricky - even my husband hasn't known me for 2 years! - so I'll need to send my photo back to America to get certified, but it said once I send everything in it will take 15 days to get my license (and, I assume, my passport) back.  Have you all found that this is the case?  It seems to be unusually quick, so I'm suspicious!

You don't need to send your photo back to the US to get it certified. Just go to your nearest DVLA office (http://www.dvla.gov.uk/local/lo_map.htm) and a clerk there will certify it for you. Right now they are experiencing delays in verifying identity documents so chances are they might not make the 15 day turnaround. If you have any medical conditions, they definitely won't meet the 15 day turnaround (I'm living proof of that). Also, I ran into problems having them accept my online application at the DVLA in Birmingham so I would suggest you fill out a regular application form and bring it with you. You can get a form from any Post Office.

Tanis-
Thanks for the help.  I read a blurb on the webpage about being able to do that, but they said it didn't apply to online applications.  Does that mean I need to pay again?

You won't have to pay again. They made me fill out a regular application form because they didn't know how to deal with a non-UK citizen who applied online. They were under the mistaken impression that only UK citizens could apply online when there's nothing that states that anywhere. You might be lucky and not run into any issues at your local DVLA office but it's better to be prepared.

I would get some lessons.  My partner did everything in the instructors car.  He hasn't ever owned a car, and of course hasn't driven a day since passing his exams 5 years ago, but he does have is license.  I have to do all the driving when we do a car hire.

Thanks!  I'll check into using the instructor's car or maybe a driving school car (a friend's idea).