UK Driving License Questions...feel silly

I was under the impression that a license granted on an automatic could only be used to drive automatics.  Is that true?  If not, then I'll be soooo happy because I really don't want to learn to drive a manual!

Totally correct, and I am with ya,,lol.

But while you can only drive alone in an automatic, your automatic only liscence also does work like a provisional, in that you can sit behind the wheel in a standard, if a fully liscenced driver is in the front seat with you,, for instance, if you want to take lessons on how to drive a standard,, etc.  This totally works for me, because if I do decide to try standard,, altho that is highly unlikely, I can still take lessons, but yet be fully mobile in automatic, and be able to rent a car when I am visiting the States,, which was another motivating factor for me to just get on with it. I will probably never drive a standard shift. I hate them with a passion.

I was told at the DVLA office in Wimbledon that I didn't need to get my picture signed as I've been here less than 2 years. He said it gets signed once you've actually lived in the country 2 years.(of course I find out after I already had our flatmate sign and have Swansea send it back).  I'm sure the instructions said to have it signed, but nevermind. You might call the office in Swansea to be sure.  I tried to get him to exchange my license, but no luck LOL!

I found out why they don't exchange US licenses. It is because each state issues their own and there is no nationwide standard.

Also, you'll get another paper bit with your full license as well. Be sure to keep that as you'll need to bring it along with the picture card if you ever need to produce it at a police station or court.

I was told at the DVLA office in Wimbledon that I didn't need to get my picture signed as I've been here less than 2 years. He said it gets signed once you've actually lived in the country 2 years.(of course I find out after I already had our flatmate sign and have Swansea send it back).  I'm sure the instructions said to have it signed, but nevermind. You might call the office in Swansea to be sure.  I tried to get him to exchange my license, but no luck LOL!

I found out why they don't exchange US licenses. It is because each state issues their own and there is no nationwide standard.

I didn't know a/one for two years when I applied for my provisional.  For an additional £4, my local DVLA assertained my identity in person via my passport.  Of course, it sucked b/c I had to take time off from work to queue up to see a clerk in person, but it was the only way to do it.

Also, you'll get another paper bit with your full license as well. Be sure to keep that as you'll need to bring it along with the picture card if you ever need to produce it at a police station or court.

I know. Doesnt that seem so dated? Seems in this day and age everything would be stored on a database. So bizarre.

I may have to make that call...I haven't known anyone for 2 years...and I don't live anywhere near a DVLA...I'd either have to go to Luton or Wimbledon to get it signed...and that would not be fun!

I found out why they don't exchange US licenses. It is because each state issues their own and there is no nationwide standard.

Oh, so that's why!  I wondered about that.  I assumed it's b/c the US test standards are not nearly as stringent as UK ones.  My 'test' back in TX was a major joke. 

Most of the tests back in the US are very easy to pass,, and when I tell family back in Texas that I am studying to pass the one here,  they think I am either really stupid, or a really bad driver, neither of which I am,,,lol. The examiners here are just really tough, so there is alot more to be prepared for in taking the test here.  From what I understood, it's only countries that are in the EU that they would exchange anyway.

Most of the tests back in the US are very easy to pass,, and when I tell family back in Texas that I am studying to pass the one here,  they think I am either really stupid, or a really bad driver, neither of which I am,,,lol. The examiners here are just really tough, so there is alot more to be prepared for in taking the test here.  From what I understood, it's only countries that are in the EU that they would exchange anyway.

So true!  My 'examiner' was a major perv.  The second I got in the car he was like, 'So just how old are ya, honey, sweet 16?'  He didn't have me do any manouvres, just had me drive around the neighbourhood by the test centre, not even on a busy street, and then said, 'Honey, I like the way your drive and you could give me a ride anyday.'  I didn't say a/thing b/c I was scared they'd take my license away if I complained.  So I just left afterwards.

oh now i'm mad, thoguht i could do the premium service through the post office, but now i looked and since i have a US passport with my maiden name on it, not my new married name, i have to send in my documents.

ARGH.  I hate it when i thought i would get something done today....and can't.  BAH.

When you guys sent your stuff, did you send it registered or anything?  i'm nervous about sending my birth certificate and marriage licence in the post.

oh now i'm mad, thoguht i could do the premium service through the post office, but now i looked and since i have a US passport with my maiden name on it, not my new married name, i have to send in my documents.

ARGH.  I hate it when i thought i would get something done today....and can't.  BAH.

When you guys sent your stuff, did you send it registered or anything?  i'm nervous about sending my birth certificate and marriage licence in the post.

I sent it from the DVLA office in person.  I gave the clerk at the counter a self-addressed Special Delivery envelope and it was posted back to me in that.

Same for me Amy,, my former name was still on my passport so I had to send it off.  I dont' believe it was sent registered mail,, but I did get my personal papers back within a week. Was no biggie

thanks tebs.

i should be ok sending just my birth certificate and marriage licence (and signed photo), right?  we'll be in the states next week.  (YAY)

Wait til you get back from the states to send that stuff off,, just to make sure there are no hangups   It was kinda kewl to get the provisional licence back tho  

that's true, i'd hate to have it delivered then hang out in my mailbox all week!