Enforcement of 12 month driving rule

6 pages??  woooo.  Because it is a pain to get a license in the UK i can understand where the OP is coming from.  If they had not made it such a pain more people would be willing to get licenses.  But after hearing everything I would just get it and be done with it.  If not don't drive.  Simple as that.

Yeah, I was just thinking the OP is going to come back and go 'what the hell?' 

...and if you can get it sooner rather than later than you won't feel like you only need it for 12 months.

It took me 4 months from provisional to exam... including lessons and waiting time for a test date.

...and if you can get it sooner rather than later than you won't feel like you only need it for 12 months.

It took me 4 months from provisional to exam... including lessons and waiting time for a test date.

Yup plus your insurance will go down once you get your UK license.  At that's what direct line says...

My advice:
Get the books with the CD (the video portion of the first test is the hardest). Read the book with all the possible test questions three times but only read the question and the RIGHT ANSWER - that way your brain will associate only the right answer with the question (almost glows when you take the test).

Get lessons - if you are an experienced driver in the US then four or five should do - but it is important to know which test centers are easier (in terms of what the surrounding area is like) and get the lessons in that area. Best instructors will take you on the routes you are likely to see. BTW I would go with an individual instructor and not the big business versions - the little guys can tailor something for you vs. being on 'a program.'

Painful yes but I think if you are found violating the law - well, more painful.

I personally think given the level of instruction in the states (nearly none at all) this experience will make you a safer driver and perhaps save your life someday so it is worth it.

I personally think given the level of instruction in the states (nearly none at all) this experience will make you a safer driver and perhaps save your life someday so it is worth it.

I really don't get the bashing of the driving system in the US people do on this forum... because some places are not a cake walk!

I do not believe my UK license has made me a 'safer driver' other than knowing the rules of the road. 

I really don't get the bashing of the driving system in the US people do on this forum... because some places are not a cake walk!

I do not believe my UK license has made me a 'safer driver' other than knowing the rules of the road. 

Yup I believe they made it hard just to generate more money and put less people on the road.  You would think gas prices would do the trick.

I really don't get the bashing of the driving system in the US people do on this forum... because some places are not a cake walk!

I do not believe my UK license has made me a 'safer driver' other than knowing the rules of the road. 

Not to mention, unwarranted. Besides a theory exam, I had to take a defensive-driving course before I was allowed to take my practical exam in NY. Not to mention that even training in test areas is against the rules and will get an instructor's license AND the student's permit pulled.

Some urban areas in the U.S. (NY, LA, Chicago come to mind) are notoriously difficult to drive in. Before bashing the system, maybe some actual proof that it produces less-safe drivers is in order?

I really don't get the bashing of the driving system in the US people do on this forum... because some places are not a cake walk!

And i really dont get the bashing of the UK system... it's not *that* hard, although it can be expensive if you have to take a lot of lessons.    It can't be that hard... I passed! 

Yeah, I was just thinking the OP is going to come back and go 'what the hell?' 

Yikes!  I go away for a day asking an innocent question and come back only to witness 7 pages of replies!  Many thanks to everyone who offered your opinions and facts.  You've given me a lot to think about...

Just to set the record straight:  I am personally not a scofflaw and not looking to break any UK laws.  I asked about the waiver possibilities because I thought that seemed reasonable given my rather short stay (2 years).  I will be living in London and will not NEED a license to drive for my work...public transport will be fine.  I expect to be very busy between my job and "seeing England", however, which is my rationale for planning to own and operate a car....I just don't want to spend all my free time testing for a license that will only be good for a year! 

One fact I forgot to mention before is that I DO have an expired Netherlands (Holland) license.  It was valid from 1998-2001, but I still have it in my possession.  Any chance I might leverage that with the UK authorities to obtain a current UK license?

To those of you who took, or are taking, a calculated risk continuing to drive on your US license...good luck...and stay safe...

One fact I forgot to mention before is that I DO have an expired Netherlands (Holland) license.  It was valid from 1998-2001, but I still have it in my possession.  Any chance I might leverage that with the UK authorities to obtain a current UK license?

Any thoughts?

If it's expired, it won't help you obtain a UK licence.

Seriously, if there's a strong sentiment in UKY about the transferability of US driving permits for periods of longer than 1 year (and the sentiment comes from people who are generally honest and law-abiding), then we can take it up when the Advocacy Team meets with American Consular Services later this month.

I don't know what they would say, or what is possible to be done about it.  Or even if they would be interested in such a topic.  But I have no qualms about making representations or high-level enquiries.

Well I think it is ridiculous that I could drive over here for a year, and then after that it was illegal. I'm also annoyed that Canadians get a break and don't buy the whole Commonwealth argument. If a deal can be brokered between the Canadian provinces and the US, I don't understand why one can't happen here. Other European countries have arrangements, it is about time there was one here.

Funnily enough, most Brits I tell about the law find it very silly.

I bought a bike in protest and now cycle to the station and the shops, bringing my own brand of havoc to the roads of Hampshire on my antique of a bike. Though it was so cold last night I was tempted by the thought of going to Latvia and buying a licence 

I bought a bike in protest

I don't see how that's a protest.

But it is an excellent idea! Good for you! 

I don't see how that's a protest.

But it is an excellent idea! Good for you! 

Just a joke...