Enforcement of 12 month driving rule

Yes, it does mean you have demonstrated that and you can be insured legally and drive legally.  But as we agree, that doesn't mean you're a safe driver.

I would rather get into a crash with an unsafe insured driver than a safe uninsured one.

Especially as some have given out enough personal information to allow anyone to direct the police to their door, should they want to.  (And no, I won't be doing it because it would pretty much be obvious that it was me.  )

I'm so curious what you would tell the police?  To check my Budget rental records? 

There is also this thing about most of us being here on visa's.  If you were in an accident and didn't have a valid UK license you could be deported....

Geeta, it's just not so simple as paying out of pocket should something happen.  What if you hit a child while driving?  They find out you don't have a UK license, it won't just be about money.  Jail time could be involved, you going to pay your way out of jail too?

No, of course, not - I would suffer just like any other unlicensed driver would.

There is also this thing about most of us being here on visa's.  If you were in an accident and didn't have a valid UK license you could be deported....

Totally true.

I think you'd be amazed to find out how many UK Yankee members are still driving after 12 months.  Probably the only reason they've admitted it to me is because I've been open and honest about it myself.  It's not nearly as uncommon as you think!

I don't doubt that it's common.  Doesn't mean it's right.  Spousal abuse is common, but I don't see anyone standing up waving a flag announcing that they beat their spouse because they disagree with domestic violence laws.

I don't doubt that it's common.  Doesn't mean it's right.  Spousal abuse is common, but I don't see anyone standing up waving a flag announcing that they beat their spouse because they disagree with domestic violence laws.

You completely missed my point.

You completely missed my point.

You don't have a point.  You are breaking the law, as are any UKY members who have lived here for more than 12 months and continue to drive without a UK license.  I don't care who they are or why they're doing it.

You don't have a point.  You are breaking the law, as are any UKY members who have lived here for more than 12 months and continue to drive without a UK license.  I don't care who they are or why they're doing it.

I don't think anyone disagrees that it's breaking the law.  And there was a point - it was that there are plenty of people who do the same thing, including some long time members who have also admitted it on here in the past just like Kare and me.  No, it doesn't make it right, but it happens.  That's all.

I don't think anyone disagrees that it's breaking the law.  And there was a point - it was that there are plenty of people who do the same thing, including some long time members who have also admitted it on here in the past just like Kare and me.  No, it doesn't make it right, but it happens.  That's all.

So does drug-running, theft, people-trafficing, rape, and assault.

I'm not going to argue it anymore.  It's breaking the law.  I don't care if a million people do it every second.  There's no excuse or justification for it.  Period.

So does drug-running, theft, people-trafficing, rape, and assault.

Yes, agreed - they do. 

Garry,

What would the repercussions be for someone getting caught driving after 12 months on their US license and their application for FLR or ILR?  Just curious.

See, I had a problem like this in the U.S.  I was only going to Missouri for one year as an AmeriCorps member, but PA law says you have to change your residence within 30 days of moving.  I still considered my parents' home my permamnent home, so I didn't change my address.

I assume this would also apply to students going away to college.  I wonder how many would actually change their address?

In a way I can see the point about not getting a UK license, if you aren't planning on being permanently settled and you only rent a car once in a while it seems as if there should be a separate category.  

But there isn't so people should really get their UK license.  

Garry,

What would the repercussions be for someone getting caught driving after 12 months on their US license and their application for FLR or ILR?  Just curious.

It would block ILR or citizenship until the offense was spent.  If they determine that the offense involved deception, then it has to be reported for life and that pretty much means the person is never going to regularize.

If the offense involved loss of property or injury and the insurance didn't cover it due to fraud, the person will probably do time and then get removed.  Even if it's a suspended sentence.

If they decide to just give a caution and the person is on ILR, it's ok.  If the person is on FLR, then they will need to go Article 8 in order to renew.

I'm not trying to get into another discussion as to the morality of driving without a valid license, but I do have a question regarding the specifics of UK law. 

The law states that those in the UK as a resident for more than 12 months are required to apply for a British license.  What constitutes being a resident?  Is it having a FLR or ILR or having permanently settled?  Any legal interpretations out there?