Austinite in Kent

I know that I should learn manual some day just to have a full license, as some jobs (Which I am probably delusional to think I'll get one though) require it.

Sorry for butting in here, but I'm curious... In order to get a full license you have to be able to drive manual? So it's not at all like in the US with regards to licenses? If you can't get a full license, what is it you get (if you only drive an automatic)? And if you get that (whatever it is) can you then not drive manual as well?

I don't know how to drive a manual, I've tried to learn a few times and I just don't get it. My husband seems to think we won't have any issues (locating, or price wise) getting an automatic, but if the case is that you can't get a full license then I might as well learn it sooner or later. My husband drove a standard (manual) his whole life, so he could teach me, right? Or does it have to come from driving lessons? Truth is I really don't like driving, period, let alone having to do it on a manual and that topped with it being on the other side of the car and other side of the road... I am already stressing over it...

Again, sorry for the intrusion and welcome to the forum!
Oh, by the way, I grew up in New Mexico- but I left 21 years ago- so I've been missing good Mexican and Tex/Mex food since then- good news is those cravings for some seriously good food ease some. 

Sorry for butting in here, but I'm curious... In order to get a full license you have to be able to drive manual? So it's not at all like in the US with regards to licenses? If you can't get a full license, what is it you get (if you only drive an automatic)? And if you get that (whatever it is) can you then not drive manual as well?

It is a full license, but if you take your test (and pass) using an automatic car, then your license restricts you to that. You won't be licensed to drive a manual car. If you take your test using a manual car, you can drive either one. Does that make sense?

I'd never driven a manual before moving back here in 2003 and I just didn't want to bother learning something new, so I took my test in an automatic.

The only drawback I've found is that there aren't as many automatic cars available here, so it's not always easy to find one to buy. At the moment, for instance, I'd like a new car and am looking for something specific - I've been searching for a year and nothing in my price range and within a reasonable distance of me has come up. Aside from that, you'll have no problem being licensed to drive only an automatic.

 

Sorry for butting in here, but I'm curious... In order to get a full license you have to be able to drive manual? So it's not at all like in the US with regards to licenses? If you can't get a full license, what is it you get (if you only drive an automatic)? And if you get that (whatever it is) can you then not drive manual as well?

I don't know how to drive a manual, I've tried to learn a few times and I just don't get it. My husband seems to think we won't have any issues (locating, or price wise) getting an automatic, but if the case is that you can't get a full license then I might as well learn it sooner or later. My husband drove a standard (manual) his whole life, so he could teach me, right? Or does it have to come from driving lessons? Truth is I really don't like driving, period, let alone having to do it on a manual and that topped with it being on the other side of the car and other side of the road... I am already stressing over it...

Again, sorry for the intrusion and welcome to the forum!
Oh, by the way, I grew up in New Mexico- but I left 21 years ago- so I've been missing good Mexican and Tex/Mex food since then- good news is those cravings for some seriously good food ease some. 

You will still be able to get a license, there will just a be a provision that will say you are only able to drive automatics. If you have a full license you can drive both. If you want to learn, your husband will be able to teach you, he just has to be a licensed driver for  2 or 3 years I believe, and have to keep the super cool "L" plates on while you're driving. When it comes to taking the actual tests I want to say that you need a certified instructor with you whilst it is happening, but I could be wrong about that last bit.

If driving is a big chore, I wouldn't stress too much about learning manual then if you're not going to drive a lot. It will be good to get on the roads every now and then to stay fresh and get a feel the road. Being on the other side of the road really isn't that bad; I'd say the biggest challenge would be getting used to the width of the roads. You'll be fine though, I promise. I was mega stressed, but once I got out there it was all okay,

You don't need an instructor for the test. I took my driving test in my own car with L-plates and second rearview mirror for the tester.

Welcome to the forum!

I'm a fellow Austinite and ex-HEB-worker myself! Living in Wiltshire now - sorely missing Lockhart BBQ and TexMex, specifically Chuy's. Don't wanna hijack the thread, but I just thought I'd pop in and say hey, and that it's nice to see some other Texans floating around. (:

Welcome to the forum!

I'm a fellow Austinite and ex-HEB-worker myself! Living in Wiltshire now - sorely missing Lockhart BBQ and TexMex, specifically Chuy's. Don't wanna hijack the thread, but I just thought I'd pop in and say hey, and that it's nice to see some other Texans floating around. (:

Hey 'Partner'! Austinite AND HEBer? Small world after all! Whilst I really wasn't  wanting to get back in to grocery retail, (was an ASD when I left) even with an MSc now and mega broad mgmt experience, I've found jack for jobs and may have to return if someone will take me. May I ask what location you worked at?

A few people mentioned missing Chuys here, but I miss my Chekos/taquiera type  places more. That's probably because my formidable years were spent in San Antonio and had more mex than texmex.

Hey 'Partner'! Austinite AND HEBer? Small world after all! Whilst I really wasn't  wanting to get back in to grocery retail, (was an ASD when I left) even with an MSc now and mega broad mgmt experience, I've found jack for jobs and may have to return if someone will take me. May I ask what location you worked at?

A few people mentioned missing Chuys here, but I miss my Chekos/taquiera type  places more. That's probably because my formidable years were spent in San Antonio and had more mex than texmex.

Small world indeed! I worked at the location at Lakecreek and 183 in NW Austin as the bookkeeping/business center lead. It was closed a couple days after I moved over here in November and replaced by an HEB plus a couple miles north on the highway. I must admit, I really, really miss my job. I've been looking for something similar, but the transition's been a bit rough as customer service doesn't seem to be such a huge priority here (in my personal experience). Nevertheless, the job hunt continues!

I think I just miss food that's even remotely from the Southern US. There's a grand total of one "Mexican" restaurant in Salisbury (where I live), but there's a lot of interesting things on the menu like kangaroo fillet (umm?!). I think the most authentic restaurant I've found is in Clitheroe, of all places, which is a depressing 5 hours away. In the meantime, I've been trying to compensate by making lots of chili and gumbo at home. Decided last night that my next venture is going to be enchiladas. (:

Thanks for the replies about driving. Does anyone know how long you can drive on your American license before you have to obtain a UK one?

I'd love to just be able to just not drive altogether but unfortunately the work I am wanting to do will require me to drive a fair amount actually... so it's either do it or don't do what I really want to be doing.

Small world indeed! I worked at the location at Lakecreek and 183 in NW Austin as the bookkeeping/business center lead. It was closed a couple days after I moved over here in November and replaced by an HEB plus a couple miles north on the highway. I must admit, I really, really miss my job. I've been looking for something similar, but the transition's been a bit rough as customer service doesn't seem to be such a huge priority here (in my personal experience). Nevertheless, the job hunt continues!

I think I just miss food that's even remotely from the Southern US. There's a grand total of one "Mexican" restaurant in Salisbury (where I live), but there's a lot of interesting things on the menu like kangaroo fillet (umm?!). I think the most authentic restaurant I've found is in Clitheroe, of all places, which is a depressing 5 hours away. In the meantime, I've been trying to compensate by making lots of chili and gumbo at home. Decided last night that my next venture is going to be enchiladas. (:

I had a number of people who went through your store (I was a SORL, but dont worry, one of the good ones ) that I knew doing different levels of training. I was always boggled by the layout, but I do know that there was a good level of community among the partners. Its been hard finding companies that have the level of inclusiveness that HEB did. I told myself I didnt want to get back in to Retail Management as those 2 AM phone calls saying the refrigeration had gone down, or having to have someone scream at me because we dont refund schilterbahn tickets ( I know you know about that ) was wearing on me. But I may have no choice as even though I have a master's most companies want someone with exact experience. So off to grocery land I may go...

Thanks for the replies about driving. Does anyone know how long you can drive on your American license before you have to obtain a UK one?

I'd love to just be able to just not drive altogether but unfortunately the work I am wanting to do will require me to drive a fair amount actually... so it's either do it or don't do what I really want to be doing.

Sorry for the delay in response, Beccarose. You can drive on your own license for up to one year from arrival in the UK. Once you've been here for 6 months, you can start the application process for a UK license. If you want to start lessons earlier than that though to find out what is on the test (automatic or manual, which ever you decide), you don't have to wait for that 6 months to arrive. The roads arent as bad as they may seem, once you're out there you'll be just fine

Once you've been here for 6 months, you can start the application process for a UK license. If you want to start lessons earlier than that though to find out what is on the test (automatic or manual, which ever you decide), you don't have to wait for that 6 months to arrive.

Actually I don't believe it is the case that you have to wait 6 months. You should be able to apply for the provisional licence and take the tests at any time, as long as the UK is your main residence and you are on a visa that is valid for more than 6 months.

The new gov.uk website design is awful though, because they don't seem to have any of this information on there anymore.

Leaflet D100 however, which you can download (http://www.dft.gov.uk/dvla/~/media/pdf/leaflets/D100.ashx) or pick up at a post office says the following:

You can only get a GB driving licence if you are normally resident in Great Britain

To be normally resident you must usually live in the United Kingdom for 185 days in each calendar year.

Applicants who are not UK citizens or nationals of another EU or EEA country will not be considered normally resident if they:

• do not have leave to remain in the UK, or
• are in the country on a temporary basis without leave to remain either while awaiting a decision to stay in the UK or following a decision refusing such an application.

Now, notice that it does not say you must have lived in the UK for 185 days, it just says that you must be normally resident in the UK for 185 days in each calendar year, and it also infers that you will be considered normally resident if you have 'leave to remain' in the UK.

Now, a spousal visa, while technically it is 'leave to enter', it is exactly the same visa as 'leave to remain', and it is valid for more than 6 months - the only difference being that the spousal visa is issued outside the UK, while FLR(M) (leave to remain) is issued inside the UK (an extension to a spousal visa is also called leave to remain because it is issued in the UK).

Therefore, as long as the UK is now your main residence and you have a visa that allows you to live in the UK for 185 days or more each year, you should be able to apply for a driving licence at any time.

Hello T! I have recently just moved from America to East Sussex right near the border of Kent. The hubby and I are planning to move to Tunbridge Wells soon, and I am looking forward to being in a bigger city! I am originally from South Dakota, but went to University in Phoenix (where I met my Brit). I have a master's degree as well and have applied for so many jobs with no luck yet. Very frustrating. Where in Kent are you located? Good luck with the job search  Im not from Texas, but definitely miss Mexican Food!

You probably know this but Tunbridge Wells DOES have a Mexican restaurant, on the Pantilles. Ex-BF lives there and we went once or twice. It's not amazing but it kind of approximates Mexican food and is probably better than nothing.