advice please on filling out my application

ok so i have an application for a driving licenses. should i tick a first provisional licenses, or to exchange my non uk licenses? im wanting a provisional licenses. what if i dont submit my american licenses btw is current and valid for a few more years? which should i do? also i have to send my passport or not? thanks, amy

wanted to ask to, can i go to the dvla office and not turn in my passport? just we are leaving soon and i need my passport! or can the post office check my passport?

Unfortunately American citizens aren't allowed to exchange their licence for a UK one even though people from other countries can. You have to get a provisional licence anyway, so I'd assume that you will need to tick 'first provisional licence'. I don't think you are required to submit your US licence because you have to take all the UK tests from scratch, so it won't matter to them whether or not you already hold a foreign licence.

I believe you do need to send your passport in - but I'm sure someone else can clarify that for sure.

thanks for ur reply ... i read that i do have to submit my american licenses and they will return them to the issuing athourity..... so i have to take the theroy or written part of my test? right? today i have been a resident for a year! so i dont want to drive again:) atleast not on my american licenses..

Unfortunately American citizens aren't allowed to exchange their licence for a UK one even though people from other countries can. You have to get a provisional licence anyway, so I'd assume that you will need to tick 'first provisional licence'. I don't think you are required to submit your US licence because you have to take all the UK tests from scratch, so it won't matter to them whether or not you already hold a foreign licence.

That's correct.

I believe you do need to send your passport in - but I'm sure someone else can clarify that for sure.

Also correct. They will send it off for you at the DVLA office. My Hubby was fortunate to get both his passport and also his provisional licence just over a week later but your mileage may vary. Might be best to wait until you get back from your trip before applying for your licence.

...can the post office check my passport?

The post office can't offer this service for you, unfortunately.

The post office can't offer this service for you, unfortunately.

dvla?

dvla?

You will likely have to visit your nearest DVLA office in order for them to verify the photos that you have to provide for the application. They can then take your application and documentation and send it all off to the main office in Swansea.

thanks for ur reply ... i read that i do have to submit my american licenses and they will return them to the issuing athourity..... so i have to take the theroy or written part of my test? right? today i have been a resident for a year! so i dont want to drive again:) atleast not on my american licenses..

Yes, you will have to take all UK tests - theory (technically written, but taken on a computer), hazard perception (also on a computer) and practical test.

Also, now that you have been here a year, you are no longer allowed to drive on your US licence, so once your provisional licence has arrived, it will be illegal for you to drive on your own - you must have a UK licenced driver in the car with you at all times (who is over 21 and has held a UK licence for at least 3 years) until you have passed your UK practical test.

thanks to both of you very much!!!!

Yeah, sorry, they take your passport (a source of agony at the time for me, you can find my post on here) The DVLA checks the passport and then takes it anyways to send off.  Hopefully yours will not take very long. 

Yes, you will have to take all UK tests - theory (technically written, but taken on a computer), hazard perception (also on a computer) and practical test.

Also, now that you have been here a year, you are no longer allowed to drive on your US licence, so once your provisional licence has arrived, it will be illegal for you to drive on your own - you must have a UK licenced driver in the car with you at all times (who is over 21 and has held a UK licence for at least 3 years) until you have passed your UK practical test.

Just wanted to add, that you are subject to having "L" plates on your car now too.

i think i will wait till we are back in the UK in august. i dont think i will get my passport back in time and dont need the added stress of worrying about that issue!  thanks guys so much!

this is all good stuff and helpful - as i am now past my 12 months and need to get my uk license.  can someone confirm about the us license?  i can't turn mine in, as i still have a car and insurance in the US - and need to maintain it for my trips home.  will i have to turn in my us license, or will no one in the states ever know i've got a uk license as well?

thanks

Where did you get the information that you'll need to turn in your US licence?

hi yael, for me, the lady in the post office, but she did admit that she didnt know much about it... as if im not confused enough

Where did you get the information that you'll need to turn in your US licence?