Process for getting UK license (within first year still) Help

I can't believe how complicated this seems. Tell me if I'm missing anything?

I am an american on a spousal visa. I moved here in January, so I have until next January to sort this out. I have always driven automatics. I hate manual with a passion, and I really hate Welsh roads (I learned to drive in San Diego, and have spent the last 6 years in Kansas. Not difficult.).

1. Apply for provisional license.

This I can do online? Except that it requires a photo, so I have to post that anyways. Do I have to send in my passport at this point? It says I can apply online if I "have a valid UK passport or another form of identity". My passport works? Is it just easier to do the "by post" option.

2. Theory Test(s?)

This will take some time to schedule, but I can also schedule my appointment online once I have my provisional license. Is there anything I need to know about this part?

3. Actual Test (probably fail the first time, take again)

This will take even longer to schedule. I don't know if I can schedule it online at all.


I've got plans for some lessons, because I know I will need them. I am currently driving my husband's nan's automatic. I had some practice on my husband's manual car, and it ended in tears every single time. I'm much more comfortable on the roads now that I've been in an automatic for a few months. I passed the practice test for the theory, so hopefully with a bit of studying I will be totally confident in that.

So, the question is...any advice? I need to apply for my provisional in the next couple of days I guess. So, what's the best way?

It's been some time since I applied, but I hope I can offer some help...

I don't remember sending in my passport, but I did apply online for my provisional license. I could be wrong, so someone correct me if I am, but I think I printed out a form after submitting my application online, then sent in my photo with that form to the DVLA. I'd assume the passport is submitted with the photo, but I'm sure it's explained to you when you apply online.

As for not liking manual cars, just get an automatic license. I hate manuals with a passion (there were tears from me, too, when I practised!), and decided I'd rather get the license and get comfortable on UK roads before dealing with learning to drive a manual. Unless you'll be driving a manual car, there's no problem having a restriction on your license that says you can only drive automatics. It's still considered a full license. I was worried, because many jobs I was applying to required a "full license", but I was told that the restriction for autos was fine. You can always go back and get a license for manual cars later. I never got my manual license, and actually, I probably never will at this point. My husband realised that automatics are easier and really likes them now.

As for the theory test... I believe I called to book, but I'm not sure, and I was able to book it two weeks before the test. You can now book online (http://goo.gl/A6Ucv). It's easy as long as you study. Take a lot of practice tests online for the hazard perception part of the test, because it can be tricky if you don't know exactly what to do. I got a 100% without a problem just by reading the book and spending 90% of my time learning the practice questions from the sample tests book. If you're good at memorisation, you'll have no problem studying that way. It depends on your learning style. It's much more difficult than US driving tests, so be prepared to put a lot of work into studying. Many people don't pass it the first time, but as long as you study, it should be fine. My brother in law studied a bit and didn't take hazard perception practice tests beforehand, and failed that part. Just be prepared.

As for the practical (actual) test, you book that online after you pass your theory test (you need the theory test pass certificate number to book), and it takes a long time to get a spot usually. I think I booked around 2 months in advance, but that was just so I could get lessons beforehand. I probably could have booked about a month in advance. You can pass the practical test without any issue if you get a driving instructor. I wouldn't only practice with your spouse or a friend, because an instructor will be able to give you details instructions on what the DVLA is looking for. They'll also take you through practice tests on the roads your actual test will take place on, so you'll be more than prepared on the day of the test. It can be pricey (around £20-25/hr), but it's necessary, in my opinion. You can get automatic cars, too. If you're an experienced driver in the US, it won't be a problem passing the automatic test. You'll just need to learn the rules of UK roads, get comfortable driving here and learn how the DVLA wants you to perform manoeuvres (3 point turn, etc). Having an automatic to practice on outside your lessons will definitely help. Get a reputable driving instructor that has been referred to by friends, because, obviously, some will try to get you to take as many lessons as possible, even if you don't need them. My husband's instructor did that, but my instructor didn't.

As long as you're prepared, you'll do fine. Good luck to you!

Apply for provisional license.

This I can do online? Except that it requires a photo, so I have to post that anyways. Do I have to send in my passport at this point? It says I can apply online if I "have a valid UK passport or another form of identity". My passport works? Is it just easier to do the "by post" option.

Unfortunately, I believe you can only apply online if you have a UK digital passport (because they can check the details in their system without needing to see the actual passport), so if you only have a US passport, you will need to apply by post and mail your passport to the DVLA.

2. Theory Test(s?)

This will take some time to schedule, but I can also schedule my appointment online once I have my provisional license. Is there anything I need to know about this part?

Well, you can take the theory test whenever you're ready for it as long as you already have your provisional licence. The test has changed since I took it in 2000, so I can't offer updated advice, but you will need to study the theory test book, highway code and it's a good idea to try practice tests as well.

3. Actual Test (probably fail the first time, take again)

This will take even longer to schedule. I don't know if I can schedule it online at all.

It will depend on your local test centre as to whether you can book it online or not. You can't schedule it until after you have passed the theory test though.

When I learned to drive 2000/2001, you could only book by phone, and there was a 2-month waiting list for appointments.

I started taking lessons in June 2000, passed my theory test in December 2000, then I called in Feb 2001 to book my practical test and the earliest date I could get was April 2001. I failed in April, booked another test for June. Failed in June, booked another test for August and finally passed in August 2001 (I was only 17 and a nervous driver, which was why it took me so long to book the tests after I started learning to drive).

I'm much more comfortable on the roads now that I've been in an automatic for a few months. I passed the practice test for the theory, so hopefully with a bit of studying I will be totally confident in that.

You're probably aware, but just to remind you that if you do take the test in an automatic, you will not be licenced to drive a manual car at all. If you're really not comfortable in a manual car, then fair enough, but if you can take the test in a manual it may well give you more options for driving in the future (because you will then be licenced to drive both manual and automatic cars).

So, the question is...any advice? I need to apply for my provisional in the next couple of days I guess. So, what's the best way?

As above, if you don't hold a UK passport I believe the only way is to apply by post.

Hi Saralward! I just passed my practical today! So this is all fresh on my mind!

First, according to the DVLA site..."A provisional driving licence is issued in order to enable a driver to take a driving test. To apply for a provisional driving licence, you must therefore be 'normally resident' in the UK for more than 185 days." Once that time has passed, you can apply but if you only have an American Passport, you will have to send it in. I just went to the post office and did certified mail (or whatever it's called here). Got it back within 3 weeks. Once you have that, then you can take your theory test. I got the official book from Waterstones and it was the almost the same questions on the test, but be careful on the hazard perception portion.

In terms of the practical, I have driven a manual in the States for 10 years and still took 10 hours of driving instruction before my test. I think if you are assured you are never going to drive a manual, then just take an automatic test. If you want a full license, my suggestion would be to take LOADS of lessons before even thinking about taking your test. From what I have heard, the UK Driving Test is one of the hardest in the world. MUCH MUCH harder than a US test. (And after this morning, I can vouch for that).

Once you are ready to take the practical, then you can book online through the DVLA site. It's real simple and straight forward. But I agree with Serena83, you will need a driving instructor...they know all the little things the examiner will look for, like looking in your mirrors 10,000 more times than necessary. :-) But also, an instructor will let you know when you are ready to take the test. He will asses your driving as an examiner would. And in terms of booking the test, I booked mine a week in advance, but other areas will be different, according to my instructor. If you get a local instructor, they will have an idea of the waiting times and this will help you in booking.

Hope this helps and if you have any more questions, just ask!!! Good luck!

I just passed my Brit practical a few months ago. What a hassle! Like you, I had to learn to drive a manual.

most of the scheduling can be done online. For the theory, buy a book (or app) and study. Do this now, since one of the more stupid things the tories are talking about is banning public broadcast of the theory test questions (yeah!). But most importantly, I'd recommend getting a dvd of practice hazard test videos. This I found very awkward since you have to practice when to click and not overclick (which I did on the double video). Any if you fail on the hazard test, it invalidates the whole test.

I've spoken to a lot of locals and passing the driving test is one of the shared traumatic events even for British people. Only 40% pass on the first time (or every time thereafter). It took my three times and I should've passed on the second and failed on the third.

I really do think that you'll need to take lessons with a driving instructor, even if you go the automatic route, since the rules of the road are difficult to learn, since often not commonsensical. So it's not like the US where a family member could teach you, I think you really do need to throw some money at the problem.

I have the license and still don't feel entirely confident; plus I learned on a diesel, which is really easy to get into gear, and now on our regular I stall out all the time. aargh.

for what it's worth, in the future, when we drive electrics, these are all going to be automatics from what I understand.

just really have patience; getting the license is hard going for everyone here. That said, getting on on the continent is even harder and requires 2-3 thousand dollars of lessons and different kinds of practicals.

Thanks everyone. I really appreciate the advice, it's so nerve racking trying to navigate the system!

I've sent out for my provisional, and I've got a groupon for my first round of lessons. Perfect timing from groupon! But I'm pretty confident I'll need additional lessons as I've decided to go with manual. My husband's car is manual, and while I've got his Nan's car for now I don't think it's a permanent solution.

I just received my book in the mail, so studying is about to start.

My big worry is time. Once my year is up, am I subject to provisional license laws? I don't want to rush into an expensive test that I'm likely to fail anyways, but I also don't want to get stuck having to have my husband in the car with me (he's a terrible passenger).

Anyways, I'm on my way. Thanks for all the help and advice.

My big worry is time. Once my year is up, am I subject to provisional license laws?

Yes, you are. If you haven't passed all the UK tests by the time the 12 months is up, you will no longer be allowed to drive on your US licence and will be treated like a UK learner driver (with only a provisional licence as evidence of being allowed to drive).

So, that means always being accompanied by someone who is at least 21 and has held a UK licence for 3 years or more, putting 'L' plates on the car and no driving on motorways.