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Topic: Driving on UK Provisional License in the USA?  (Read 9695 times)

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Driving on UK Provisional License in the USA?
« on: January 27, 2010, 12:56:06 PM »
My husband and I are US citizens living in the UK, and his US driver's license expired in December.  He currently has his UK provisional license, but the waiting list to take his practical driving test is booked until April! We are going back to the USA for a visit in March, and are wondering if anyone knows if the same rules apply in the USA as they do in the UK regarding driving on a UK provisional (i.e, accompanied by a licensed driver over 21 in the car). We can't renew the USA license as we no longer are USA residents. Thanks for any advice! 
Moved from Washington DC to the Orkney Islands November 2007
Received ILR October 2012
Received UK Citizenship April 2014


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Re: Driving on UK Provisional License in the USA?
« Reply #1 on: January 27, 2010, 01:01:21 PM »
My husband and I are US citizens living in the UK, and his US driver's license expired in December.  He currently has his UK provisional license, but the waiting list to take his practical driving test is booked until April! We are going back to the USA for a visit in March, and are wondering if anyone knows if the same rules apply in the USA as they do in the UK regarding driving on a UK provisional (i.e, accompanied by a licensed driver over 21 in the car). We can't renew the USA license as we no longer are USA residents. Thanks for any advice! 

I would think the same rules apply. If his USA License is expired and he only has a provisional I don't think he would be allowed to drive at all. He certainly won't be allowed to rent a car anywhere..

I don't live in the USA anymore but the last mine expired I used my mom's address and renewed my OK license.

Maybe try getting a international driving license??




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Re: Driving on UK Provisional License in the USA?
« Reply #2 on: January 27, 2010, 01:07:09 PM »
I don't think it would be legal for him to drive in the US on a UK provisional licence (just as you wouldn't be able to drive in the UK on a US learner's permit).

From this website, http://www.aboutdrivingabroad.co.uk/your-driving-licence-valid-abroad.html:

International Driving Permits
If you are planning to travel around countries that are outside of the EEU, you should check with motoring organisations there whether you need an international driving permit. You can get these relatively easily from the AA, RAC, Green Flag and RSAC. The International Driving Permit (IDP) is simply a formal document that is issued to those travelling to another country and it translates your licence into different languages. This can be useful as it means that should you encounter a problem with the law when driving abroad, the relevant authorities can understand what your licence entitlements are, as well as identifying you easily.

In order to be eligible to obtain an international driving permit. You must be over 18 years of age and hold a full UK licence. You’re not allowed to drive abroad on a provisional licence.


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Re: Driving on UK Provisional License in the USA?
« Reply #3 on: January 27, 2010, 01:14:16 PM »
Thanks MeShell and ksand24, that pretty much answers it! Poor husband will have to rely on my driving while we are in the USA, haha he's gonna love that  ;)
Moved from Washington DC to the Orkney Islands November 2007
Received ILR October 2012
Received UK Citizenship April 2014


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