Learning To Drive On a US License(was: PLEASE HELP..)

Thank you everyone that really helped.  We are going to register tomorrow.  On a side note, what are the conditions for driving in the UK if your fiance still has a valid American driving license until late 2009? When will he have to take the UK driving test please?

PS Sorry if I've misposted this in the wrong thread but as it's related to my fiance and everyone knows our situation on this thread I thought it was more appropriate to post here.

Uber loadsa love and thanks as always,

Sasha & Brandon x

He can drive on his american license for 1 year from his arrival.

He can drive on his american license for 1 year from his arrival.

Brilliant and then after that year I'm guessing he can just apply to take the theory and practical test same as any uk citizen? Are there any restrictions with lessons?

Brilliant and then after that year I'm guessing he can just apply to take the theory and practical test same as any uk citizen? Are there any restrictions with lessons?

He will need his provisional licence before he can take his theory and practical exams.

He doesn't need to wait until the year is up to do this.

Yes, he'll have to take the theory and practical tests as though he's never had a driver's license.

I'm doing the driving test stuff right now, and there are no restrictions on lessons other than he has to have a provisional license in order to start taking lessons, but I'm pretty sure that applies to everyone in the UK and not just Americans.

If he wants my advice, I'd say get the license done while he can still drive legally on his US license rather than waiting so as to avoid any period of time when he's not legal to drive (i.e. the year of driving on the US license is over but he still doesn't have a UK license).

x-posted with Yael.

Carl

I don't think he needs his provisional to take lessons.  Can anyone else confirm either way?

He can drive on his american license for lessons, I did until I could part with my passport to get the provisional

I don't think he needs his provisional to take lessons.  Can anyone else confirm either way?

When I originally called BSM to ask about lessons, they said to call back and schedule one after I'd gotten my provisional UK license.  I assumed that was a legal requirement, or they'd have gone ahead and scheduled a lesson and taken my money.   

According to this site, the provisional license is required.

Carl

I started taking lessons about two weeks before a trip back to the US for which I needed my passport, so couldn't send off for my provisional yet.  BSM took me on board and let me start with the provision that I sent off for my provisional as soon as I returned - because my US license was still valid and within the initial 12-month period.  I can't guarantee that my experience wasn't an aberration, though!

My instructor did ask to see my american license, but that was that. She actually dropped me off once on my third or fourth lesson at the DVLA so that I could hand over all the stuff. 

I would think it would only depend on the instructor's car insurance (ensuring they cover drivers with overseas licences).

Yes, he'll have to take the theory and practical tests as though he's never had a driver's license.

Don't forget that there is now the separate hazard perception test too.

I don't think he needs his provisional to take lessons.  Can anyone else confirm either way?

No, there is no specific legal requirement to have a provisional license to take lessons, so long as you are still within the 12-month grace period of your U.S. license.   You must obtain it before taking the hazard/theory/practical tests though, in order to get your name onto the DVLA system. 

The driving-school sites which are stating a provisional license is required for lessons are just assuming that they're dealing with a new U.K. driver who has never held any license before, in which case the law does demand that you obtain a provisional before venturing onto a public highway.

Brilliant and then after that year I'm guessing he can just apply to take the theory and practical test same as any uk citizen?

Not after that year, but during that year. After 12 months, unless he has a UK license, no more driving! (Except with a UK provisional license, and then only with lots of restrictions.)

and then only with lots of restrictions

Basically, after 12 months you are then treated exactly the same as a U.K. learner.  So the restrictions on the provisional license are "L" plates front & rear of the car, must be accompanied by a licensed driver of 3 years or more who is over 21, not allowed on motorways, etc.

So do I need to have access to a vehicle before starting lessons or can I be taught in a company car?

Can a person without a license buy a car?

If I hold a US license but am a UK national, do I still have to surrender the US passport?