driving in uk as usc

Hello, hope you are all well 

I am currently living in the visa forum and have a driving related question!

My husband is American and drives an automatic car... When we comes to the uk  ( currently about to start spouse visa) can he only drive an automatic car or can he drive a stick as well???

Also am I right in thinking he doesn't need to apply for a uk driving liscence until he has been here for a year or should he just do it straight away?

Last question does he then have to do a theory and practical test or would he just have to do the theory ?

Hope that makes sense

Many thanks

He can drive any kind of car under his US license for a year.  But do NOT underestimate how long it can take to get a full UK license.  Yes, he has to take both the theory and practical exams.  I signed up for all first available dates and it took nearly six months (and I passed first try).

If he tests in an automatic, he'll have an automatic only license.  If he tests in a manual, he can drive either.

He can drive either while on his American license. Bearing in mind that he need to follow all UK driving laws and be able to drive a manual car safely.

I would start the process right away of getting his UK license because if he hasn't done it within a year (ie, finished and passed everything) he won't be able to drive.

He will effectively start from scratch with a UK license. I would HIGHLY recommend lessons as they pretty much are trying to teach you to pass the test (oh and drive, I guess). So he has to pass the theory and practical tests within a year. He can choose to just do an automatic license (I did), but will only then be allowed to drive automatic cars.

I did know a guy where it took DVLA like 4 months to finally send him his provisional license, so this can take time too!

perfect thank you both so much 

Here's a question for the experts:

If you can drive on your US license for a year, you could conceivably drive yourself to the DMV to take the practical test.   Even if you fail, you could jump in your car by yourself and drive yourself home! 

Am I missing something?

Here's a question for the experts:

If you can drive on your US license for a year, you could conceivably drive yourself to the DMV to take the practical test.   Even if you fail, you could jump in your car by yourself and drive yourself home! 

Am I missing something?

You are correct.  As long as you haven't reached your one year anniversary, you can drive yourself home from your failed test.    

I'm gutted that I missed the chance to do that!  It would be worth it to wait in the parking lot until the examiner came outside again and then drive by laughing.

By the way KFDancer, I hope your husband is looking forward to the drive to the hospital when you go in labour.  It's a ticket to speed and if you get caught , you get a police escort! 

I'm gutted that I missed the chance to do that!  It would be worth it to wait in the parking lot until the examiner came outside again and then drive by laughing.

I tested back when I had my 350z.  I chose to take the test in my instructor's car though I was worried about showing up in a flashy car though.  A friend took his in his M3.  He said the examiner came outside, saw the car, and said, "Oooo, great day for a drive."  So I need not have worried!

By the way KFDancer, I hope your husband is looking forward to the drive to the hospital when you go in labour.  It's a ticket to speed and if you get caught , you get a police escort!

Eh, it's our second, so we've been there, done that already.  I do remember that being a HORRIBLE ride in the car though.

I've gotten an international driving permit (to cover all bases, just in case, plus to give myself one more piece of photo ID) that will be valid for one year. I'm also going to apply for provisional license the second I get my BRP and/or other proof of residence. My wife says it can take MONTHS to schedule the theory and practical tests, so I've already been studying for the theory and hazard perceptions tests for the past 2-3 months. It's a lot to learn!

Hope it goes well for you!

It is a lot to learn.  My first experiences driving were on British roads with right hand drive, so hopefully I remember something when I get behind the wheel.

Best of Luck!

He can drive any kind of car under his US license for a year.  But do NOT underestimate how long it can take to get a full UK license.  Yes, he has to take both the theory and practical exams.  I signed up for all first available dates and it took nearly six months (and I passed first try).

If he tests in an automatic, he'll have an automatic only license.  If he tests in a manual, he can drive either.

This is spot-on! And also, don't underestimate how difficult the theory test can be. I had to take it three times because I thought I could get away with light studying! It helped studying while doing driving theory lessons as manual transmission-related questions made more sense then. Definitely just don't underestimate it! It's better to be over prepared!

I find the thinking + braking time questions ridiculous, annoying, and totally unhelpful. As if I really can judge X number of meters from my car! The 2-second rule actually works and makes sense.

But at least it's not about the bronze and silver ages, like the life in the UK test.

I find the thinking + braking time questions ridiculous, annoying, and totally unhelpful. As if I really can judge X number of meters from my car! The 2-second rule actually works and makes sense.

But at least it's not about the bronze and silver ages, like the life in the UK test.

Read some sample "life in the U.K." Test questions...and unless they are from older editions of the rest (which is doubtful) I could comfortably say I'd rather take the driving test 10 times over before attempting Life in the UK at this point...haha


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