drivers license one year requirement

Although I know it's been discussed on this forum previously, I'm wondering if anyone can tell me how the one year "clock" for obtaining a UK drivers license with a US license is determined and which authority is responsible for interpreting and enforcing this?   
In more detail, my situation is as follows:
1) I have a visa and work permit starting at the beginning of 2009.
2) I've only been in the UK for about 5 months of the intervening period and was a legal resident of France from May 2009 to May 2010 (which I can document with a French residency permit and passport stamps).   

Based on what others have written and the information posted here
newcomer link: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/DrivingInGbOnAForeignLicence/DG_4022561 [nonactive]
I'm guessing that I may fall into a gray area.  I'm thus wondering what others experiences have been like in applying for a license (e.g. who checks your documents and at what stage in the process does this occur).

If I fall outside the one year window, can someone provide advice on what steps I should be taking now to ensure that I get a license as quickly as possible? 


 

2) I've only been in the UK for about 5 months of the intervening period and was a legal resident of France from May 2009 to May 2010 (which I can document with a French residency permit and passport stamps).   

...

I'm guessing that I may fall into a gray area.  I'm thus wondering what others experiences have been like in applying for a license (e.g. who checks your documents and at what stage in the process does this occur).

If I fall outside the one year window, can someone provide advice on what steps I should be taking now to ensure that I get a license as quickly as possible? 

It's worth pointing out (if you weren't already aware) that if you have a french licence it's valid in the UK for beyond 12 months and it's actually exchangable for a UK one without doing a test.

David.

I can't answer if it's a grey period or not, but getting your license has nothing to do with the one year period where you can drive.  When you get a license it is really just the same as anyone applying for a first time license.  Your previous driving counts for nothing.  You are a new driver in their eyes and will need the provisional license to get things going (kind of like a learners permit in the states).

The one year thing comes down to driving or not driving after one year of entering the country.  If you were to get a ticket or be in an accident, you are driving without a license and will likely face a ban and large fine.  I personally wouldn't risk it as it would be up to who knows who to decide if they thought you were in some kind of grey area.  I suspect they'd chose the letter of the law and you could be in trouble.  I know people drive after that year sometimes, but it's a huge risk and illegal most of the time.  You'd be safest to just say you aren't driving and apply for your provisional so you can drive with others--that only takes a couple weeks and you know you are safe that way.