US Driving License to a UK Driving Licence

I plan on buying a car when I move to the UK with my fiancee.  And, I have a ton of questions about insurance, etc... but I'll keep this topic focused on getting a UK DL. 

The manual from the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) says a foreign license is valid for 12 months. 

Do I really have to take the entire written test and driving test again?  I haven't taken that in over 25 years.  I drive every day to work in the US but have no clue if I'll manage as well driving on the opposite side of the road.  What happens if you don't pass?  You are not allowed to drive anymore?

I was reading that the UK will allow some foreign countries to exchange their driving license for a UK driving licence without taking a test.  But, they don't say which countries.  Anyone know if the US is on that list?

Thanks.

Do I really have to take the entire written test and driving test again? 

Yes.

What happens if you don't pass?  You are not allowed to drive anymore?

That's right.

Anyone know if the US is on that list?

It's not.

Have a look around the forum. There's a lot of information here about getting your UK driving license.

What happens if you don't pass?  You are not allowed to drive anymore?

That's right.

Well, not exactly. Your US license is valid for a year after the date of entry. If you attempt the UK road test at say, month 6, and fail, you can still drive on your US license. You just won't be able to continue to do so after that 12 month mark (unless you retake the road test and pass). Failing the UK road test doesn't negate the validity of your US license immediately.

there's another wrinkle or two. Insurance companies here in the UK will charge more if you are driving on a US license, so you are much better off getting the UK license ASAP.

Also, be aware that your former state of residence may require you to inform them of any change of address within 30 days. Some states, like Virginia, automatically CANCEL your license if you move outside the US, so you could be left with no license. Virginia very quickly sent me a letter canceling my license this past summer, but there was NO mention of this on the DMV website. Luckily I still held a valid UK license, and just had to update the address and submit the forms and picture to update it.

I first took the UK test in 1993, at age 46. I had been driving for 30 years. That was of course back in the days when the 'theory test' was a few verbal questions by the examiner after the 'road test'. Plus, the vision test was a simple 'read the letters/numbers on the number plate of the xxx car that is parked over there'.

You biggest issue regarding driving on the 'other side' may be driving a car with manual transmission if you have always been used to an automatic. Aside from that, get in, and make your sure your 'driving mantra' is "KEEP LEFT". Post it notes on the dashboard aren't a bad thing either. 

I took 3 or 4 driving lessons. The objective was not to teach me to drive, but to teach me how to pass the test. And I did, first time, no problem. It was a good investment because the instructor had me driving along the typical routes that would be used, and made me aware of the situations that would require a response.

Well, not exactly. Your US license is valid for a year after the date of entry. If you attempt the UK road test at say, month 6, and fail, you can still drive on your US license. You just won't be able to continue to do so after that 12 month mark (unless you retake the road test and pass). Failing the UK road test doesn't negate the validity of your US license immediately.

I should have elaborated. Of course this is right, aimless.