Avoiding L Plates

I've heard over and over that I need to take my driving test before I've been here for a full year in order to avoid having to get "L" Plates and the attendant restrictions.

I've now passed my theory and hazard perception tests, and my driving test is scheduled for the 11th of November.  I arrived in England the 15th of December.

Question: Is there anything special I have to do or tell them at the DVLA when I take my driving test in order to get the full UK license?  Or do I just show up, take the test, and continue driving as I have been the past 11 months?  Can anyone shed some light on this for me?

Thanks

Confused yankmanc in Radcliffe

I'd explain why you don't have L plates on your car, but other than that...can't think of anything.

If you want to take the test in your own car, during the test you need to have L plates and an extra rearview mirror.

I'm not talking about the day of the test, I'm talking about after the test. When a UK teen passes the test, they have to go through a period of driving with the L plates still on don't they?  That's the part I want to avoid.

No when they pass the practical test they don't have to drive with L plates. Some choose to use P plates which show they are a new driver, but that is a choice not a requirement.

I used my own car when I took my test....A friend of mine was an instructor and gave me her rear-view mirror to use and we bought L plates for the test.

During the test the L plates flew off and I never even noticed - the test guy said I didnt need them at all since I didn't need L plates at all so he didnt bother to make me get them.

So no once you pass, you are done! Good Luck!

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/DrivingInGbOnAForeignLicence/DG_4022561
Residents

If you are the holder of an ordinary driving licence or a valid international driving permit, you can drive any category of small vehicle shown on your licence. You will be able to drive for up to 12 months from the time you became a resident.

To ensure continuous driving entitlement a provisional GB licence must have been obtained and a driving test(s) passed before the 12-month period elapses.

If you obtain a provisional licence during this period, you are not subject to provisional licence conditions eg displaying 'L' plates or being supervised by a qualified driver or being precluded from motorways.

If you don’t pass a test within the 12-month concessionary period you cannot drive as a full licence holder, and provisional licence conditions will apply.

If you wish to continue driving you must apply for a British provisional licence with a view to passing a driving test. Provisional licence conditions will then apply.

If you don’t apply for a provisional licence within the first 12 months you must stop driving.