Enforcement of 12 month driving rule

I tried searching, but could not find any details on how the 12-month rule is enforced.  Is it possible to request a waiver?  If so, how would one go about this?

I only expect to be in the UK for two years on a work visa.  I understand that I may drive using my US license for up to 12 months.  Is it really necessary and worth the hassle of getting my UK driver's license if I only expect to be there for a total of 24 months?

All advice appreciated...Thx!

I tried searching, but could not find any details on how the 12-month rule is enforced.  Is it possible to request a waiver?  If so, how would one go about this?

I only expect to be in the UK for two years on a work visa.  I understand that I may drive using my US license for up to 12 months.  Is it really necessary and worth the hassle of getting my UK driver's license if I only expect to be there for a total of 24 months?

All advice appreciated...Thx!

I don't think anyone is going to check.  Others have gone years without switching licenses. it is not possible to request waivers.  You would just have to switch insurance because they will only allow you to use your non uk license for a year at an inflated rate.  Although why even drive if you are going to be there for only a few years?  Save your money.

Although why even drive if you are going to be there for only a few years?  Save your money.

'cause I am a car enthusiast and I like to drive.  Also, I have found lots of nice places "off the beaten track" in past visits to the UK when driving a rental car.  I plan to travel the countryside and want to see more than just what is within walking distance of the train stations...

No one's going to check, but if you get into a crash and have to claim on your insurance, you might find the insurance company will refuse to pay your claim, as your licence isn't valid.

Genau is spot on!

i second Genau's post. 

my parents drove over here for 4 years- never getting a licence.  but they never got in a crash.  if they had, it would have/could have been a different matter.

i know changing licences is a pain.  a royal pain.  but you've got to do it if you want to drive.  are you living in an area where you need to drive?

'cause I am a car enthusiast and I like to drive.  Also, I have found lots of nice places "off the beaten track" in past visits to the UK when driving a rental car.  I plan to travel the countryside and want to see more than just what is within walking distance of the train stations...

Would you drive without a valid licence at home? If not, why would you consider doing it here? You might not get into an accident but what if you get pulled over at some kind of checkpoint and can't produce a valid licence? Also, I don't think you'd be able to buy or rent a car here without a valid license.

No one's going to check, but if you get into a crash and have to claim on your insurance, you might find the insurance company will refuse to pay your claim, as your licence isn't valid.

Exactly. Also, is it even possible to get insurance here if you've been driving on a US license for over a year? I suppose you could keep switching insurance companies and hope that nobody catches on ... but, even if that were to work, it seems like far more trouble than just getting your UK license and doing it legally.

actually- i know several people who are driving on US licences- none of them have had any problems getting insurance.  the insurance companies don't seem to be too clued up on these kinds of things.  i reckon only if you put in a large claim, and they exaimed it closesly, would they see that you were in fact driving on an invalid licence, cause to refuse your claim. 

I am sure they will GIVE you the insurance because they want your premiums! Whether the insurance actually covers someone not on the correct license is another matter.

Budget~ There are loads of people here that have had to go through the hassle and cost of getting a UK license. Whilst I can sympathise a BIT that you are only supposed to be here 2 years, the UK has laws that need to be followed.

You can't bend/break them just because it's inconvenient for you. What happens if your stay turns into 3 years? Four? Stuff happens. Driving here is no picnic at times, and frankly, I'd never risk being without insurance and a valid license. 

Would you drive without a valid licence at home? If not, why would you consider doing it here? You might not get into an accident but what if you get pulled over at some kind of checkpoint and can't produce a valid licence? Also, I don't think you'd be able to buy or rent a car here without a valid license.

I recently purchased a car in the UK and am in my 12 month period.  I had to show my US license and my UK entry visa showing that I entered the country less than 12 months ago.  I will be taking my test, but, I must have a UK license for my job. If I don't have it before my 12 months are up, it can affect my job (as I need to drive for it).  My employer will not cover me for more than 12 months for insurance purposes if I only have my American license.

actually- i know several people who are driving on US licences- none of them have had any problems getting insurance.  the insurance companies don't seem to be too clued up on these kinds of things.  i reckon only if you put in a large claim, and they exaimed it closesly, would they see that you were in fact driving on an invalid licence, cause to refuse your claim. 

That's interesting! When I first moved here, I was able to get insurance easily with my US license, but when it came time to renew I had to show proof of a UK license. I guess all insurance brokers deal with things differently.

Would you drive without a valid licence at home? If not, why would you consider doing it here?

I think that's the most valid point and speaks to someone's character...

I recently purchased a car in the UK and am in my 12 month period.  I had to show my US license and my UK entry visa showing that I entered the country less than 12 months ago.  I will be taking my test, but, I must have a UK license for my job. If I don't have it before my 12 months are up, it can affect my job (as I need to drive for it).  My employer will not cover me for more than 12 months for insurance purposes if I only have my American license.

i'm glad they're enforcing it better nowadays.