British Drivers License

Norwich wouldn't accept my 10 year clean DMV printout as proof. They would only accept the letter from Geico, who has a policy of only giving 5 years of reference. Hence my slightly higher cost. Still, it's worth the hassle to get these documents if you have a good record in the US since other companies may accept a DMV printout.

we've done some research in preparation and found that it's also incredibly expensive to insure someone who has a US license, as opposed to someone who has a UK license.

I didn't find that to be true. In fact, on the day I passed my test and knew I was going to receive my license, I called Norwich Union. They said I was always getting a no claims discount anyway, and my rates would stay the same even though I was now legally licensed.

I will say when I first came over here Norwich Union was the only insurer I could find to provide cover. I used confused.com yesterday and tomorrow I'm changing my policy and going with a cheaper company. So having a full British license does give you more bargaining power.

L

I will say when I first came over here Norwich Union was the only insurer I could find to provide cover. I used confused.com yesterday and tomorrow I'm changing my policy and going with a cheaper company. So having a full British license does give you more bargaining power.

I had no problem getting insurance without a UK license either. I can't remember who my first insurer was, but it wasn't Norwich Union. I used an insurance broker (always your best bet) and he found me the best deal of all the companies. He certainly knew more than I did! Since then, I switch companies just about every year in order to get the lowest rate available to me. But again, this is all done through the broker -- I don't do anything except send the cheque.

I had no problem getting insurance without a UK license either. I can't remember who my first insurer was, but it wasn't Norwich Union. I used an insurance broker (always your best bet) and he found me the best deal of all the companies. He certainly knew more than I did! Since then, I switch companies just about every year in order to get the lowest rate available to me. But again, this is all done through the broker -- I don't do anything except send the cheque.

My husband talked about using a broker, but I can't remember what happened with that. He said we didn't call one in the end, but we don't remember why.

Hubs uses More Than, and they wouldn't add me to his policy. Admiral wasn't interested. Calling Norwich Union got me coverage. Now there's another company that's supposely going to slice £20 off the monthly cost.

I gotta save up all the cash I can so I can get a Smart Electric Car when they become widely available. Aw yeah baby! 

I didn't find that to be true. In fact, on the day I passed my test and knew I was going to receive my license, I called Norwich Union. They said I was always getting a no claims discount anyway, and my rates would stay the same even though I was now legally licensed.

I will say when I first came over here Norwich Union was the only insurer I could find to provide cover. I used confused.com yesterday and tomorrow I'm changing my policy and going with a cheaper company. So having a full British license does give you more bargaining power.

L

This is great news! Hoping this works for me too!

Now to pass these tests. 

This is great news! Hoping this works for me too!

Now to pass these tests. 

Courtney,

I'm not going to lie to you. I was scared out of my mind at the thought of applying, much less taking the test. My husband, although he meant well, kept telling me bits of pieces of information regarding things I'd need to do to pass my test. He got his license in 1989.

My advice is:

1. Don't listen to advice from friends and family who haven't passed their test recently. They will probably tell you things you must do for the test which are purely fictional, and it'll just be more for you to worry about. (I.E. Pulling up the hand break at red lights.)

2. Drive around your local area. If there's road works and you have to use a detour, use it and get your bearings. It'll give you a bit of confidence when you're on familiar ground.

3. I used an independent instructor and felt I got better results. I found the independent ones to be more competitive for your business, and they had more to lose reputation-wise if they had many students to fail.

4. I purchased software from WH Smith for the Theory test, "Driving Test Success". It was almost exactly like the real test, and it helped me immensely.

The test is a national one, not a regional one. If you live in a small village, you're still going to be asked questions about various exotic pedestrian crossings in London, even if you're never going to drive in London. The test isn't particulary difficult, but the information contains obstacles you may not encounter when driving locally.

5a. If you ask the driving examiner's permission, you can have your instructor to join you while you're taking your driving test. If you fail, your instructor should be able to tell you why, and prepare you better for your next test.

5b. My mother-in-law told me she was told from a reliable source years ago driving examiners have quotas. You could do a great job, and if they have passed enough people to fill their quota, you could fail anyway. I have no idea if this is true, but that information was another reason why I asked my instructor to join me on my actual test. Figured I'd have less of a chance of being a quota victim if there was a third party with us.

I will promise you if you drive around, take your time and pass within a reasonable timeframe, you will feel so good. Passing that dang test is something to be proud of and is a major life accomplishment.

I passed after taking the test for the first time, and after taking 7 lessons. I stupidly waited 3 years because I kept listening to my husband telling me things I needed to do when driving, and that just made me apprehensive. Luckily he ended up being wrong, and the test didn't end up being as complicated as I thought.

L

My husband talked about using a broker, but I can't remember what happened with that. He said we didn't call one in the end, but we don't remember why.

I have to be partial to brokers because my bf is one.    He's not actually my broker, though, because I was insured before I met him and never bothered to switch.

For anyone who's new here and is daunted by all the insurance info, a broker is really the best way to go. You won't pay any extra (they get paid a commission by the insurance companies) and they'll do all the leg-work for you to get you the best deal possible. I don't know anyone here who hasn't used a broker.

L, thanks for the great post!

I was initially terrified to drive here, but bought a car in August due to the lack of viable bus options with my work schedule. I don't drive a lot, but enough that I am fairly comfortable now.

I have to pass the test by 10 April, and am doing the theory/hazard tomorrow morning. I have the same software you mentioned, and am using the practice test bank on the DSA website for the multiple choice part. I am sick to death of it all after doing this most of the weekend. 

If I pass tomorrow, I am going to find an instructor right away and try to take the practical test my the end of February. Thanks for the tip about taking the instructor with you. I like the idea a lot!

They will probably tell you things you must do for the test which are purely fictional, and it'll just be more for you to worry about. (I.E. Pulling up the hand break at red lights.)

You mean they've finally gotten rid of that ridiculous "requirement" for driving?   It's about time.

If I pass tomorrow, I am going to find an instructor right away and try to take the practical test my the end of February. Thanks for the tip about taking the instructor with you. I like the idea a lot!

I personally think being licensed and having that option is the best move. You never know when your bus is going to be cancelled, if you're driving with a friend and they fall ill and maybe you'll want to rent a car in mainland Europe one day. All will be easier if you have a British license.

There's one other thing I forgot to mention. When you're driving around your area, if you don't already, always go the speed limit when you're getting close to the time to take your driving test. Be annoying, and do 30 when it says to go 30. Go slow, as you're supposed to, when contained in a roundabout. That way you'll be used to jerks tailgating you, and it won't distract you during your actual test (if you think that'll be a problem).

When instructor shopping, vote with your money and your feet. If you find the instructor you have decided to use is condescending and better suited for beginner drivers, dump that instructor and take up another. When calling different instructors, you may want to ask them beforehand if they are accustomed to dealing with adults who have a lengthy driving history already.

Good luck on your test tomorrow, and please let us know how it goes.  

L

You mean they've finally gotten rid of that ridiculous "requirement" for driving?   It's about time.

I actually think it makes sense and it is something that I do. However if they don't require it for the test, don't bother with it! 

Some years back I had a discussion on this point in a driving forum (I forget whether it was with an instructor or an examiner -- one or the other).   The "correct" method which was still being promoted at the time (in a car with manual transmission) was that after coming to a stop one should apply the brake before shifting into neutral. 

That's fine if you have a hand-operated parking brake, but I asked exactly how somebody is supposed to do that if he's in a vehicle with a foot-applied parking brake.  The response was that if such a vehicle were to be used in the test, then the examiner should make suitable allowances for that fact. 

Next question then:  If it's O.K. not to follow the "official" procedure in such a vehicle, then why is it so important to follow it any other vehicle?   I never did get a logical answer to that one.

Courtney, Good Luck!! Hope it all goes well for you tomorrow!

Now, this thread has brought up a question to me.  I'm a dual national, with US license.  When we move over later in the year, my US license will still be ok for one year, won't it?  I was wondering if the dual-citizenship would foul that up since technically I'm a British citizen. 

I'm a dual national, with US license.  When we move over later in the year, my US license will still be ok for one year, won't it? 

As far as I'm aware, the requirements for licenses are based more upon official residence rather than nationality.  So no, I don't think that being a British citizen with a U.S. license would make any difference.

Oh, and good luck on the test Courtney! 

Thanks! 

I just practised with the hazard perception DVD one last time, and although I am passing their mock exams, I must admit I am frustrated by the subjectivity.

It's very difficult to know when to stop clicking as the hazard "develops". I also think the night clips are virtually worthless. Visibility is NEVER that bad and if it was, you would not be driving that quickly.

Whilst I think I understand the spirit of what they are trying to get you to learn, it feels like your points are sometimes for random clicking luck rather than your actual driving skill.

I had to run an errand last night, and after a weekend of this stuff, I found myself scanning the road ahead and mentally *clicking* on hazards.  I'll be so glad when this hurdle is cleared!